NADI, Fiji — Visitors who step aboard a Fiji Airways jet this winter may feel as if they have landed in a boutique Fijian resort long before wheels touch down in Nadi. That is no accident. The national carrier has spent the past six months tearing up its service playbook—menus, plating, cabin rituals and even inflight storytelling—in a bid to be counted among the world’s elite airlines.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — If your dream New Zealand itinerary includes a selfie at Cathedral Cove or a summit walk across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, be prepared to open your wallet.

Tragic elephant encounter in South Luangwa National Park

LUSAKA, Zambia — A British traveler and her New Zealand companion were killed when a female elephant charged their walking-safari group in South Luangwa National Park, as reported by The Sun. The popular reserve lies in Zambia’s Eastern Province, about 370 miles by road from the capital, Lusaka. According to park authorities quoted in the newspaper, the guests were exploring the bush on foot with armed guides when the elephant, described as a protective mother with a calf nearby, suddenly advanced.

New Zealand's cruise industry is experiencing a strong revival, as passenger numbers in 2023 soared to 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reported that approximately 86,300 New Zealanders embarked on ocean cruises this year, marking a substantial comeback after years of disruption.