ExploreancientmedinasinFesand MarrakechandtheruinsofVolubilis,dine withalocalfamilyattheirfarminMideltand seeAitBenhaddou’sbeautiful,grandksar.
•Smallgroup,maximum16guests
•13nightsin4-starhotelsandboutiqueriads
•1nightluxurySaharadesertcamp
•FullyescortedbyEnglish-speakingguide
•Comfortable,dedicatedtransportation
•Breakfastdaily,3lunches,6dinners
TRAVELFROMMAY2025TONOV2026
ExploretheheartofCentralAsiaonthis gloriousjourney.Discoverancientcities, stunninglandscapes,andhighlightslike Samarkand’sRegistanSquare,theSeven LakesofTajikistan,andmajesticCharyn Canyon.Immerseyourselfintheculture andbeautyoftheSilkRoad.
•19nightsinquality3and4-starhotels
•2nightsinatraditionalyurtcamp
•Fullyescortedbyexpertlocalguides
•Airporttransfersanddedicatedtransport
•Breakfastdaily,6lunches,5dinners
Fromtemplestoteaplantationstoancient ruins,theislandnationofSriLankaisall charm.Pairthesetreasureswiththeperfect neighbourinparadise–theidyllicMaldives.
•Smallgrouptour,max16guests
•11nightsin5-starSriLankahotels
•4nightsinanoverwaterbungalow atAdaaranResortintheMaldives
•FlightfromColombotoMale
•Alltransfers,includingspeedboat
•Breakfast&dinnerdaily,8lunches
Fromnorthernlightstosouthernfjords, thissmallgroup,bucketlistjourneyincludes oneoftheworld’smosticonictrainrides, plustimetoexploreBergen,thefjordcapital.
•Smallgrouptour,24guestsmaximum
•18nightsinquality4-starhotels including1nightinanAuroracabin
•RidetheFlåmrailwayandtheovernight SantaClausExpresstrain
•ScenicfjordcruiseonUNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
RetireWell. RetireHappy. HopperLivingVillagesarethoughtfullydesigned withyourneedsinmind.Proudlyfamily-owned andoperatedbylongstandingpropertyexperts, HopperDevelopments.
HopperLivingVillagesarelocatedinNorthland, Auckland,andnowinWhitianga—thehomeof NewZealand’strueWaterfrontVillages.
AComprehensive Guidetocruise travelfor2025 Cruisetravelhaslongbeenafavouriteamong maturetravellers.
Withthepromiseofrelaxingatseawhile exploringmultipledestinations,cruises offertheperfectblendofadventureand comfort.Asweapproach2025,theoptionsare morevariedthanever,withmanycruiselines cateringspecificallytotravellersover50.Whether you’reaseasonedcruiserorplanningyourfirst voyage,thisguidewillhelpyouchoosetheright cruise,packsmartly,anddiscoversomeinsider tipstomakeyourjourneyunforgettable.
ChoosingtheRightCruise
Thefirststeptoanamazingcruiseexperienceis selectingtherightitineraryandcruiseline.For maturetravellers,comfort,easeofaccess,and enrichingexperiencesareoftentoppriorities. Herearesomefactorstoconsider:
DestinationandDuration:Doyoudreamof exploringtheMediterranean,Alaska’sglaciers, ortheCaribbean’ssun-soakedislands?Your destinationchoicewillshapeyourcruise experience.Also,considertheduration—some travellersprefershort,one-weekcruises, whileothersenjoylonger,moreimmersive journeysthatlasttwoweeksormore.
CruiseLineReputation:Notallcruiselines arecreatedequal.Foramorerefinedand matureexperience,considerlinesknownfor theirservice,amenities,andadult-focused entertainment.VikingOceanCruises,Regent SevenSeas,andSeabournCruisesare popularamongtravellersfortheirelegant atmospheres,excellentcuisine,andwellcuratedshoreexcursions.
ShipSize:Largeshipsofferavarietyof activities,restaurants,andentertainment options,buttheycanalsobecrowded. Smallershipsprovideamoreintimate experienceandcanaccessportsthatlarger vesselscan’t,offeringuniqueitineraries. Ifyoupreferaquieter,morepersonalised experience,considerasmallervesselora luxurycruiselinethatlimitsthenumberof passengers.
OnboardActivities:Lookforcruisesthat offeractivitiesandamenitiesthatmatchyour interests.Manylinesofferonboardlectures, cookingclasses,winetastings,andother culturalexperiencesthatcatertoamature audience.Ifyouenjoystayingactive,some cruisesofferfitnessclasses,walkingtracks, andevendancelessons.
AccessibilityandMedicalCare:Ifyou havemobilityconcernsormedicalneeds, ensurethatyourchosencruiselinecan accommodatethem.Mostmodernshipsare well-equippedwithelevators,ramps,and accessiblecabins.Additionally,checkthe onboardmedicalfacilities—havingpeace ofmindabouthealthcarewhileatseais essential.
