If you're flying all the way to the other side of the world, you want to make the most of it!
Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji are three of my favourite destinations, and I've been lucky enough to visit each of them several times.
Just before Covid started, I was invited by the New Zealand Tourism Board and spent three incredible weeks exploring the country. From the breathtaking Milford Sound and the Southern Alps to the turquoise lakes around Lake Tekapo, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, and the glaciers on the South Island, New Zealand completely stole my heart. A few years earlier, I combined Australia's east coast with a relaxing beach holiday in Fiji, and on another trip I returned to Australia to explore the west coast and finally visit the iconic Uluru.
Australia is incredibly diverse, with vibrant cities, unique wildlife, beautiful beaches, rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback. New Zealand is a paradise for nature lovers, offering some of the most spectacular landscapes I've ever seen. Fiji is the perfect place to unwind after all the adventures, with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.
Of course, every itinerary depends on your available time and your travel style—but that's where I can help. Whether you have two weeks or a month, I'll help you put together the perfect combination to suit your budget, interests, and travel dreams.
💬 What one of my clients had to say
"We had the best time in Australia & Fiji. Jasmina put the full package together seamlessly and even when we wanted to alter the trip slightly, she managed it! We spent the full month there and enjoyed every minute of it, although the jet lag was driving me a little crazy 🤪!! It was a pleasure dealing with her and would have no hesitation in using her services again. Thanks again Jasmina."
— Marc Tholey
Before You Go
Break up the long journey
The flights are long, but the good news is that you can often include a stopover without paying much more. Why not spend a few days exploring vibrant Singapore, visit the Great Wall of China, or experience the incredible markets and street food in Bangkok before continuing your adventure? It makes the journey much more enjoyable and gives you another destination to tick off your bucket list!
Money
There's no need to exchange cash before your trip. Australia and New Zealand are almost completely cashless, and you can pay by card virtually everywhere.
Don't be shocked by the prices at first! Seeing a beer for 12 Australian dollars sounds expensive, but that's roughly €6–7 depending on the exchange rate. Alcohol (and even soft drinks) are heavily taxed in Australia and New Zealand, so prices are generally higher than in Europe.
Customs
Do not bring fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, meat, seeds, or similar food items. Australia and New Zealand have some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world, and fines can be significant. If you're unsure about something, just ask me before you travel.
Dangerous animals 🐊?
Yes, Australia has plenty of animals that can be dangerous—but that doesn't mean they're waiting around every corner! I've always felt completely safe travelling there.
The only place where you should really pay attention to warning signs is in tropical North Queensland and the Northern Territory, especially around beaches, rivers, and campsites where crocodiles may live. Otherwise, just use common sense, enjoy nature, and you'll have an amazing time.
❤️ My Personal Favourites
Favourite city: Sydney
Without a doubt! Sydney has everything—iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants, and a relaxed lifestyle. Every time I visit, I find another reason to love it.
Favourite island: K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
Driving a 4WD along endless beaches, swimming in crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and spotting dingoes in the wild is an experience I'll never forget.
Favourite drink: Dirty Chai
Australia has some of the best coffee in the world. If you've never tried a Dirty Chai, do yourself a favour—it's a chai latte with a shot of espresso. Trust me! 😄
Why I love New Zealand
If you're looking for vibrant cities, Australia wins. But if your dream is dramatic mountains, fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, and endless hiking trails, New Zealand is pure paradise. It truly feels like one giant national park.
Getting Around
For Australia's east coast, I highly recommend renting a car. If you're looking for a real adventure, hire a campervan and enjoy the freedom of the open road. The same applies to New Zealand, where having your own car lets you discover incredible places at your own pace.
That said... a few years ago I would have happily recommended a campervan. Nowadays, I think I've reached the stage where I prefer a cosy boutique hotel or charming B&B instead of sharing a campsite with backpackers. 😂 So these days I'd personally rent a car and stay in lovely accommodations along the way.
Best Time to Travel
The ideal time to visit is November to March, when it's summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
Keep in mind that Christmas, New Year, and the Australian school holidays are very popular, so booking well in advance is always a good idea.
One Last Tip
Domestic flights within Australia and New Zealand are often surprisingly affordable. In fact, they're sometimes even cheaper when booked together with your international flights.
That's one of the advantages of booking through me—I always compare all available options to find the best flights, the best routing, and the best value for money. Sometimes a small change can save you hundreds of euros or give you much better flight times.
Whether you're dreaming of snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through New Zealand's incredible scenery, or relaxing on a tropical beach in Fiji, I'd love to help you create the perfect itinerary.
Happy planning! 🌏
Lovely wishes,
Jasmina ✈️🌴