New data released from price and product comparison site PriceSpy suggests many Kiwis have packed up their suitcases and headed away for warmer climates this winter.
One item in particular has shown huge growth, with interest in suitcases jumping 578 percent year-on-year, despite the miserable weather in Aotearoa.
With international borders reopening as the world begins to recover from COVID-19, it's probably not a surprise that sunglasses and jandals were also proving popular; up 47 percent and 43 percent respectively on this time last year.
Liisa Matinvesi-Bassett, New Zealand country manager for PriceSpy, said Kiwis appear to be wasting no time in escaping the cooler months.
"After over two years of not being able to travel freely, our historical click data shows popularity for suitcases is currently soaring – up 578 per cent year-on-year.
"And despite it being winter in New Zealand, popularity for other off-season products such as sunglasses and jandals, is also rising, indicating many people may be heading away to enjoy blue skies, sunshine and warmth.
"After the last couple of years, it’s great to see people are once again looking to travel - to reconnect themselves with friends and family overseas and rediscover the world again," Matinvesi-Bassett concluded.
It's been a mixed time in the travel industry in Aotearoa with COVID-19 rebounding in the country.
That forced Air New Zealand to extend its flexibility until the end of August after it admitted 20,000 people had decided to stay at home during the recent school holidays.
But there have also been opportunities, with Auckland Airport organising a job fair this coming weekend to fill around 2000 vacancies.
Most of the vacancies are due to restrictions being lifted and travel on the rise again, which requires the whole airport system to run smoothly, said Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui.
"Every organisation here at Auckland Airport is looking for great people to join their teams, so we're working with our airport partners to see if we can fill as many of the roles as possible," Hurihanganui said.
"For anyone who loves travel, loves aviation, loves the excitement of airports, now is a fantastic time to join the teams operating at Auckland Airport."
