By Josh Heslop
Travel agents are experiencing a spike in bookings to Europe as the Kiwi dollar gains value against the Euro.
It has suddenly become cheaper to book that dream holiday to Paris or Rome or Athens or all of them - and Kiwis are not letting the opportunity slip by.
Europe is traditionally a costly trip for New Zealanders as our currency has battled against the much stronger pound and euro.
But gloom in Europe has weakened those currencies – the Kiwi dollar has gained 13 percent in a matter of weeks and is now worth more than 62 euro cents.
So Kiwis are cashing in.
Travel agents expect the number of New Zealanders heading to Europe to increase by 10 percent this year.
It is not just the weak euro that is contributing, airlines have dropped their prices as new competitors enter the market. And there will be further reductions when early bird sales start in coming months.
Travel agent Mike Friend says you can get to Paris and Amsterdam in economy at the moment for under $2100 including all taxes and business class for under $4200 including all taxes.
“They are fares that have been unheard of in New Zealand for a long time and people are making the most of them,” he says.
That means more frequent trips to Europe are on the cards.
“If you get an airfare for $2100 dollars, why wouldn't you?” asks Mr Friend. “Because traditionally it's been over $3000 in high season to travel to Europe. So you're almost getting two for the price of one.”
We are also spending more time on the continent as our money goes further.
Brent Thomas says instead of just going for a cruise people are now going for a cruise and a coach ride.
“Instead of going for 17 days they go for 21 days. The dollar is just going so much further.”
Routes are changing as well, many travellers are touching down in Europe to avoid high taxes at United Kingdom airports.
“They're flying into London but then flying out of either Paris of Amsterdam,” says Mr Friend. “That saved on a business class ticket of $400-$500.”
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