Seven travel predictions for 2024

Booking.com reveals the most extensive travel predictions research to date and ranks Rotorua amongst the top 10 trending destinations around the world.

While travel used to be a means to escape life, new research from Booking.com reveals that travel is life in 2024 with three quarters (74%) of Kiwis stating they feel more alive than ever when they are on holiday.

With over half (58%) of Kiwi travellers thinking they are the best version of themselves while on holiday, and 64% wanting to be more like their holiday self in their day-to-day life back home, these trends reveal how Kiwis will go about bottling those feel-good holiday vibes so they don’t get left on the doorstep when they arrive home.

The research also reveals that AI is set to transform 2024 as travellers are increasingly plugging into tech to do the grunt work, freeing them up to tune into their intuition and spark more soul-stirring experiences.

Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research, which gathers insights from more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, including over 1,000 from New Zealand, explores how travel will transport people out of autopilot and into living their best lives.

“Heading into a new year, Kiwis are demonstrating a renewed sense of optimism when it comes to travel, looking for opportunities to reinvigorate and reinvent themselves, be it on international escapades or simply exploring their own backyard, to level up their day-to-day lives,” comments Todd Lacey, Regional Manager of Oceania at Booking.com.

“Our 2024 Travel Predictions reflect the idea that travel is not a means to escape life, but instead a catalyst to live our best lives. At Booking.com, it’s our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world and we are committed to empowering extraordinary experiences that resonate with the heartbeat of each and every traveller in 2024 and beyond.”

1. (Alter) Ego Enthusiasts

People often take on different personas when travelling to feel more alive, with some even going as far as to make up stories about themselves to those they meet when travelling (20%). Over half (56%) of Kiwi travellers enjoy the anonymity that comes with travel, seeing it as a chance to recreate themselves and more than a third (34%) would even pay to rent a nicer car than they drive at home to live their finest lives with confidence.

Taking inspiration from aliases and avatars in the metaverse, half (51%) of travellers feel their ‘main character energy’ shine through on their travels, bringing their digital fantasies to life to fuel their boundless wanderlust by travelling to any real-world destinations of their choice.

2. Cool-cationers

Whilst Kiwis are hoping for a long, hot summer after endless months of rain, in other corners of the globe it seems heat has officially had its vacay heyday. Whilst Aotearoa has yet to experience soaring temperatures in 2023, heat waves around the world have accelerated a rise in travellers chasing cooler climates to holiday in. Only a third (30%) of Kiwis want to use their holiday in 2024 to cool down elsewhere - significantly lower than the rest of Asia Pacific travellers at 61%.

For many travellers, a rise in water-centric travel will take the edge off the heat with nearly three quarters (74%) agreeing that being close to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed, and over a third (42%) are interested in water-centric holidays such as cruising through scenic fjords or admiring the cityscapes on a yacht.

3. Surrender Seekers

Shifting from rigorous planning to chance encounters with a roll of the dice, nearly half (47%) of Kiwi travellers would like to have no prior plans set in stone for their travels, with a similar number (48%) wanting to see where the wind takes them by booking a surprise trip where everything down to the destination is unknown until arrival.

What’s more, the explosion of AI has already seen the launch of Booking.com’s AI Trip planner and over a third (34%) of Kiwi travellers would trust AI to plan a trip for them, further leaning into spontaneous travel that paves the way for lesser known locations and experiences, with nearly half (49%) preferring to venture off the beaten path.

4. Culinary Excavators

Kiwi travellers are keen to dig deep into the roots of cuisine by bucking next-gen food trends in favour of experiencing heritage flavours with the majority (87%) wanting to savour indigenous cuisines while exploring the world.

What’s more, over half (56%) are interested in learning about the origins of a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies. Expect an increase in indigenous tourism experiences that bring greater visibility to communities around the globe such as this local Maori Village Tour in Rotorua that takes travellers on a storytelling journey behind the food they serve.

