Tonga is so hot right now!
Allianz Global Assistance reveals that Tonga is the hot new destination for Aussie travellers.
Affectionately called the ‘Friendly Islands’, the Kingdom of Tonga has been tipped as the new, New Caledonia by leading assistance provider, Allianz Global Assistance (AGA).
Tonga is a treasure trove of authentic island culture, history and natural beauty. Known for its whale watching, diving and snorkelling – it’s no surprise that Aussies are flocking to the south pacific nation for tropical getaways.
AGA data shows that the number of Australian travellers heading to Tonga has quadrupled in the last two years – with August, September and December proving to be the most popular months to visit.
“With more than 170 islands, travellers will never run out of exotic beaches to explore in Tonga. Given its year-round summer climate and close proximity to Australia, it’s a great destination for Aussies choosing to escape the Australian winter or even head there for their summer break,” Allianz Global Assistance General Manager Travel & Medical, John White said.
“Although Tonga enjoys a relatively low crime rate and practices strict Christian beliefs, visitors should still be vigilant when walking at night as like any destination, tourists can be a target. Vaccinations are also needed before departing and travellers should be cautious not to offend the religious locals.”
Tips for visitors to the Kingdom of Tonga:
Theft
- Petty crime and theft occurs in Tonga so be sure to secure all valuables and avoid flashing expensive or desirable items. We also recommend using caution when walking at night, travelling in groups if possible and avoiding desolate areas.
Vaccines
- Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before heading to Tonga. This includes measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), the polio vaccine, as well as the the yearly flu shot.
- The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travellers aged over one. It should be given two – four weeksbefore departure. A booster should be given six-12 months later to ensure long-term immunity.
- The typhoid vaccine is also recommended for travellers staying with friends or relatives in small cities or rural areas, or those with an adventurous appetite.
- Be sure to ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying and what you’ll be doing.
Health and Safety
- When walking on the beaches of Tonga, keep an eye out for sharp coral. Sometimes it’s hard to spot as its buried in the white sand. While swimming, it’s a good idea to wear sandals in the water. The jellyfish aren’t easy to see but they sting!
Culture
- While casual wear is acceptable, it is respectable to wear modest clothes in towns and rural areas. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and travellers should respect the locals. It is illegal for men and women to go shirtless in public. Travellers should also remember that Sunday is regarded as a sacred day.
Travel Insurance
- Invest in comprehensive travel insurance before you embark on your trip –Always take a copy or two of your insurance policy details and ensure emergency contact numbers are accessible throughout the trip so you can act quickly if something goes wrong.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
allianz global assistance Tonga travelLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.