WhattoPackforaCruise
Packingforacruisecanbeabitdifferentfrom otherholidays,asyou’llneedtobepreparedfor bothseadaysandexcursionsatyourvarious portsofcall.Here’salisttoensureyou’rewellprepared:
LayeredClothing:Weathercanvary dependingonyourdestination,sopack layers.Lightweightjerseys,awindbreaker, andversatileclothingwillhelpyouadjustto changingtemperatures.
ComfortableShoes:You’lllikelydoalot ofwalkingonshoreexcursions,sobring comfortable,supportiveshoes.Apairof dressshoesforformalnightsandjandals, slidesorsandalsforpooldayswillroundout yourfootwearneeds.
FormalandCasualAttire:Mostcruiseshave amixofcasualandformalevenings.Pack atleastoneformaloutfit,suchasacocktail dressorsuit,fordressiernights,alongwith casualwearfordaytimeactivities.
MedicationsandEssentials:Bringa sufficientsupplyofanyprescription medications,alongwithover-the-counter remediesforcommonailmentslike seasicknessorindigestion.It’salsowiseto packasmallfirst-aidkit.
PowerStripandChargers:Cabinsoftenhave limitedoutlets,soacompactpowerstripcan bealifesaver.Don’tforgetchargersforyour devicesandconsiderbringingaportable batterypackforshoreexcursions.
TravelDocuments:Ensureyouhaveall necessarydocuments,includingyour passport,visas(ifrequired),cruisetickets, andinsuranceinformation.It’sagoodideato havebothphysicalanddigitalcopies.
SecretTipsandTricks Herearesomeinsidertipstoenhanceyour cruiseexperience:
BookShoreExcursionsEarly:Popularshore excursionscanselloutquickly,soit’swiseto
bookthemassoonaspossible,eitheronline beforeyourtriporassoonasyouboardthe ship.Thisensuresyougettoseethesights you’remostexcitedabout.
TakeAdvantageofOnboardDiscounts: Manycruiselinesofferdiscountsonspa treatments,specialtydining,andother amenitiesonembarkationdayorduringoffpeakhours.Keepaneyeondailynewsletters fordeals.
ExploretheShiponEmbarkationDay: Onceyou’veboarded,taketimetoexplore theship.Manypassengersheadstraightto thebuffet,sotherestoftheshipisrelatively quiet—thisistheperfecttimetofamiliarise yourselfwiththelayoutandscopeoutareas you’dliketovisitlater.
ConsideraBalconyCabin:Ifyourbudget allows,abalconycabinisworththesplurge. Notonlywillyouhaveyourownprivate outdoorspace,butyou’llalsoenjoystunning viewsandthepeacefulsoundoftheocean. StayConnectedWithoutBreakingtheBank: Whilecruiseshipinternetcanbeexpensive, considerpurchasingasocialmediapackage orusingWi-Fiinport.Somecruiselinesalso offerlimitedfreeinternetorloyaltyperksfor returningguests.
Cruisetraveloffersavarietyofexciting itineraries,whetheryou’reinterestedin exploringyourownbackyardorventuringto distantshores.Withtherightplanning,these cruisesprovidetheperfectcombinationof adventure,relaxation,andculturalenrichment. Bonvoyage!
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19-DAYSMALLGROUPTOUR,‘INSPIRING SOUTHAMERICA’$9,495
Singletravellerfrom$11,290ppORbepaired withanothersolotravelleratnoextracharge (Valuedupto$17,557)
ThisInspiringVacationssmallgrouptourisa completeadventurethroughBrazil,Argentina andPeruthatticksoffbucketlistitemslike theIncatreasureMachuPicchu,bothsidesof IguazuFallsandmore.ExploretheAmazon jungle,visitindigenouscommunitieson theislandsofLakeTiticacaandunwindon CopacabanaBeach.Discoverthehistoric streetsofCusco,Lima’sstunningarchitecture, andthecosmopolitanenergyofBuenosAires. Fullyescortedbyexpertlocalguides;includes allinternalflights,transport,somemealsand qualityaccommodation,includingtwonights ataneco-friendlyjunglelodgeinthePeruvian Amazon.
Viewalltoursatinspiringvacations.com Ph:0800475025.
AncientMediterraneanTreasures
TraceancientshoresofhistorywithViking’s 8-dayAncientMediterraneanTreasuresvoyage fromIstanbultoAthensorviceversa.
Witnesstheoriginofcivilisationasyoucruise thefabledAegeanSea.Experiencemajestic Istanbul,withitsByzantinetreasuresand intriguingblendofEasternandWestern influence.TraveltotheruinsofTroy,a UNESCOWorldHeritageSitesteepedin myth.VisithistoricEphesusandthegorgeous islandsofRhodesandCreteanddiscoverthe architectureofancientAthens.
