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Cheapflights.co.nz Research Reveals a Quarter of Kiwis Wish for a White Christmas

Thursday 10 December 2015, 12:40PM

By KP Communications Ltd

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Navigating trains, planes and automobiles to get to your holiday destination can be tough at the best of times but the silly season brings with it a whole other level of complexity. December is a month of seemingly non-stop office parties, gatherings and get-togethers, culminating with the usual over indulgence on Christmas Day. The result is often a sore head, bloated stomach, exhaustion and everything in between – not great when you’re about to set off on an adventure.

And adventure is on the cards for New Zealand travellers this Christmas. According to research from Cheapflights.co.nz, around one quarter (23 per cent) of Kiwis planning a Christmas break have been looking to the Northern Hemisphere for a White Christmas, with countries in Europe, North America, and Scandinavia high on the search list. One in seven travellers (14 per cent) is planning to cross the Tasman to Australia for warmer weather and sunny shores.

The research also shows that the dates New Zealanders are planning to depart on are right in the thick of celebrations. Domestically, locals are most likely to fly out between 21 to 25 December, with 23 December the most popular departure date. For international jetsetters, 19 and 18 December are the key outbound dates, followed closely by 23-25 December.

Fortunately, thanks to a few tips and tricks from Cheapflights.co.nz, you can get in to the spirit of things while also being 100% travel ready this Christmas.

1. Pack the feel-good essentials

Sunglasses are a must when you’re not looking or feeling the best, so start with those and then add headphones, preferably noise-cancelling ones to reduce noise levels around you. A good survival pack should also include aspirin, something dry and salty and something sweet (just in case!), stomach meds and other over-the-counter remedies which can usually be found at any airport newsstand or pharmacy.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Increasing your fluids is the best way to combat the effects of festive season revelry and the dry airplane atmosphere. Crystal-clear water is the best but if you need an extra boost, try Gatorade to restore those all-important electrolytes. Travelling by air can add to dehydration as can hotel air con, so start the day with a good 600ml of water and take advantage of every water fountain you see. While flying, be sure to ask the flight attendant for an extra juice or water when the beverage cart comes by.

3. Boost your immune system

Over indulging can be a menace for digestive health. One of the best ways to get on the front foot when travelling is to take a probiotic supplement containing ‘good bacteria’ that help to regulate your digestive system. This could also help you feel less queasy during your trip.

4. Don't run on empty

Even if your appetite is shot, you have to make yourself eat something. Crackers, toast, a banana and other plain items usually aren't too tough on your stomach and will help lay the foundation for a more substantial meal. Avoid the many unhealthy options so easily available when traveling and try to find something healthy, like a high-quality sandwich or salad. If you can’t bring yourself to stomach a full meal, stick with snacks. Nuts will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and also bring in additional nutrients.

5. Avoid reading at all costs

You may not notice it but reading while you’re in motion can contribute to an already-existing feeling of queasiness, especially if you’re in the back seat of a vehicle. Stash the book or magazine away until you start to feel better. If you can’t give up your celebrity mag or the inflight read, then Dramamine is one option that helps to cure motion sickness quickly.

For more tips or to book your own getaway, visit Cheapflights.co.nz.     

 

CHEAPFLIGHTS – www.cheapflights.co.nz

Founded in 1996, Cheapflights is a leading global flight comparison and deals publishing platform dedicated to taking the complexity out of finding the best value flights through the application of innovative, intuitive technologies: Smart search. Made simple. It is now a market leader in the UK, US, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand generating over NZ $4.5 billion (£2 billion) in global downstream revenue for its partners as it expands in to numerous other territories. Over 120 million users visit its websites and apps each year, receiving more than two billion search results a month from across 900,000 routes. The 10 million strong opt-in subscribers to the Cheapflights newsletter received over 1.25 billion targeted emails during 2015, offering the best deals from over 120 travel businesses – for whom it has driven more than NZ $90 million (£40 million) in revenue this year. Together, the Cheapflights platforms generate enough bookings for its partners to fill a Boeing 747 every five minutes.

In 2011, Cheapflights became part of the privately-­‐owned online travel search and inspiration network, Momondo Group.

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