 Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource |
Cook Islands: Rarotonga, Away for the Holidays - The South Pacific with Your Kids.  'Kia orana' (kee-ya or-rana) is a dual purpose word meaning both 'hello' in the Cook Island language and 'thanks'. It may be useful for anyone taking advantage of a travel deal offering cash back to U.S. and Canadian travelers who visit their islands in the South Pacific from now through February 2010.
Admittedly the Cook Islands do not often appear on the radar screen when it comes to planning a family vacation. But I have learned about a super deal being offered to families who want to experience the “authentic” South Pacific. The island nation offers a soothing, off-the-beaten-path family vacation definitely with bragging rights. Island time includes variety of beach and water activities including snorkeling, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, sea kayaking and glass bottom boat tours. Away from the beach enjoy horseback, hiking, nature walks, 4WD safari tours, and secret waterfalls for swimming. Ride in a vaka (outrigger canoe); learn to dance the famous Cook Islands ura (hula); make a fresh flower ei garland (lei); go moko spotting. Imagine counting friendly reef fish in a blue lagoon; relaxing in a hammock strung between coconut palms; snorkeling in Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve by day or night; play Petanque / Bocce Ball beside an island stream.
Here’ the deal. The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is offering $400 cash back per family of four, or $200 per couple for spending your vacation time in the Cook Islands. Get the details and book now at www.cookislandsrebate.com
Redeeming is simple:  First book your trip to the Cook Islands through Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.com or your preferred travel provider. Then enjoy your holiday to the Cook Islands including the benefit of a great exchange rate $1USD = $1.50NZD and the prospect of some cash back when you get home. Upon your return, complete and send in your claim form along with your boarding pass(es) found at www.cookislandsrebate.com and receive $100USD per person. Travel must be booked now through November 24, 2009 and completed by February 28, 2010. Since the exchange rate to the Cook Islands is so low, you can rest easy with these prices – you'll find breakfast for as little as $5USD, a multi-course meal including wine for under $30USD and a scuba dive for as low as $50USD.
Family friendly pillow spot: According to tourism officials the island is safe and family friendly offering a variety of hotels are kid friendly benefits. For example: The Rarotongan Beach Resort perched directly off Aroa Beach offers a “kids stay and play free” program and there’s Moko’s Kids Club on site. Backpackers International Hostel a short stroll from a clear turquoise blue lagoon and white sandy beach offers guests three-bed dorms or double/twin rooms and the unique benefit of community space. Muri Beachcomber has a two-bedroom family friendly garden unit with patio and BBQ plus use of kayaks, and snorkeling gear at no charge.
Where on the planet: Unless you live with a 10-year-old and have a globe in the family room you may not really know where to locate the tiny islands. I have a hint. Think south of Hawaii (way south) and one time zone east of Fiji. Rarotonga, the largest of the fifteen Cook Islands, is the arrival point for all international airlines and is the hub for tourist activity, local commerce and population. It is a volcanic island with lush tropical vegetation, stunning mountains, white sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons.
About the Cook Islands: Only a 9 ½ hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles and just a 2-hour time difference from the west coast, in the Cook Islands you can escape the rush and clutter of everyday life, choosing simply to relax and absorb the vibrantly natural environment, sun-soaked beaches and a unique culture. The currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar, making it quite possibly the best-value holiday destination anywhere. The current exchange rate is $1 US = $1.50 NZ, making the Cook Islands an affordable getaway for the U.S. traveler. Perfect for honeymooners, adventure-seekers, families and those who wish to get away from it all; the Cook Islands have something for everyone! Rarotonga, Cook Islands, is just 3 ½ hours flying time from Auckland, New Zealand. Need to know: Departure Tax = NZ$25 or NZ$10 under 12 years, infants free. Bonus points: Additional savings on tours, activities and rentals may be found at www.Pacific-Travel-Guises.com
About Air New Zealand:  Air New Zealand has taken luxury to new heights with the newly refurbished aircraft featuring extra legroom and more than 400-hours of in-flight entertainment at every seat. Air New Zealand offers a uniquely ‘kiwi' style of service, providing all passengers with complimentary authentic New Zealand food & wine. As a Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand passengers can earn points and redeem awards on all Star Alliance airlines. For more information about cheap fares to New Zealand and other destinations, please visit www.airnewzealand.com
Make it happen: For the bigger picture the Cook Islands Tourism website is: www.cookislands.travel
Content and images provided by Cook Island Tourism; comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor FTF. Copyright 2009.
|