Pricedfrom$5,495ppinaVeranda Stateroomwithsavingsupto$2,000ppand acomplimentarySilverSpiritsBeverage Packageifbookedbefore18December2024. Call0800447913orvisitviking.com
YOURDREAM HOLIDAY AWAITS ALegacyofExcellenceinTravel
Embraceendlessexplorationwithyourtrusted Wanaka-basedtourcompany,MaherEscorted Tours.
Asaleadingnameinescortedtours,we prioritiseunwaveringfocusoncrafting unforgettabletourstodelivertop-notch experiencesandcontinuouslyraiseindustry standards.
Committedtoprovidingsecureandtailored expeditionsthatsurpassexpectations,weare proudmembersofTAANZ,ensuringpeaceof mind.
EscortedToursgobeyondmerely“being lookedafter,”offeringclientstheeaseof refined,stress-freetravel.Ourpricesinclude tourleaderfromNewZealand,flights,superior accommodations,transportation,entrance fees,gratuitiesandmeals.
Callusat0800500518orfindusonline, www.mahertours.co.nz
PhotobySCStockonShutterstock
MELBOURNEINTERNATIONAL FLOWERSHOW
24-29Mar2025,6daysfrom$4,990pp
TraveltoMelbournefortheSouthernHemisphere’slargest
flowershow,theMelbourneInternationalFlowerand GardenShow.ExplorethecitywithguidedtoursofRoyal BotanicGardensMelbourne,CoombeMelbaEstate, CloudehillGardens,GeelongBotanicGardens,and WerribeeParkMansion.
TourHighlightsinclude:
•SightseeingtourofMelbourne
•GuidedtouroftheRoyalBotanicGardens
Melbourne
•AdmissiontoMelbourneInternationalFlower &GardenShow
•GuidedtourofCoombeMelbaEstateGardens
•VisitAlowynGardens
JOURNEYTOJAPAN 7-20May2025,14days from$19,950pp
DiscoverJapan’sblendofancientandmodernona two-weektourthroughTokyo,Kyoto,Hakone,Osaka, Nara,andHiroshima.Experienceneon-litstreets,serene temples,iconiclandmarks,breathtakinglandscapes,and incrediblecuisineasyouexploretherichheritageand vibrantcultureofJapan.
TourHighlightsinclude:
•VisitMeijiJinguShrineinTokyo
•KyotosightseeingincludingUNESCOsite
NijoCastle
•Asushi-makingexperience
•ExploreTodai-jiTemple,hometotheGreatBuddha •TravelbyShinkansenhigh-speedtrain
ExploretheWondersofSouthAmericawith YOUTravel&Cruise
Embarkonanunforgettableadventure throughSouthAmericainAugust2025! DiscoverthelushAmazonrainforest,explore mysticalMachuPicchu,andcruisethe breathtakingGalapagosIslands.Experience diverseculturesinvibrantcitieslikeQuito, andRiodeJaneirowhilesoakinginstunning landscapesincludingthemajesticIguazu Fallsandcrystal-clearLakeTiticaca.This immersive34-dayhostedjourneyfeatures luxuriousstays,uniqueexperiencesandexpert guidancetoensureeverymomentisfilledwith wonder.Don’tmissyourchancetodelveinto therichtapestryofhistoryandnature—your extraordinaryadventureawaits,contactthe expertsatYOUTravel&Cruisetoday.Visit youtravel.co.nzorcall0800968872
FULLYESCORTEDGROUPTOURS Joinoneofourescortedtoursaswetraveltoan excitingrangeoffantasticoverseasdestinations. Wehaveafabulousselectionofwaystoexperience destinationsandactivitiesaspartofalike-minded groupwithatourleader.
TASTEOFSCANDINAVIA 6-24Jul2025,19daysfrom$24,900pp
JoinusforaEuropeanandIcelandicjourney,exploring Copenhagen’scanals,Sweden’sarchipelago, Stockholm’smedievalbeauty,andIceland’sGolden Circle,blacksandbeaches,andBlueLagoon.Experience stunninglandscapes,culturalgems,andunforgettable adventuresinonetour.
TourHighlightsinclude: •VisitthehistoricTivoliGardensinCopenhagen •ExploreFotevikensMuseuminMalmö •VisitVasaMuseuminStockholm •IcelandicLavaShowinReykjavik •AmphibianboattouronJökulsárlóninIceland
WILDWONDERSOF SOUTHERNAFRICA 18Jul–6Aug2025,20daysfrom$17,950pp
JoinourfullyescortedSouthernAfricatour,starting inJohannesburgandexploringPilanesberg,Kruger NationalPark,Eswatini,Hluhluwe,andDurban. ExperienceCapeTown’slandmarks,VictoriaFalls,a sunsetcruise,andaChobeDayTrip.DiscoverSouthern Africa’sstunningbeautyandrichculture.