5. Reboot Retreaters

Kiwi travellers will be looking to travel experiences to unlock new versions of themselves with almost half (47%) seeking solace to do so. This group plans to travel alone in 2024, prioritising their own vitality through trips that see the partner and kids left at home.

A smaller subset are planning to use travel as a means to reflect on their relationships and drive reconnection. Nearly a quarter (24%) of travellers would carve out time for a matchmaking holiday to find love, while a similar number (27%) would focus on a heartbreak holiday to get over an ex. For those already coupled up, a quarter (25%) want to deepen that connection with their partner as their main priority for travelling in 2024.

6. A La Carte Affluencers

Kiwi travellers will employ money saving hacks to cut costs, yet level up holidays with ‘à la carte’ luxuries, scoring a rush from luxury travel – even if just for a moment in time. Further cementing the increased presence of AI in travel planning, around half (53%) of travellers want insights and tips from AI to curate budget-friendly travel itineraries with suggested deals, all with a tap of their finger.

These à la carte ‘affluencers’ want to appear wealthy through curating budget-friendly travel itineraries. For example, 45% are willing to pay for day passes to use the amenities in a five-star hotel rather than staying there and 52% of parents plan to travel outside of peak school holiday seasons to make their money stretch further in 2024.

7. Mindful Aesthetes

A growing movement of hotels and unique stays are responding to significant environmental and social challenges through architectural design. Mindful travellers will hunt down jaw-dropping architecture that has environmental features at its heart, with nearly half (41%) looking for accommodation that has a wow-factor in sustainability innovation and a majority (62%) wanting to see the outside brought indoors with green spaces and plants in accommodations.

Alongside contributing to conservation efforts, sustainable itineraries will give travellers exclusive access to the places they are helping preserve, in the most mindful and responsible way. Nearly half (48%) of Kiwi travellers are interested in sustainable travel apps where they can unlock experiences, such as adventures with locals to off-the-beaten-path areas (59%) or visiting remote locations that tourists otherwise have limited access to (50%).

For more information about Booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions, visit the official report here.

Asia Pacific’s culinary gems

If you’re planning your next holiday, there are plenty of destinations around the Asia Pacific region that are culinary gateways to a world of gastronomic adventures.

KINN Capsule Hotel, Singapore

Finding yourself scouring socials to find the best restaurants, cafes or markets to enjoy delicious food when planning for your travels? You’re not the only one! Savouring local cuisine is one of the many ways to immerse yourself in the destination’s culture. In fact, Booking.com’s Travel Confidence Index for 2023 revealed 63 percent of Kiwi travellers said Food and Dining was top of mind for their next travel agenda.*

From the hidden hole-in-the-wall joints of Japan to the bustling night markets of Taiwan, embark on a mouthwatering adventure that is sure to leave your tastebuds dancing with delight. While you’re out and about indulging in local cuisines, you can rest your food-filled bellies at some of the best accommodations recommended by Booking.com — rest assured that your stay will be as remarkable as your dining experiences.

Zagame’s House

Melbourne, Australia

Spanning across various suburbs, travellers can find themselves pampered with choice when strolling down Melbourne’s iconic Lygon Street. Here travellers can find a diverse culinary offering from restaurants boasting a 400 cheese pizza to fiery ramen, depending on which side of the street you’re on.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of historic Carlton, Zagame’s House is a labour of love from hotelier brothers Victor and Robert Zagame. This 97-room hotel showcases the best of modern interior design, luxurious amenities, and sustainable architecture. From the art to the menu, every inch of Zagame’s House is designed to inspire you.

Beauty Avenue Inn

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Step into a vibrant tapestry of flavours, colours and cultural experiences at Taiwan’s Liuhe Night Market, nestled in the heart of the city of Kaohsiung. This bustling market plays host to a multitude of food stalls offering Taiwan’s most tantalising street food. From fresh seafood delicacies to the delectable bubble tea that Taiwan is renowned for, each bite tells a story you’ll be delighted to partake in.

