Cruising is one of the oldest forms of travel, but in the modern era it's often seen as something for retirees to do.

That's all changing though, with the number of cruise passengers growing by the year, and the average age is dropping at the same time. So today, we're talking all things cruising and giving you all the information you need if you are considering one, heading on your first cruise, or for those experienced cruisers we’ll find out some of the trends for 2025 and what we can expect from the cruising industry. 

And to do that, Lorna is joined by Joel Katz, the Australasia Managing Director for the Cruise Lines International Association.

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This week, Lorna is talking about all things foodie travel - otherwise known as culinary or gastronomy tourism. And she is joined by the perfect guest in Peta Mathias - food writer, TV presenter, producer of food and travel shows, and has led gastronomic tours around the world!

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Most of us don’t like to think about our big overseas adventure going wrong. So much planning, money and time goes into these trips, but the reality is, anything can happen to impact your trip. 

Whether it be airline issues, natural disasters, medical events or theft, you need to know you are covered if the worst does happen.

Today, Lorna is getting advice, tips and tricks from inside the industry, with Sales Director at Allianz Partners, David Wallace.

This season is sponsored by AA Travel Insurance. 

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Multi-stopping is tipped to be one of up and coming travel trends for 2025. It’s pretty much getting two or more destinations into your holidays for the price of one – adding in stopovers to and from your main destination when flying long haul.

To discuss how to best get the most of our holiday, this week Lorna is joined by travel bloggeratlarge Megan Singleton to discuss which cities and countries are best to transit through and get that extra holiday.

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Australia is such a natural destination for Kiwis too visit - but how many of us have explored outside the usual go to’s of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or the Gold Coast? Aren't we all a little guilty of sticking to those tried and true destinations?

Today, Lorna is joined by Chris Zeiher, a spokesperson and writer for Lonely Planet in the Asia Pacific Region.  He’s based in Melbourne but an avid traveller and an expert on all that Australia has to offer – including those ‘off the beaten path’ suggestions for travelling across the ditch. 

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In the first episode of the new season, Lorna Riley is joined by Kiwi Below Deck star Aesha Scott, to discuss her life on the high seas working on super yachts and what really goes on behind the scenes. And she helps us kick off the new season by sharing some of her top travel destinations - and the places she'll never go back to again! 

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New episodes of Trip Notes with host Lorna Riley out every Tuesday from March 4th.

Proudly supported by AA Travel Insurance. 

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Best Beach is back for 2025, presented by Fruju. New Trip Notes host Lorna Riley is joined by comedian Eli Matthewson (new show Heaven's Devil) and Find My Country House New Zealand host Matt Gibb to discuss their picks for the best family-friendly, city, surf, hidden gem and camping beach in the country. 

To read more about the Best Beach campaign and have your say, go to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach. Nominations close January 12th. 

A new season of Trip Notes returns in early March. 

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In this special bonus episode of Trip Notes, the Herald Travel team is once again looking for New Zealand's Best Beach - this time with support from Fruju, NZ's favourite ice block.

To get the ideas ball rolling, NZ Herald Lifestyle and Travel editor Stephanie Holmes is joined by Celebrity Treasure Island finalist Turia Schmidt-Peke, and Small Town Scandal host Tom Sainsbury, to get their ideas.

To nominate and vote, head to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach

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It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us here at Trip Notes, but we are back for a special bonus episode thanks to New Zealand’s favourite ice cream Tip Top in order to celebrate New Zealand’s Best Beach! But we need your help – we want you to tell us your favourite beaches around Aotearoa as part of the Herald’s Best Beach campaign. 

We last crowned a winner back in 2021, when Ōhope voted New Zealand’s best beach. Now we’re letting Kiwis pick their favourites once again, and this year, we’ve extended our search to five special categories. You can find out more, and nominate your favourites, at nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach 

In this episode, NZ Herald Travel editor Stephanie Holmes talks to Damien Venuto, host of The Front Page, and Jenni Mortimer, lifestyle editor and co-host of One Day You’ll Thank Me, about their favourite beaches - plus, hear from some notable Kiwis as well! 

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