TourHighlightsinclude: •SunsetcruiseontheZambeziRiver •DiscovertheuniquecultureofEswatini •GamedrivesinSouthernAfrica’stopnationalparks •ExploringVictoriaFalls-oneoftheSevenNatural WondersoftheWorld •Visitstohistoricsitesandmuseums
Visitourwebsitetoseethefull touringprogrammeorcontactus foracopyofourtravelbrochure
WPlanningyour nextadventure: next adventure: Atraveller’sguide post-pandemic.
hetheryou’replanningarelaxing getawayoranadventurousexploration, makesureyouapproachyourtripwith effectiveplanningandpreparationConsiderthe followingtips,tricks,andadvicetoensureyour journeyissmooth,safe,andmemorable. Prioritiseyourhealthandwellbeing Beforeembarkingonyourjourney,it’scrucial tohaveathoroughcheck-up.Ensureyour vaccinationsareup-to-dateanddiscussany destination-specifichealthconcernswith yourdoctor.Ifyou’retravellingtoregionswith specifichealthrisks,likemalaria-proneareas, takethenecessaryprecautions.
Alwayscarryanamplesupplyofyour prescriptionmedications,ideallyinyourhand luggagetoavoidanymishapswithchecked luggage.It’swisetobringawrittenprescription fromyourdoctor,justincaseyouneedarefill whileabroad.
Travelinsuranceshouldbenon-negotiable. Chooseacomprehensiveplanthatcovers medicalemergencies,tripcancellations,and interruptions.Manyinsurersnowofferpolicies thatincludecoverageforpandemicsorother unexpectedglobalevents—worthconsidering
forpeaceofmind.
Beatech-savvytraveller Whileyoumightbeusedtopapermaps andguidebooks,embracingtravelappscan significantlyenhanceyourexperience.Google Maps,forinstance,offersofflinemaps—a lifesaverwhenWi-Fiisscarce.Similarly, translationappscanbreakdownlanguage barriersinapinch.
InternationalSIMcardsorportableWi-Fi devicesareessentialtokeepyouconnectedwith family,accessmaps,andstayupdatedontravel advisories.Lookforaffordableoptionsthatsuit yourtraveldurationanddestinations.
Scanandstoredigitalcopiesofyourpassport, travelinsurance,andotheressentialdocuments. YoucanusecloudstoragelikeGoogleDriveor Dropbox.It’sasimplebuteffectivebackupin caseoflossortheft.
Planaheadbutstayflexible Whilespontaneityisexciting,pre-booking certainaspectsofyourtrip,suchas accommodations,transportation,andpopular tours,cansaveyoutimeandensureavailability. Thisisparticularlyimportantin2024,assome destinationsarestillmanagingtouristnumbers
Inourrapidlychangingworld,staying informedabouttraveladvisoriesiscrucial. Governmentsregularlyupdateinformation aboutsafety,healthrisks,andentry requirements.Beingawareofthesecanhelpyou adjustyourplansaccordingly.
Travelcanbeexhausting,especiallyforlonger trips.Factorinrestdaysbetweenactivitiesto avoidburnout.Whetherit’saleisurelydaybythe pooloraquietafternooninacafé,balanceiskey toanenjoyabletrip.
Travellightbutprepared Aimforaversatilewardrobethatallowsfor mix-and-matchoutfits.Lightweight,breathable fabricsareideal,andlayersareatraveller’sbest friend.Aqualitypairofwalkingshoesandarain jacketshouldbeessentialitemsinyoursuitcase.
Whilethetemptationtoseeanddoeverything canbestrong,it’sbettertosavorfewer experiencesthanrushthroughmany.Prioritise whattrulyinterestsyouandleaveroomfor unexpecteddiscoveries.
Considergrouptoursorsoloadventures Forthosewhoenjoystructureand companionship,grouptoursdesignedforthe morematuretravellercanbeanexcellent option.Manycompaniescatertoolderadults, offeringslower-paceditineraries,knowledgeable
guides,andachancetomeetlike-minded people.
Ifyouprefertochartyourowncourse,solo travelisanincreasinglypopularchoice.Itoffers flexibilityandindependence.However,ensure youchoosesafedestinationsandconsider stayinginaccommodationsthatofferconcierge servicesforlocaladviceandsupport. Immerseyourselfinthelocalculture Learningafewphrasesinthelocallanguage cangoalongway.Evenasimplegreetingcan opendoorstomoreauthenticexperiencesand connections.
Besuretoresearchculturalnormsandlocal customsbeforeyougo,fromappropriateattire totippingpractices.Showingrespectforlocal traditionscanenrichyourtravelexperienceand fosterpositiveinteractionswithlocals. Makesustainabletravelchoices
Fromchoosinglocalaccommodationstodining atfamily-ownedrestaurants,spendingyour moneylocallybenefitsthecommunityand providesamoreauthentictravelexperience. Increasingnumbersoftravellersareprioritising sustainability.Ifyoucan,optforeco-friendly accommodations,reduceplasticuse,and consideroff-settingyourcarbonfootprintby choosinggreenertransportationoptionslike trainsordirectflights.
