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Hot travel deals: Explore Europe, Asia, and island retreats

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. als-explore-europe-asia-and-island-retreats.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 15:07 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Hot Travel Deals for Barcelona, Phuket, Europe and Beyond – A Complete Guide

If the thought of jetting off to a sun‑kissed beach or wandering cobbled streets in Europe has you staring at a travel budget, the New Zealand Herald’s latest “Travel News” feature is a one‑stop shop for the hottest discounted holiday packages available right now. Published this week, the article pulls together a carefully curated list of flight‑and‑hotel bundles, last‑minute specials and even a few “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” deals that are worth booking before the sale ends. Below, we break the feature down into bite‑size sections so you can see exactly what’s on offer for Barcelona, Phuket, other European capitals and a handful of destinations beyond Europe.

1. Barcelona – The Art City at a Bargain

Barcelona is the city that seems to appear in every travel headline, and it’s no surprise that the Herald’s deals page lists a flight‑plus‑stay package from Air New Zealand for just NZ$349. The package includes:

• Two‑way economy flight from Auckland (or Wellington) to Barcelona on Air New Zealand, plus a connecting flight to the city center with the airline’s partner Air Europa.
• A 4‑night stay in a 3‑star boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter, complete with a complimentary breakfast each morning.
• A Barcelona City Pass – a two‑day pass that gives you free or discounted entry to the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Picasso Museum.

The deal also features a “free lounge” credit for a single use at Barcelona El Prat Airport, which can be a lifesaver if you’re flying a late night or early morning flight. For those who want to go further, the article notes that Air New Zealand’s partner, Adriatic Airlines, offers a “two‑day free breakfast” promotion at several partner hotels. The package is bookable directly via the Air New Zealand “Holidays” portal (link included in the original piece) or through the Herald’s own travel aggregator, which automatically adds a travel insurance overlay.

Book here: [ Air New Zealand Holidays – Barcelona ]

2. Phuket – Tropical Escape at a Steal

Phuket’s beaches can feel a little pricey, but the Herald’s article pulls a deal from Jetstar that is hard to ignore. Jetstar’s “Phuket Package” for NZ$499 includes:

• Two‑way flights from Wellington to Phuket (one stop in Auckland) on Jetstar.
• A 7‑night stay at a beachfront resort in Patong – The Phuket Sands Resort – that includes a daily buffet breakfast, an evening cocktail welcome, and a sunset cruise (only if you’re booking through Jetstar’s “Specials” portal).
• An optional “Snorkeling Adventure” – a 3‑hour guided trip to the Similan Islands (available at a discounted rate of NZ$80 if you book the whole package).

The article highlights that Jetstar’s promotions usually run for a limited period and that the “Phuket package” is available exclusively for bookings made through the Jetstar “Specials” page, where the discount is automatically applied at checkout. The package also comes with a “Jetstar Travellers” credit card promotion, which earns you extra miles for future travel. For travelers who prefer a more all‑inclusive approach, the article links to a separate Banyan Tree Phuket promotion that includes meals and spa credits.

Reserve your seat: [ Jetstar Specials – Phuket ]

3. Europe – “Beyond the Classics”

While Barcelona and Phuket grab the headlines, the Herald also spotlights deals for a handful of European cities that typically attract less coverage in New Zealand media. These include:

• Rome – A 5‑night stay at a 4‑star hotel in Trastevere, coupled with a 4‑day “Rome Highlights” tour package for NZ$349.
• Amsterdam – A “Cultural Pass” that bundles museum entries, canal cruises, and a bike rental for 4 days, at a price of NZ$399 per person. The package is available only through the Netherlands Travel Group portal and includes a free “welcome cocktail” on arrival.
• Lisbon – A 3‑night stay at a 3‑star hotel near the Baixa district, with a free day ticket for the Tram 28 system and a discounted hop‑on hop‑off city tour for NZ$299.

All of these European deals are listed on the NZ Herald Travel page, and the article notes that many of them include a travel insurance add‑on that covers medical costs, trip cancellation and lost luggage. For the best value, the Herald recommends booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, as the “last‑minute” window can be unpredictable.

Explore European deals: [ NZ Herald Travel – Europe ]

4. Beyond Europe – Far‑East & Caribbean

If your wanderlust extends further afield, the Herald’s article includes a few “beyond Europe” specials:

• Bali, Indonesia – A 7‑night stay at The Kuta Lodge, with a 3‑hour “Balinese Cultural Day” and a sunset dinner cruise for NZ$579. This deal is tied to the “Bali Bliss” promotion run by Indonesian Airlines (link to the airline’s holiday page is embedded in the original article).
• Aruba – A 5‑night package that includes a “Sunset Cruise” and a free “Aruban Food Tour” for NZ$449. The deal comes with a “Aruba Air” credit card promotion and a free lounge access at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
• St. Lucia – A 6‑night stay at The St. Lucia Lodge with a “Caribbean Adventure” package (includes snorkeling, banana boat rides, and a sunset catamaran cruise) for NZ$599.

Each of these packages includes a complimentary “Travel Smart” guide, which covers visa requirements, health precautions and local customs. The article advises travelers to double-check entry requirements for each destination, especially in light of fluctuating pandemic restrictions.

Learn more: [ Travel Deals – Far East & Caribbean ]

5. How to Book – Tips from the Herald

To make the most of the deals highlighted in the article, the Herald offers a handful of booking hacks:

1. Use the “NZ Herald Travel” aggregator – The site automatically applies the discount codes for the packages listed in the article. This eliminates the need to enter promo codes manually.
2. Enable price alerts – The site’s alert system will notify you if the price of a particular flight or hotel drops after you’ve seen the deal.
3. Travel insurance – Most of the deals come with an optional travel insurance add‑on at a discounted rate. The Herald stresses that a good policy can save you thousands in the event of a cancellation or health emergency.
4. Check for “hidden” fees – For Jetstar and other low‑fare carriers, make sure to double‑check baggage fees, seat selection, and in‑flight meals, as they can add up quickly.
5. Book early but keep an eye on cancellation policies – Many of the offers have a “free cancellation” window that ends 48 hours before departure. The Herald recommends booking as soon as you’ve found a package you like.

6. Take‑away

Whether you’re dreaming of strolling along La Rambla, lounging on a Phuket beach, or exploring Rome’s ancient ruins, the NZ Herald’s travel feature has you covered. The deals are all listed on the site’s own “Travel” page, and they come with travel insurance, travel alerts, and a wealth of insider tips. The only thing that may be missing is a sign saying “Book now” – you’re already one click away from making it happen.

Ready to book? Check the links above, compare the options, and let the travel deals take you to your next adventure. Happy travels!