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New York (above) and Singapore (right) are popular stopovers
and Auckland.With oneworld partners (Apia), Tonga (Nuku’Alofa), the Cook Islands The Far East is now looking more attrac-
British Airrways and Iberia providing (Rarotonga), Fiji (Nadi) and Tahiti (Papeete) tive for flying further south, with Air New
connections from the UK – directly or from LA. Zealand operating daily to Auckland via
via Madrid – these cities are now viable Gold Medal’s three-night “Essential” Hong Kong as well as Los Angeles. Cathay
stopover destinations. packages start at £249 in LA and £219 in San Pacific and Air Pacific have opened a new
Katrin Rummer, Travel 2 Latin America Francisco, including transfers, hotel and day joint route from Hong Kong to Fiji.
product manager, says: “Buenos Aires is one tours. It also offers New York from £349. Singapore and Bangkok are still the top
of the most exciting and vibrant Latin “Why not suggest doing pre-holiday choices, being on the Qantas/BA direct routes
American capitals and offers an incredible shopping in New York or Los Angeles?” says to Australia and also offering connections to
variety of experiences, being home to the destination manager Nicola Squire. “A few most Australian and New Zealand cities.
magnificent tango. busy shopping days, grabbing some bargains But there are many alternatives, with
“Santiago, in contrast to the rural life and and stocking up on a new holiday wardrobe, Asian carriers offering strong onward
wine valleys that surround it, offers fine can be the perfect way to start a relaxing networks from hubs in Singapore (Singapore
colonial architecture and a relaxed European holiday in the South Pacific.” Airlines), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), Kuala
atmosphere.” Kuoni Australasia product manager Jayne Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines) and Bangkok
Jetset product manager Jonathan Ditte White adds: “San Francisco and Los Angeles (Thai Airways).
adds: “Especially for people visiting family are extremely popular. We also have many Less obvious alternatives include Tokyo
and friends, real experiences can be found clients stopping over in Canada and Hawaii, (Japan Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air and
en route to your destination and make it feel and many other US cities. The Bahamas, Asiana), Beijing (Air China), Shanghai
like two holidays in one. Bermuda and Cuba are options too.” (China Eastern) and Bandar Seri Begawan
“We have a three-night Buenos Aires stop- Air Canada flies from Vancouver to (Royal Brunei).
over package from £151, and tango shows Sydney, which is the only route via Canada. All these carriers offer connecting UK
with dinner can be arranged from just £60.” flights, while the BA-Qantas alliance is also
Los Angeles and San Francisco will always FAR EAST. involved via many of these hubs – plus
remain the most popular stopovers when Flying eastbound remains the most popular others such as Shanghai. Although Australia
travelling westbound. Air New Zealand, option, with shorter flying times to Australia is the main destination, some airlines also
Qantas and United Airlines are the key than westbound. Without stopping over you serve New Zealand while Korean Air also
carriers, with Air New Zealand and partners can reach the east coast in about 21 hours serves Fiji.
Air Pacific and Air Tahiti serving Samoa and Perth in 18 hours. Qantas Holidays sometimes Turn to 56
It’s a great time
to be in Samoa.
For more information or to request a brochure,
please contact the Samoa Tourism Authority.
Phone: 0208 877 4512
Email: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
www.samoa.travel
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific
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