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New Zealand’s hidden holiday hot spots Thissummersavvykiwitravellerswillbe venturingoffthebeatentracktouncoverthe nation’slesser-knowntreasures.
Fromstunninglandscapestovibrantlocal cultures,thesehiddenholidayhotspots promiseauniqueexperienceforthe discerningtraveller
TheForgottenWorldHighway AjourneyalongtheForgottenWorldHighway islikesteppingintoatimecapsule Stretching over150kilometresbetweenTaumarunuiand Stratford,thisscenicroutewindsthroughlush farmland,ancientforests,andstunningvolcanic landscapes Stopatthecharmingvillageof Whangamomona,whichdeclareditselfa republicinthe1980s Here,youcanenjoylocal hospitalityatthehistorichotelandsipapintof thelocalbrew,allwhilesoakinginthearea’srich historyandquirkycharm
StewartIsland:NewZealand’sBest-Kept Secret
JustashortferryridefromBluff,StewartIsland
isahavenfornaturelovers Withitsstunning beaches,lushrainforests,andabundant wildlife,itoffersanunparallelledopportunityto experienceNewZealand’snaturalbeauty The islandishometotheRakiuraTrack,athree-day walkthatshowcasesbreathtakingviewsand richbiodiversity Ifyou’relucky,youmightspot theelusivekiwiinitsnaturalhabitat Withonly around400permanentresidents,theisland’s peacefulatmosphereisperfectforarelaxing retreat
TheArtDecoGemofNapier OftenovershadowedbyNewZealand’slarger cities,Napierboastsauniquecharmthat stemsfromitsricharchitecturalheritage After adevastatingearthquakein1931,thecity wasrebuiltintheArtDecostyle,resultingina delightfulblendofhistoryanddesign Stroll throughthestreetstoadmirethebeautifully
restoredbuildings,thenindulgeinlocalcuisine atoneofthemanyboutiquecafés Don’tmiss thechancetovisitthenearbywineriesof Hawke’sBay,whereyoucansamplesomeofthe country’sfinestwines
Raglan:Surf,Art,andCommunity Forthoseseekingalaid-backvibe,Raglan isamust-visit Renownedforitsworld-class surfbreaks,thiscoastaltownalsoharborsa thrivingartsscene Explorethelocalgalleries andartisanshops,whereyou’llfindeverything fromhandmadejewellerytostunningpaintings Takeamomenttoenjoythebreathtaking sunsetsovertheharbour,anddon’tforgetto trythefreshseafoodatoneofthewaterfront restaurants Raglan’swelcomingatmosphere andstrongsenseofcommunitymakeitaperfect spotforrejuvenation
Taranaki:TheForgottenMountain MountTaranaki,oftenovershadowedbyits SouthIslandcounterparts,offersastunning backdroptoahostofoutdooractivities.The surroundingEgmontNationalParkfeaturesa rangeofhikingtrails,fromleisurelywalksto challengingclimbs Thelushgreenhillsand dramaticlandscapeshaveinspiredartistsand
photographersalike InthenearbycityofNew Plymouth,visittheGovett-BrewsterArtGallery, whichshowcasescontemporaryartandhosts excitingexhibitions Thecity’scoastalwalkway, linedwithartinstallations,isperfectfora leisurelystroll
TheWhanganuiRiver OneofNewZealand’slongestrivers,the Whanganuiisahiddengemforadventure seekersandthoselookingtoconnectwith nature Exploretheriverbycanoeorkayakand immerseyourselfinthetranquilsurroundings TheWhanganuiRiverJourney,amulti-day experience,takesyouthroughstunning landscapes,Māorihistory,andancientforests Campalongtheriverbankandenjoystarry nightsundertheexpansivesky,areminderof nature’sgrandeur Ifyou’relookingforsomethingalittledifferent thissummer,thesedestinationsprovide aperfectblendofadventure,culture,and tranquility Sopackyourbagsandprepareto uncoverthebeautyandcharmofNewZealand’s lesser-knownwonders Whetheryou’resipping alocalbrew,hikingthroughancientforests, orimmersingyourselfinthevibrantartscene, someremarkabletreasuresawait
Taranaki Napier
Raglan
Whanganui
StewartIsland
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Connections: The Heartbeat of Our Lives Aswemovethroughlife,thevalueofourconnections withothersbecomesincreasinglyclear Theserelationshipsareourtruesocial currency,andit’sthroughcommunication thatwemaintainanddeepenthem Whether it’saheartfeltconversationwithalovedone,a chatwithafriendwhileoutshopping,orenjoying alivelydinnerinabustlingrestaurant,these momentsarewhatenrichourlives
However,hearinglosscanmakethese connectionsmorechallenging,particularlyin noisyenvironments Whatwereonceeffortless conversationscanbecomefrustratingandisolating experiences
