Starting in 2010, Air New Zealand will begin new direct flights from Sydney to Raratonga, Cook Islands.  The flights will run from July – October as a trial period to gauge demand and see if the route is commercially viable.

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Island Name: Aitutaki

Island Chain: Cook Islands

Official Language: Cook Island Maori (but English is spoken throughout)

Where to Stay:
Etu Moana – the #1 rated Aitutaki hotel on Tripadvisor.com, Etu Moana is situated on a beautiful lagoon with a friendly and accommodating staff

Pacific Resort Aituaki – rated #2 on Tripadvisor.com, this resort offers luxury accomodations and service

Local Cuisine: Parrotfish; rukau (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), tupa (local land crabs), umukai (traditional barbeque)

When to Go: June to October, when the weather is cooler and drier.  The rainy season runs from December through March. Whale season is September and October.

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Book from today through October 16, 2009 and get up to $2000 additional savings per couple on Paul Gauguin cruises! This offer is valid for seven of their sailings:

• Tahiti & the Society Islands: 7-night voyages from only $1,898. Departing February 20, 27; March 6, 2010.
• Society Islands & Tuamotus: 10- night voyage from only $2,198. Departing January 30, 2010.
• Cook Islands & Society Islands: 11-night voyage from only $3,245. Departing April 6, 2010.
• Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands: 14-night voyage from only $3,498. Departing January 16, March 13, 2010.

Full details on all current offers are available at the Paul Gauguin Cruises site, www.pgcruises.com.

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In its October 2009 issue, Travel + Leisure names 20 spots around the globe for its “World’s Sexiest Affordable Destinations” list. The Cook Islands land at #18 as a budget-friendly alternative to their more expensive Polynesian neighbors, Tahiti and Bora Bora.  See full details here!

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Here’s an interesting promotion to increase tourism – the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is offering cash back to U.S. and Canadian travelers who visit their islands through February 2010. You can get a $100 rebate per person, $200 per couple and $400 per family of four.

Using a rebate to encourage vacation bookings is certainly a unique approach and one that’s more often associated with electronics, software or other immediate purchases. It’ll be interesting to see whether this is a one-time gimmick or if it actually works.

Full details and the rebate form can be found at: http://www.cookislandsrebate.com/

What do you think of this deal? Does it make you more interested in checking out the Cook Islands?

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