Where to stay: Beauty Avenue Inn is a short walk from Liuhe Night Market and a short drive from other famous attractions including the Kaohsiung Museum of History and National Science and Technology Museum. Regardless if you’re travelling solo or in a large group, this boutique hotel has a range of rooms to accommodate guests.

Tokyo, Japan

Discover a taste of Japanese comfort food at Homemade Ramen Muginae. Tucked away in the bustling streets of Tokyo, this unassuming hole-in-the-wall store exudes an authentic charm — but don’t be fooled by its humble exterior for the wait for a seat could take up to two hours!

Luckily, the restaurant takes daily reservations starting at 9am, leaving travellers plenty of time to explore the surrounding streets. With one third (33 percent) of Kiwi travellers wanting to immerse themselves in local culture when travelling, tasting authentic cuisine at critically-acclaimed restaurants like this is the way to go.

Where to stay: JR-East Hotel Mets Omori is ideal for those who spend most of their days out and about in the city streets as it’s at the centrepoint of various attractions. The hotel is an eight-minute walk from Homemade Ramen Muginae and is near well-known attractions such as the Atre Omori Shopping Mall and a myriad of shrines such as the Omori Sanno Hie Shrine, Iwai Jinja Shrine and Enno-ji Temple.

Hong Kong

Prepare to be amazed by the culinary excellence of Cheung Hing Kee, a Michelin-recommended street food destination located in the lively streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

Renowned for their Shanghai pan-fried buns, this eatery is a testament to the exceptional gastronomy Hong Kong boasts. Indulge in equally-mouthwatering local dishes including the siu mai and har gow as Cheung Hing Kee presents a symphony of flavours that is sure to capture the true essence of Hong Kong’s street food scene.

Where to stay: If you’re looking for a fancier stay, the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong boasts seven dining options, including a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, tapas bar and cocktail lounge for foodies to continue their culinary crusade. The refined Asian-influenced decor blends seamlessly with richly coloured furnishings amid captivating views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. The hotel enjoys a strategic location in the dynamic Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood, ideally situated for urban discoveries in Hong Kong’s shopping and entertainment district.

KINN Capsule Hotel

Singapore

Also ranked amongst the Top 10 most searched international destinations by Kiwis this winter season**, bustling Singapore is renowned for its street food culture. A must-not-miss culinary checkpoint is the iconic Maxwell Food Centre, which promises an array of rich flavours and aromas. Situated in the heart of Chinatown, this hawker centre is a culinary melting pot — whether you’re craving a traditional serving of laksa, a beloved national dish of Hainanese chicken rice or looking to beat the heat with a refreshing bowl of ice kacang, options here are plentiful and diverse.

Where to stay: You’ll have a great night’s rest in the spacious yet cosy capsule KINN Capsule Hotel. Boasting a total of 72 capsules designed for your comfort and privacy, this boutique capsule hotel is located in the heart of Singapore, a short distance from Chinatown, the Singapore River and National Gallery as well as a 10-minute walk from Maxwell Food Centre. It features a communal lounge and sun terrace, perfect for socialising on your travels.

*Methodology: Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted by Milieu Insight among a sample of 8,800 respondents across 11 countries and territories across APAC (including 800 from New Zealand).

**Methodology: this report looks at search sessions in April (between 2023-04-03 and 2023-04-16) with check-in dates between July and August (2023-07-01 and 2023-08-31). For comparison figures we looked at search sessions between the same time period last year (2022-04-04 and 2022-04-17, with check-in dates between 2022-07-01 and 2022-08-31).

Go to town

If it’s been a while since you visited the Big Smoke, take time
to rediscover Auckland with the family.

words Hayley Barnett

photos Hayley Barnett + supplied

The past two to three years haven’t been kind to any of us, but our biggest city, Auckland, has really felt the pain. If you haven’t been trying to escape it, you’ve at least been trying to avoid it.