TheFutureofHearing:AudéoSphereInfinio ThisSeptember,agroundbreakinginnovationin hearingtechnologyisarrivinginNewZealand PhonakisintroducingtheInfinioplatform, featuringtheAudéoSphereInfinio theworld’sfirst hearingaidequippedwithadedicatedreal-timeAI chipcalledDEEPSONIC,designedspecificallyfor separatingspeechfromnoise Thistechnologyis agame-changerforthosewhohavestruggledto hearclearlyinnoisysettings
TheAudéoSphereInfinioisnotjustanother hearingaid;itrepresentsarevolutioninhowwe experiencesound With53timesmoreprocessing powerthanpreviouslyseenintheindustry1,this devicemakesdynamic,real-timeadjustments, allowinguserstohearconversationswith unprecedentedclarity,nomatterthedirectionof thesound.Imaginebeinginacrowdedrestaurant andhearingtheconversationclearlywithease that’stheexperiencetheAudéoSphereInfinio delivers
Infact,usersoftheAudéoSphereInfinioaretwo tothreetimesmorelikelytounderstandspeech fromanydirectioncomparedtootherleading hearingaids2 Thismakesitatruebreakthrough foranyonestrugglingtokeepupinnoisy environments
Reflectingonhis25-yearscareerinaudiology, DavidCrowhen,AudiologistandCommercial andOperationsDirectorforSonovaNewZealand (Wholesale)Ltdsaid:
“I’velistenedtocountlesshearingaidsas technologyhasdevelopedovertime,butthe AudéoSphereInfinioistrulyone-of-a-kind It’sas ifthisdevicecreatesashieldaroundyou,filtering outdistractingnoiseandallowingyoutofocus entirelyontheconversation Theexcitement aroundthistechnologyisunprecedented,and, throughpartneringwithhearingcareprofessionals acrossNewZealand,weareexcitedtobringthis revolutionarysolutiontothosewhoneeditmost” Phonak’sInfinioplatform,alongsidetheAudéo SphereInfinio,isusheringinaneweraofhearing technology.Thisisn’tjustaboutimprovingsound quality it’saboutenhancingthequalityoflifeby makingiteasiertomaintainthoseall-important connections
Asweage,stayingconnectedwithourloved onesandcommunitybecomesevenmorecrucial WithinnovationsliketheAudéoSphereInfinio, Phonakisensuringthattheseconnectionsremain strong,clear,andvibrant,nomatterwherelife takesus Readytoexperiencethefutureofhearing? Learnmoreatwww.phonak.co.nz.
References 1 PressRelease:Sonovaannouncestwonewhearngaidplatforms ncludngthefirsthearngaidwithreal-timeAItoaddressmostpressing needinhearnglosshttps://wwwsonovacom/en/sonova-announces-two-new-hearng-aid-platforms-including-frst-hearing-aid-real-time-ai-address 2 Wright A Kuehne V Keler M Seitz-Paquette K Latzel M (2024) “SphercSpeechClartyapplesDNNsigna processingtosignificantyimprovespeech understandingfromanydirectionandreducethelisteningeffort PhonakFieldStudyNewsretrievedfromhttps://wwwphonakcom/evidence
Fantastic New Zealand walks Regardlessofyourageorability,summeristhe seasonforgettingintothegreatoutdoors Butifyou wanttotramponeofourcountry’sGreatWalks,you maybeinforasurprise
NotonlydomanyofourGreatWalksbook outmonthsinadvance(theyareinhigh demandbyKiwisandoverseasvisitors, alike),buttheyarenottheinexpensivehikes theyoncewere HutsontheMilfordTrack,in thesummerseason,commandawhopping $78anightforeveryone18yearsandover,and mosttrampersspend3nightsonthetrail But beforehangingupyourhikingboots,wehave someothersuggestionsforenjoyingthemany wonderfulwalksNewZealandhastooffer Andchancesare,whenyouarriveatyourhut, campsite,oryourdaywalkpicnicspot,youmay betheonlyonesthere!
Goingup
Ifyou’refitasafiddle,anexperiencedtramper, andenjoyachallenge,therearesomefabulous hikesthattakeyoutostunningsub-alpine country Twoofthebestcanbefoundinthe
beautifulMatukitukiValleyinCentralOtago ThefirstisFrenchRidgeTrackwitha20bedhut situatedjustbelowthesnowline Viewsfrom herearespectacular,andit’sagreat‘people watching’spotasclimbersarrive,ladenwith geartouseonthenextlegoftheirjourney PerchingontheothersideoftheMatukituki ValleyisLiverpoolHut Slipperywhenwet,this trackisonefortheadvancedhikertotacklein summer,whenthetussockisgoldenandthe screeslopesshinelikesilver BothLiverpooland FrenchRidgehutsarebestapproachedafter firstovernightinginAspiringHut,ontheflats below Whicheverhutyouheadto,maketime toenjoythecheekykeathatareboundtogreet you Relax!
