The trans-Tasman travel ‘bubble’ finally kicked off on Friday, but not without a few surprises and plenty of drama.

Despite Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s gloomy international travel forecast, the head of Australia’s largest airport is naturally a lot more optimistic.

Meanwhile, Travel Weekly’s deputy editor is making social distancing easier by fake coughing every time somebody approaches her.

Start cramming as much knowledge on the Land of the Long White Cloud into your noggin as you can, because the trans-Tasman ‘bubble’ could become a two-way street by the end of the year.

Get the lowdown on the brand’s new Aussie and New Zealand trips, complete with a virtual wine tasting. It had us at wine.

At least a few people got to travel this year, if these stunning photos are anything to go by. Feel free to join us in quietly sobbing while gazing at these pics and wishing we could be out there taking our own.

AFTA’s chief has penned this exclusive op-ed for Travel Weekly, in which he points out a golden opportunity for Australia’s battered tourism industry.

In huge news, Australia and New Zealand have negotiated a deal to get the trans-Tasman travel ‘bubble’ off the ground in two weeks’ time.

New Zealand’s PM has advanced talks on the creation of a trans-Tasman ‘bubble’ with Australia and, by the sound of it, ScoMo’s the one dragging the chain.

Are your clients itching to explore their own backyard, but have been hit financially by COVID-19? This might be just what they’re looking for.

These incredible new vids could also come in handy for agents looking to woo some domestic clients.

Hopes of a trans-Tasman travel ‘bubble’ happening before the end of the year have been given a boost, if Jacinda Ardern’s most recent comments are anything to go by.