Welcome to Smarter Travel: Your Guide with BookMyTrip
Travel planning can feel overwhelming — flight options, visa rules, baggage policies, changing itineraries — that’s where BookMyTrip steps in. Our mission is to equip Kiwi travelers (and friends abroad) with everything they need to know so your next trip is seamless from click to touchdown. In this guide, you’ll find: Key tips for booking smarter How to use BookMyTrip tools effectively What to watch out for in your itinerary Post booking steps and travel reminders Let’s get started. 1. Before You Book: Research & Preparation a. Be Flexible — Dates, Routes & Airports Flexibility is one of the most powerful ways to save money. See if you can alter your dates or airports (departure or arrival). Occasionally it pays to fly from, or into, a nearby airport. b. Compare, Don’t Rely on Just One Source While BookMyTrip compares a range of airlines and fares, it’s wise to cross check with airline websites directly. Airlines sometimes run exclusive promotions not listed via third party aggregators. c. Be aware of Visa & Entry Regulations Check visa, transit and COVID or health requirement rules before booking international flights. A super cheap fare is no good at all if your visa gets turned down. Always leave additional time in your schedule for buffering. 2. Using BookMyTrip: Tools & Tips a. Flight Search & Filters On our site, you can enter origin, destination, travel dates, and passenger count. Use filters to refine by: Price Duration / number of stops Preferred airlines Departure / arrival times This helps you quickly zone in on flight options that match your priorities. b. Payment Details & Fees We accept New Zealand–issued credit cards. Note that: Visa and Mastercard incur around a 2% fee American Express carries a 3% fee Always check the final breakdown before you hit “pay” to avoid surprises. c. Managing & Modifying Your Booking After booking: You’ll receive a confirmation email with your e ticket. To change dates or request refunds, contact us via the “Contact Us” form or email support@bookmytrip.co.nz. If needed, reconfirm your reservation with the airline 72 hours before departure. 3. Travel Smart tips and best practices a. Arrival Times & Check in For New Zealand domestic services: check-in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. For international flights: add 3 hours at the airport. Utilize online check in to avoid standing in line where available. b. Excess baggage and other fees Every airline has its luggage policies. Check your free luggage allowance before you book. If you have plans to add on weight (of baggage), often it’s better to pay for some of those indulgences in advance rather than at the airport. c. Keep Updated on Changes Flights can also change for a hundred different reasons — weather, operational issues and so on. Be sure to monitor your email, check airline alerts and have your itinerary accessible. d. Alerts: Buying Deals Via Notifications Subscribe to fare alerts, newsletters and offers Sign up for fare alerts, newsletters and deals. BookMyTrip now and then releases “hot deals” and exclusive fares. 4. Sample Use Case: Flying from Auckland to Delhi Let’s walk through a hypothetical: You enter Auckland → Delhi, travel dates, number of passengers. You see multiple options (non stop, 1 stop, multiple airlines). Use filters (e.g. “least stops”, “lowest price”) to shortlist. Once you pick, check baggage, layover times, and cancellation policy. Pay via your NZ card (with the applicable fee).• Receive confirmation.• Before departure, confirm with the airline and check in online. This is the smooth path — with the tools BookMyTrip gives you, you can avoid surprises and make confident choices. 5. Why Choose BookMyTrip? Ease & Simplicity: A clear, user friendly interface to find and book flights. Competitive Pricing: We aim to bring you deals, including one way fares, across routes. Support: Our travel advisers are available to help with changes, queries, or issues. 6. Final Checklist Before You Fly Confirm your flight & check for changes Check visa, passport validity, and any health requirements Confirm luggage rules & pay for extras (if needed) Print or download boarding pass Have contact info for BookMyTrip and the airline handy Frequently asked questions: How do I get an airfare quote? Send us email to get a quote support@bookmytrip.co.nz (Please mention about source and destination places and also dates, number of adults enquiry will be more efficient ) How can I book or confirm a flight? Go to BookMyTrip→ enter your travel details → flight of choice → payment. You’ll get a confirmation email with an e‑ticket. We advise that you reconfirm your flight with the airline at least 72 hours prior to travel. Am I able to book a flight if I am travelling from outside of New Zealand? No — flights are required to first depart from within New Zealand. Can I check in online and print off my boarding pass? Yes — most airlines allow self check in on their website. If your airline doesn’t offer it, you will have to check in at the airport. How far in advance should I get to the airport? Domestic flights: minimum of 90 minutes before departure. For international-flights: 3 hours before departure.
Hidden Gems: Offbeat Travel Destinations
Traveling is not just about visiting the most popular spots or ticking off famous landmarks from your bucket list. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from exploring offbeat destinations that are less crowded but equally enchanting. Here are some hidden gems around the world that promise unique adventures and unforgettable memories. 1. Svalbard, Norway Tucked away in the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard is a remote archipelago known for its stunning polar landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Visit in the summer for the Midnight Sun or winter for a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis. Don’t miss a snowmobile safari or a guided tour to see polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses in their natural habitat. 2. Chefchaouen, Morocco Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a picturesque town famous for its blue-washed buildings and vibrant streets. This serene destination offers a peaceful escape with its relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views. Wander through the medina, shop for local handicrafts, and hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic vistas of the town and surrounding landscape. 3. Salento, Colombia Known as the gateway to the Cocora Valley, Salento is a charming town in Colombia’s coffee region. The Cocora Valley is home to the world’s tallest palm trees, the Quindío wax palms, which create a surreal landscape against the backdrop of lush green mountains. Take a horseback ride or hike through the valley, and don’t forget to visit a local coffee farm to learn about Colombia’s coffee-making process. 4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Plovdiv offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Explore the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, stroll through the charming old town with its cobblestone streets and colorful houses, and enjoy the vibrant arts scene. Plovdiv is also a European Capital of Culture, offering numerous festivals and events throughout the year. 5. Kotor, Montenegro Situated on the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a hidden gem with a stunning fjord-like bay surrounded by towering mountains. The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with narrow streets, historic churches, and charming squares. Hike up to the ancient fortress for breathtaking views of the bay, and take a boat trip to the nearby Blue Cave or the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. 6. Matera, Italy Matera, located in the southern region of Basilicata, is famous for its ancient cave dwellings known as “Sassi.” These rock-cut structures date back to the Paleolithic era and have been transformed into unique homes, hotels, and restaurants. Wander through the labyrinthine streets, visit the rock churches adorned with frescoes, and experience the magical atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. 7. Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An is a charming town on Vietnam’s central coast, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring wooden Chinese shophouses, French colonial buildings, and ornate temples. Take a leisurely bike ride through the surrounding countryside, visit the bustling markets, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. 8. Bled, Slovenia Lake Bled, with its emerald-green waters and fairy-tale island, is a postcard-perfect destination in Slovenia. The town of Bled offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rowing, and swimming. Visit the iconic Bled Castle perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, and take a traditional Pletna boat to the island to ring the wishing bell at the Church of the Assumption. 9. Gjirokastër, Albania Known as the “City of Stone,” Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved Ottoman-era old town. The city’s distinctive architecture features stone houses with slate roofs, narrow cobbled streets, and a medieval fortress. Explore the ethnographic museums, visit the Gjirokastër Castle, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this hidden gem. 10. Luang Prabang, Laos Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a tranquil town nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Known for its well-preserved temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant night markets, Luang Prabang offers a serene escape. Participate in the traditional alms-giving ceremony at dawn, explore the Kuang Si Waterfalls, and take a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves. Exploring these offbeat destinations will not only provide you with unique experiences but also allow you to appreciate the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories that make our world so fascinating. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to discover these hidden gems!