Ifyouhavesomeexperienceoftramping,and you’remoderatelyfit,you’reprobablylooking
forahikeofnomorethan3or4hoursoneway –andwithacomfybedattheendofit New Zealandhasloadsofscenicwalksthatfitthis description,andthehikeintobeautifulLake DanielsintheLewisPassisoneofthem.Passing throughstunningbeechforest,theclimax ofthehikeisthetranquillakeitself Aquick dipisagreatwaytocooloffinsummer,and ifyouenjoyfishing,don’tforgettopackyour collapsiblerod,andtryyourluckatprovidinga troutfordinner!Dowatchoutforwasps–they canbeaproblemintheLewisPassarea Whileitcanbedisappointingtofindout,huts andtracksontheVolcanicPlateauarelargely bookedoutovertheheightofsummer,oryou don’thavequitethefitnesstotacklethem,a do-ablevolcanicexperienceisstillpossibleif youheadtoRangitotoIsland Taketheferry fromdowntownAuckland,andarriveina wonderlandofvolcanicrubble,andforeststill re-establishingafterthelastbigblow Both longerandshorterwalksawait,sodoyour planningcarefully–andbesuretobebackin timetomeettheferryhome!
Easie-peasie
Achievabledaywalksareagreatwayto introducethegrandkidstoyourloveofthe outdoors Fitthemoutwithadaypackanda
picniclunch,andbuildinplentyoftimefor enjoyablestops TheentrancetothelittleknownTuhawaiki(Jack’s)PointLighthouse trackcanbefoundatthesouthernendof Timaru.Thiswell-formedtrailiseasy-as, andholdsloadsofhistory Itmeanders,first, throughstunningwetlandbeforefollowingthe coasttothelighthouse Asteadyone-waywalk willtakeanhour,butthereissomuchtosee, frommarshlandbirdstoseals,thistrailcan easilyuseuphalfaday,especiallyifyoueat lunchalongtheway Do-ablebythelittleones,yetfeelinglikea hikethroughamysteriouswonderland,are severalshortwalksintheLakeWaikaremoana region Baseyourselfattheholidayparkclose totheĀniwaniwaVisitorCentre,andprepareto enteralandofmist,andforestdrapedinlichen Broody,moody,andstunninglyuntouched,you andyourswillleavetheregionfeelinglikeyou havediscoveredAotearoaalloveragain! Thissummer,there’snoneedtotaketo thecrowdedtrailstofindthebestoutdoor experiencesourcountryhastooffer! Note:alwaysresearchyourtrailsthoroughly throughofficialsitesbeforeleavinghome, checktheweather,dressappropriately,and stayup-to-datewithwarningsandalerts
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Fivereasonstouseatravelagent Inanagewherebookingtravelhasneverbeen easierwithafewclicks,youmightwonderwhy anyonewouldchoosetouseatravelagent.
Afterall,websiteslikeExpediaand Airbnbofferinstantaccessto thousandsofoptionsatthetipof yourfingers.However,thereareseveral compellingreasonswhymanytravellers stilloptfortheexpertiseandsupportofa professionaltravelagentwhenplanningtheir trips.
1.ExpertGuidanceandPersonalisation
Oneofthebiggestadvantagesofusinga travelagentistheexpertguidancethey provide.Travelagentsareprofessionalswho specialiseindestinations,hotels,excursions, andexperiences.Whetheryou’replanning aluxurygetaway,afamilyvacation,ora complexmulti-destinationitinerary,agents bringdeepknowledgeoftheplacesyou’re considering.
Thisexpertiseallowsthemtooffer personalisedrecommendationsthatyou mightnotfindinanonlinesearch.Theycan adviseonthebesttimestovisit,suggest uniquelocalexperiences,andhelpyou avoidcommonpitfalls.Forexample,an agentmightinformyouthataparticular destinationisundergoingconstruction, oradviseagainstvisitingduringcertain weatherconditions,helpingyouavoid disappointmentonceyou’rethere.
2.Time-SavingConvenience Planningatrip,especiallyamoreintricate one,canbeincrediblytime-consuming. Researchingflights,accommodations, activities,andtransportationoptionscan quicklybecomeoverwhelming,especially whentryingtocomparepricesacross multipleplatforms.Travelagentsstreamline theprocessbyhandlingtheheavyliftingfor you.
Notonlycantheysaveyouhoursof research,buttheycanalsohelpyouprioritise andmanageyourtimeeffectively.Instead ofsiftingthroughpagesofsearchresults, youragentwillpresentyouwithtailored optionsthatsuityourneeds,significantly cuttingdownthedecision-makingtime.This isparticularlyusefulforbusyprofessionals orfamilieswhosimplydon’thavethe bandwidthtoplaneverydetailthemselves.