But now that we’re all emerging from our bubbles and travelling like never before, the city is finally back on people’s radars.

If you were a local who couldn’t escape during those dark days, life went on, and the vibrancy of the city never disappeared. When I visited with my family for a long weekend earlier this year I was excited to find that there were new places which had opened up since our last visit, as well as renovations galore, proving the city had used its dog days to reemerge better and brighter than before. Here are some of the coolest, most fun activities that we squeezed into three days in the city.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

If you get stuck with a rainy day in Auckland, one of the best things you can do is head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It’s a fun day out for the family and also educational for both adults and kids alike. On entering, we immediately got up close to a complete T-Rex skeleton, a rare opportunity anywhere in the world. Most examples in museums are replicas but this one is made up of real bones, black in colour due to mineral deposits on the bones.

Next, we headed to the War Memorial gallery to take in the old planes, a favourite exhibition for four-year-old Oscar. Then we experienced what felt like a real volcanic eruption. The frightening simulation is designed to show you what it would be like if a volcano erupts whilst you relax in your living room at home. We also managed to get to the Weird and Wonderful exhibit, as well as the kids’ discovery centre, before heading down to the café for lunch.

aucklandmuseum.com

The Covent Hotel

Nestled next to a Catholic church and school in Grey Lynn sits an old nunnery recently converted into a rather suave boutique hotel. It’s not your usual roadside accommodation typical of the Great North Road strip, and that’s its charm.

The Spanish Mission-style building offers 22 eclectic rooms to choose from, all stripped back to their original brick walls, keeping the old steel windows, and filled with religious paraphernalia in every nook and cranny. It turns out this modern-yet-creepy vibe is very, very cool.

The kids were excited to arrive at “the haunted house”, nicknamed after only seeing a photo of the building’s exterior on Booking.com before we made the journey.

Once inside the room, it feels more like you’re living the highlife in a cool, stylish New York apartment than sleeping in an old convent. But the kids couldn’t quite shake the creepiness. It might have been the giant murals of blood-soaked ghouls in the hallways, but who knows? For me, it just added a wow factor which made our trip to the Big Smoke that much more exciting.

Our apartment, aptly named Mother Superior, came fully equipped with a kitchen and lounge room, and our bedroom was separated from the kids by the bathroom and a hallway. Hard to come by in a regular hotel.

Just below our room sits one of Auckland’s hippest places to dine, Ada. We left the kids with Grandma and headed downstairs for a long Sunday lunch. Avoiding food envy, we chose the set menu, and enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant, with its super-high ceiling and bustling vibe.

Book The Convent Hotel on booking.com

Auckland Zoo

There’s always something new and exciting happening at Auckland Zoo. When we arrived, we were all blown away by how much had changed compared to our last visit two years ago. The new tiger enclosure is incredible, with the big striped cats wandering through tunnels overhead as you pass timidly underneath. Orangutans dangle high above in towers and it’s easy to spot them wherever they are. All the new enclosures are a vast improvement in size and quality for the animals and make the viewing experience that much more immersive. Even the main café has had a makeover.

Of course, all the classics remain – the concrete dragon in the playground, the huge elephant and lion enclosures, the penguin and seal pool, and the giant bird sanctuaries – but the changes make it seem like a whole new experience. Highly recommend a visit next time you’re up.

aucklandzoo.co.nz

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s

Everyone’s favourite aquarium is still just as fun as it was when it opened 38 years ago. Despite this fun fact making me feel very old, our visit to see the sharks, turtles and stingrays (special requests for our weekend) was a surprisingly awe-inspiring activity which saw all of us have a very educational rainy afternoon.

