Latest news with #BunnikTours
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A traveler who has taken more than 325 business-class flights shares 1 thing he's surprised other passengers don't take advantage of
Dennis Bunnik has been on more than 325 business-class flights. Lounge access and meals are beloved perks, but he's surprised that some skip wearing the complimentary PJs. Some airlines give travelers pajamas for long-haul flights, which are relaxing and keep your clothes clean. In the past decade, Dennis Bunnik has boarded more than 700 flights, nearly half of which have been in business class. Those flights — especially a long-haul business-class flight — have come with plenty of amenities. Bunnik, a CEO for the travel company Bunnik Tours and an aviation YouTuber, told Business Insider that he's enjoyed everything from suite-style seats to multi-course meals. Still, there's one thing he said he's shocked passengers don't use enough. And that's the complimentary pajamas. Bunnik said the first time he boarded a flight that offered pajamas, he didn't think twice about throwing them on. Hundreds of flights later, pajamas and loungewear are a favorite perk of Bunnik's. "There are a number of airlines that offer them, and they're fantastic," he said. The loungewear sets are typically simple. They often include a pair of pants, a short- or long-sleeved shirt, and slippers. While pajamas are common in first class, travel outlet One Mile at a Time reports that about a dozen long-haul carriers stock them for their business-class passengers. Emirates, Qantas, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic are among those carriers. If they're offered, it's typically on overnight flights, although passengers can request a pair during a daytime flight as well. On a recent Qatar Airways flight in its business-class Qsuites, Bunnik received grey-and-blue loungewear for the 12.5-hour flight between Hamad International Airport in Doha to Adelaide, Australia. The top featured a gray long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and comfy slippers. "They're great PJs," Bunnik said in the video documenting the flight. Bunnik said the passengers who skip out on wearing their pajamas are missing out. "One, it keeps your clothes crease-free and clean," he said. Even more importantly, pajamas help shift a traveler's mindset. "It helps you relax," he added. Bunnik said once he's wearing his pajamas, it's easier for him to forget about the outside world and settle on the plane. Bunnik added that he doesn't change into the pajamas until after takeoff. Once the seatbelt sign is off, he'll head to the restroom to change. Before landing, he'll put his regular clothes back on. "If there's an emergency evacuation, you don't want to be the one standing there in your pajamas," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business Insider
A traveler who has taken more than 325 business-class flights shares 1 thing he's surprised other passengers don't take advantage of
Dennis Bunnik has been on more than 325 business-class flights. Lounge access and meals are beloved perks, but he's surprised that some skip wearing the complimentary PJs. Some airlines give travelers pajamas for long-haul flights, which are relaxing and keep your clothes clean. In the past decade, Dennis Bunnik has boarded more than 700 flights, nearly half of which have been in business class. Those flights — especially a long-haul business-class flight — have come with plenty of amenities. Bunnik, a CEO for the travel company Bunnik Tours and an aviation YouTuber, told Business Insider that he's enjoyed everything from suite-style seats to multi-course meals. Still, there's one thing he said he's shocked passengers don't use enough. And that's the complimentary pajamas. Some airlines on long-haul flights offer passengers pajamas Bunnik said the first time he boarded a flight that offered pajamas, he didn't think twice about throwing them on. Hundreds of flights later, pajamas and loungewear are a favorite perk of Bunnik's. "There are a number of airlines that offer them, and they're fantastic," he said. The loungewear sets are typically simple. They often include a pair of pants, a short- or long-sleeved shirt, and slippers. While pajamas are common in first class, travel outlet One Mile at a Time reports that about a dozen long-haul carriers stock them for their business-class passengers. Emirates, Qantas, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic are among those carriers. If they're offered, it's typically on overnight flights, although passengers can request a pair during a daytime flight as well. On a recent Qatar Airways flight in its business-class Qsuites, Bunnik received grey-and-blue loungewear for the 12.5-hour flight between Hamad International Airport in Doha to Adelaide, Australia. The top featured a gray long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and comfy slippers. "They're great PJs," Bunnik said in the video documenting the flight. The frequent traveler said pajamas serve two purposes Bunnik said the passengers who skip out on wearing their pajamas are missing out. "One, it keeps your clothes crease-free and clean," he said. Even more importantly, pajamas help shift a traveler's mindset. "It helps you relax," he added. Bunnik said once he's wearing his pajamas, it's easier for him to forget about the outside world and settle on the plane. Bunnik added that he doesn't change into the pajamas until after takeoff. Once the seatbelt sign is off, he'll head to the restroom to change. Before landing, he'll put his regular clothes back on. "If there's an emergency evacuation, you don't want to be the one standing there in your pajamas," he said.