3.ValueandCostSavings
Whileitmightseemcounterintuitive, bookingthroughatravelagentcan sometimesbemoreaffordablethangoing theDIYroute.Travelagentsoftenhaveaccess toexclusivedeals,grouprates,orpackages thataren’treadilyavailabletothepublic. Theymayalsobeabletosecurediscounts foractivitiesorupgrades,thankstolong-
standingrelationshipswithairlines,hotels, andtouroperators.
Additionally,agentscanhelpyouavoid commonbookingmistakesthatcouldleadto unexpectedexpenses,likechoosingahotel inthewrongpartoftownornotfactoring inhiddenresortfees.Theycanalsoprovide insightintowhereyoumightbeableto splurgeandwhereyoucansave,ensuring yougetthemostvalueforyourmoney.
4.PeaceofMindandSupport Oneofthestrongestargumentsforusing atravelagentisthepeaceofmindthey provide.Ifsomethinggoeswrongduring yourtrip—whetherit’saflightdelay,a missedconnection,orachangeinyour accommodation—youragentistheretohelp. Manyagentsoffer24/7supportduringyour travels,meaningthatyou’llhavesomeoneto contactifissuesarise,whetherit’storebook
aflightorfindalternativeaccommodations. Thisisparticularlyimportantfortravellers goingtounfamiliardestinationsorforthose whomaynotbecomfortabledealingwith logisticsontheirown.Incontrast,whenyou bookeverythingyourselfonline,you’reoften lefttohandleemergenciesonyourown, withoutthesamelevelofbackup.
5.Stress-FreePlanningforComplex Itineraries
Fortravellersplanningcomplextrips,such ashoneymoons,multi-countrytours,or groupvacations,travelagentsareinvaluable. Theycancoordinateeverythingfromflights tocarrentalstoactivities,ensuringthat eachpieceofthepuzzlefitsperfectly.Their abilitytojugglevariouscomponentsofa tripcanalleviatethestressthatcomeswith managingsuchintricatelogistics.
Forlifeonthego Don’tletyourweakbladderlimityourlifestyle.Aclever Kiwiinnovationgivesyouthefreedomandconfidence totravelwhereveryouwant,wheneveryouwant.
ForsomeNewZealanders,theideaof goingonholidayisanythingbutrelaxing. Ifyou’reamongtheoneinthreewomen andoneinfivemenwhopeealittlewhenthey sneeze,cough,laughorliftsomethingheavy, youmightfeellikeit’ssafertojuststayhome.
Youmightplanyouritineraryaroundaccess totoiletfacilities,orevendecidenottotake atourorcruisebecauseofallthehygiene productsyou’dneedtopack.
Now,thankstocleverKiwiingenuity,you don’thavetoletyourweakbladderruleyour life.
KiwicompanyConfitexbelievesnobody shouldliveinfearoflife’slittleleaks,so they’vecreatedJust’nCaseabsorbentbriefs forfemaleperiodsandlightbladderleaks, andConfitexforMenleakprooftrunksfor lightmaleincontinence.Soldonlyonlineat theofficialwebsiteconfitex.co.nz,they’re high-qualityfabricunderwearwiththebonus ofadiscreetpanelofConfitex’sworld-leading absorbentandleakprooftextiletechnology rightwhereit’sneeded.
Designedtobeworneverydayandat night,theycanbehandormachinewashed andlineortumbledriedjustlikeordinary undies(althoughtheydotakealittlelongerto dry–aboutthesameasathickpairofsports socks).
They’retheperfecttravelcompanionif you’relookingforreassuranceonlongplane journeys,orcomfortandconveniencewhen you’resightseeing.Theycomeinarangeof
styles,colours,fabricsandsizes–andarange ofabsorbenciestosuitlight-to-moderate leakage.
Initiallyinventedwitheliteendurance athletesinmind,theConfitexforMenand Just’nCaserangesaretheonlyabsorbent underwearthathavebeenindependently verifiedbyinternationalstandardslaboratory ULacrossarangeofmeasures,including leakproofing,absorbencycapacity,odour resistance,durabilityandabsenceof potentiallyharmfulPFASchemicals.
Notonlyareabsorbentunderwearmore comfortable,discreetandenvironmentally friendlythansingle-usepadsandguards,but becauseyouwearthemagainandagainyou savemoneyinthelongrun.
TheConfitexteamrecommendsbuyingone pairtotestathomewellbeforeyourvacation. Thenonceyou’resurethatyou’vegottheright absorbencyandsize,youcanstockupon enoughforyourtrip.“Incontinencecanbea veryisolatingconditiontolivewith.Everyday wehearfrommenandwomenwhosayour underwearhasgiventhemtheconfidenceand freedomtolivetheirbestlife.”
TobenefitfromConfitex’snewstyles, mostup-to-datetechnologyandexcellent customerservice,makesureyouorderfrom theofficialwebsitebytypingconfitex.co.nz intotheaddressfieldofyourbrowser.Ifyou haveanyqueriesaboutConfitexproducts pleaseemailinfo@confitex.co.nz
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