From Shackleton to Gentoo penguins, we came away all the more wiser and even watched someone feed the sharks inside the tank. A 100-year-old crayfish viewing was an unexpected highlight for the kids and I was quite taken with the centre’s Turtle Rescue operation. Did you know it’s the only place in New Zealand that offers a turtle rehabilitation programme?

visitsealife.com

Hayley and family stayed at The Convent Hotel courtesy of Booking.com

Six sea-sational stays

With World Ocean Day just around the corner, Booking.com has compiled a list of sensational stays with breathtaking sea views that offer both luxury and sustainability to the eco-conscious traveller.

Paku Palms

Covering more than 70 percent of the planet and home to the world’s incredibly diverse marine life, our oceans play an essential role in Earth’s ecosystem. World Ocean Day – held annually on June 8 – is marked to inform people of the major role the oceans have in everyday life and the impact human action has on its wellbeing. 

According to Booking.com research a large majority (72%)* of Kiwi travellers confirm that sustainable travel is important to them, with 42%* saying that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices. Additionally, two thirds (63%) of Kiwi travellers* say that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months.

To showcase Earth’s beautiful oceans, Booking.com is sharing six incredible stays across the globe where sustainable efforts and stunning ocean views come together for the ultimate eco holiday destination. Besides offering breathtaking ocean views, these properties also have a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge, meaning the properties have taken significant steps to operate sustainably, reduce their impact on the environment and engage more responsibly with the local community.

 SwaSwara Gokarna - CGH Earth, Gokarna, India

Situated on Om beach, this wellness sanctuary is built in harmony with nature, and with the earth and the ocean in mind. Guests can discover their inner self at the meditation deck on the cliff overlooking the ocean and take in the incredible scenery of the surrounding mountains. Being an active participant in the local community, SwaSwara’s kitchen cooks with ingredients sourced from local villages and from their own farms. Since fresh water is scarce in the area, the property gathers rainwater during the monsoon months and purifies it with a special system, consisting of three big reservoirs that can hold up to 4.8 million gallons (18 million litres) of water. 

Paku Palms, Coromandel, New Zealand 

Renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and summer vibes, the Coromandel is an iconic holiday hotspot that never fails to recharge the soul. With more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, lounge in the sun as you catch some surf and enjoy the sound of the waves. A leisurely 15-minute stroll to the beachfront,  Paku Palms is the go-to destination for those wanting to relax on a private deck with expansive panoramic views over the Coromandel Peninsula coastline and mountainous landscapes cloaked in native rainforests. This Travel Sustainable property also enables guests to book an array of eco-friendly tours and attractions around the Coromandel area. Ideal for travelling couples wanting to make the most of their holidays, wind down after a fun-filled day by soaking in the Balinese-style hot tub and enjoying complimentary continental breakfasts. 

Le Grand Galle By Asia Leisure, Galle, Sri Lanka

Offering spectacular views of the Indian ocean and the iconic UNESCO Heritage site, Galle Fort, this beautiful property is a perfect getaway for guests to relax and make their vacation dreams of sun, sea and palm trees a reality. Besides offering guests relaxation, the property has taken several steps to protect the environment and its community. This Travel Sustainable property invests a percentage of revenue back into community sustainability projects. Guests can arrange a tour organised by local guides and learn everything about the local ecosystems, heritage and culture or just get a bike to discover the surrounding area. Travellers can sip tropical cocktails by the pool overlooking the ocean, after a day exploring the stunning golden beaches and the colonial architecture of Galle.

Noah Surf House Portugal, Santa Cruz, Portugal

​​The west coast of Portugal is a great destination for surfing with popular surf spots and incredible waves for all levels of surfing. Travellers can combine their passion for surfing with travelling more sustainably to maintain the beauty of the ocean, by staying at Noah Surf House Portugal, a Travel Sustainable property, which has taken several measures to reduce their ecological footprint - perfect for the 62% of Kiwi travellers* saying they would be more likely to choose a sustainable accommodation, whether they were looking specifically for one or not. With windows facing the water, this property has uniquely decorated rooms without air conditioning, utilising the cooling sea breeze instead. The hotel has solar panels that generate 70% of their water heating needs, as well as an organic garden with chickens that help with the composting process.

Romans Villa, Gansbaai, South Africa

Set in Gansbaai, 200 metres from Romansbaai Beach, Romans Villa is a beautiful boutique guest house on Cape Whale Coast. With a private veranda overlooking the water, this Travel Sustainable property offers an environmentally-friendly stay in a fishing town popular for whale watching, sourcing most of their food locally and providing their guests with information about local ecosystems, heritage and culture. This coastal destination in South Africa has been taking action to address plastic pollution over the past few years by installing drainage nets to catch waste.

Encantada Tulum, Tulum, Mexico

Situated on a pristine beach between the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Tulum National Park, Hotel Encantada is a tropical paradise committed to protect and preserve the beautiful destination of Tulum. Each room is decorated with local hand-made artwork and fabrics and guests can enjoy organic dishes made from local ingredients. Guests can enjoy serenity and relaxation during a natural spa therapy or a private yoga class overlooking the beautiful ocean.

With over 110,000 properties globally now being recognised for their sustainability efforts with a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com, there is more choice than ever when it comes to leaving a lighter carbon footprint by making more eco-friendly decisions for your next getaway. 

Booking.com

Booking.com reveals how the ‘pandemic effect’ could finally tip sustainable travel intent for Kiwis into impactful action

Booking.com reveals how the ‘pandemic effect’ could finally tip sustainable travel intent for Kiwis into impactful action.

New research from Booking.com suggests that the pandemic has been the tipping point for travellers to finally commit to their own sustainable journey, with 68% of Kiwi travellers believing we have to act now to save the planet for future generations.  

Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report reveals that more than three quarters (77%) of Kiwi travellers think sustainable travel is a vital part of achieving this, with two thirds (61%) stating that the pandemic has influenced them to want to travel more sustainably. The timing of the report makes the findings even more poignant, as the travel industry looks to rebuild amidst the ongoing pandemic, says Todd Lacey, Area Manager of Booking.com New Zealand. 

“Our research uncovers how the travel hiatus has opened New Zealanders’ eyes to the impact, both positive and negative, that their trips can have on local ecosystems and communities around the world,” says Lacey. “At Booking.com we believe travel is a force for good, but it has to be done in the right way to ensure we are protecting the planet for future generations.”

Lowering our footprint
Kiwi travellers shared a variety of steps they plan to take to leave less of a footprint on the world as they explore it including’ 80% wanting to reduce general waste, 79% wanting to reduce their energy consumption and 75% wanting to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport over taxis or rental cars. 

Fortunately, it’s not just good intentions. Many of these sustainable pledges are coming to fruition, with travellers revealing that while on holiday in the past 12 months, 40% made a conscious decision to turn off their air conditioning/heater in their accommodation when they weren’t there, 53% took their own reusable water bottle, rather than buying bottled water, and 38% did activities to support the local community. 

Yet Kiwi travellers feel their own efforts may be hindered when on holiday with over half (58%) admitting they get annoyed if their accommodation stops them from being sustainable. Further, despite 81% of travellers pledging to seek out accommodation that has reputable third-party sustainability accreditation, barriers still remain with 49% of travellers believing there simply still aren’t enough sustainable travel options available in 2021. 
But it may be more a lack of communication than a lack of action: 3 out of 4** Booking.com accommodation partners say they have implemented sustainable steps at their property, but only one-third (31%**) actively communicate their efforts to potential guests, with this mostly happening at the time of check-in (59%**). With half of Kiwi travellers still believing ample sustainable travel options are not available, this suggests that significant change is needed to make sustainability information accessible at earlier stages of the booking process.

Closing the gap, step by step

Booking.com believes they have an important responsibility to make sustainable choices easier, both for accommodation providers and travellers. That’s why the company is currently rolling out a program for properties that will support them in taking the next steps to become more sustainable. This includes sharing guidance, insights and best practices with properties via various educational opportunities, including handbooks and dedicated content, all available via the Booking.com Partner Hub.

In connection, Booking.com is currently displaying over 30 certifications officially approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Green Tourism and the EU Ecolabel, as well as multiple hotel chain sustainability programs. 

Booking.com is also encouraging its accommodation partners to update their sustainability information, which includes 32 practices across five key categories: waste, energy and greenhouse gases, water, supporting local communities and protecting nature. 

“As a leader in travel, at Booking.com we believe we have an important responsibility to make sustainable choices easier, both for accommodation providers and travellers. While there is much, much more to be done, we are optimistic about the passion and commitment we are seeing from all sides,” says Lacey. 

To download Booking.com’s full 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, click here.

Ready to getaway? We’ve got the best of the Cook Islands for every traveller

It’s an exciting time for Kiwi travellers with more options becoming available overseas, like the stunning Cook Islands.

After over a year of travel restrictions, Booking.com has new research revealing our appetite to explore the world remains undiminished. Nearly two-thirds of Kiwi travellers (59%) feel more hopeful about travelling in 2021 since the global roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, with the bubble announcements welcome news for many keen travellers. Further proof that Kiwis are as eager as ever to dust off their passports comes as Booking.com reveals searches for accommodation in Rarotonga shot up 15 places in the most searched destinations year-on-year. 

For those itching to get back to island travel, Booking.com shares their picks for travellers planning to head to the Cook Islands.

Best for families

For many with kids in tow, escaping the New Zealand winter for an island getaway has become something of a July school holiday ritual. A week-long stay at a Rarotonga beachfront villa offers a relaxed yet fun-filled environment, with the added benefit of self-catering making mealtimes with the family a breeze. Overlooking the beautiful Muri Lagoon, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa offers 5-star accommodation with a private pool and patio – and a completely self-contained space means you have all the luxuries of home at your fingertips. 

Best for a romantic getaway

If it’s a romantic trip for two you’re after, look no further than Aitutaki. Just a short plane ride away from the Rarotonga Airport you’ll find, situated on its own private island, the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. A luxury, adults only resort that offers beach-front and over-water bungalows with panoramic views of Aitutaki Lagoon, you can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling and cultural activities – or if you’re after some pampering, head to the spa that offers massages, a sauna and a hot tub. 

Best for getting back to basics

For a true island experience a stay at the Ikurangi Eco Retreat in Matavera Rarotonga will leave you feeling rested and at one with nature. You can choose from snorkeling at the nearby beach or hiking and cycling – the property offers free bicycles onsite. Just 5 minutes' drive from shopping and dining options, this eco retreat offers an onsite swimming pool and if a day outdoors has worn you out, enjoy a private meal cooked by a private chef served on your balcony. You can also unwind with an in-room massage.

Best on a budget

If you’re keen on an island getaway but the luxury resort life just isn’t for you, then a self catering beach hut could be just the ticket to relaxation. The Matriki Beach Huts provide absolute beachfront accommodation on the sunset side of the island. You can enjoy snorkelling from the beautiful white sand beach right at the front of the property. Or make the most of the outdoors and go on a hike or head out for a fishing trip. Each of the unique, rustic, self-contained beach huts, has its own terrace, simple cooking facilities and an open air shower.

Matriki Beach Huts, Arutanga, Cook Islands

Best for group travel

It’s time to reinstate the annual island getaway with the gang and where better than a private villa in sunny Raro. The Te Etu Villas are in close proximity to one another and offer all the amenities you could need for group travel, from a private pool to a poolside bar and barbeque. These gorgeous self contained villas also boast a sun terrace and both snorkelling and cycling can be enjoyed nearby this holiday home.