The Advertiser
17-05-2025
- The Advertiser
'Truly magical': Tips and memories from one of Australia's most travelled families
Brought to you by Bunnik Tours. In 1975, when brothers Sacha and Dennis Bunnik were just one and six, their parents bought an old van, renovated it, and then took the family on a five-month road trip across Europe. "The extended family thought our parents were crazy, but it gave Sacha and me a lifelong sense of adventure," says Dennis. "It taught us that anything is possible, and we've all been travelling ever since." That travel-loving mum was Marion Bunnik, founder of Australia's much-awarded Bunnik Tours, the business she launched 30 years ago. Today, Sacha and Dennis are joint CEOs, working alongside her and sharing their travel passion with customers on small group tours to the world's most magical destinations. Combined, the trio has travelled to more than 320 countries. As they celebrate this year's milestone anniversary, we asked these globetrotters to share some of the wisdom gleaned from lifetimes of exploring the world, their most memorable journeys and their favourite places in the world. Marion Bunnik: Travel as young as you can - it helps open your mind, builds empathy for other cultures, and even helps you better understand your own. Carry small amounts of US or Euro cash - around $200 in smaller notes. It's useful for short stays and gives you more bargaining power in markets. Always bargain with kindness - paying a bit extra can mean a lot to a local seller, and the return smile is priceless. Travel outside peak seasons. In Europe and North America, spring, autumn or even winter offer fewer crowds and better prices. You can dress for cold, but there's only so much you can take off in a heatwave. Sacha Bunnik: Learning a few words or phrases in the local language - even just hello or thank you - goes a long way. I usually mess it up, but people love the effort and it often brings a smile. Dennis Bunnik: Embrace the unexpected. Some of the best stories come from moments that don't go to plan. Explore on foot. Wander beyond the tourist hotspots and see what's around the corner. That's where you'll meet locals and find the real heart of a place. Always carry multiple forms of payment. And don't rely on phone-based payments. Say yes to experiences - even the messy or unplanned ones. They're often the most memorable. MB: I absolutely love South America - especially Peru and Brazil. Turkey is another one of my favourites. I remember staying in a cave hotel in Cappadocia with Dennis, and overnight, snow transformed the landscape into a fairytale scene. The beauty of that moment will stay with me forever. SB: I'm a big fan of the American National Parks, especially in Utah - places like Canyonlands, Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon. It's Mother Nature at her best. The contrast of the red earth against the bright blue sky is breathtaking. We visited once in winter when there was a light dusting of snow and it was truly magical. I recommend going in the off-season because the parks can be packed in summer. DB: I don't have one favourite place, I have many. You can't possibly compare the plains of the Serengeti with the back streets of Lisbon or the feeling of standing in front of the Treasury in Petra. Every destination has its own magic and I love it all. MB: One of my most special travel moments was sitting on the balcony of the Steigenberger Hotel in Luxor at sunset, overlooking the Nile. As birds flew in patterns across the sky, the sound of the call to prayer echoed from every direction. It was a truly beautiful, peaceful experience. SB: When I was 18, I went on a nine-month camping trip through Europe with my then-girlfriend, Inger (now my wife). We travelled from Poland to Spain. It was the best experience and really cemented my passion for adventure and travel. DB: My most memorable trip is a tie between two. The first is flying into Egypt as the Arab Spring Revolution broke out in January 2011. I was the only Australian travel manager in Egypt at the time and helped get all our clients out two full days before the Australian Government evacuation flights arrived. That trip was the start of my love affair with Egypt and its people. I've been back more than 20 times since. The second is taking my own family on a big three-month trip through Europe in 2009. The boys were nine and six and they loved it. They'd been lucky to travel a lot previously but this long trip really instilled in them their own sense of adventure and exploration. Much the same as the trip our parents took us on in 1975. MB: Right now, I'm travelling with a Bunnik Tours' small group through the five Stans - and it's been one beautiful surprise after another. We've seen and experienced so much across these incredible Central Asian countries. It's been a real eye-opener, and the group has been one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of travelling with. SB: Later this year, my wife and I are heading off on a cruise to Norway with Holland America Line, from Amsterdam all the way to the top of Europe. I'm especially excited to experience the midnight sun in summer! DB: My next trip is on Bunnik Tours' brand-new Iceland tour. It's been on my bucket list for 35 years, and I can't believe it's finally happening. I can't wait! To find out more about Bunnik Tours and its wide range of small group tours visit or call 1800 286 645. Brought to you by Bunnik Tours. In 1975, when brothers Sacha and Dennis Bunnik were just one and six, their parents bought an old van, renovated it, and then took the family on a five-month road trip across Europe. "The extended family thought our parents were crazy, but it gave Sacha and me a lifelong sense of adventure," says Dennis. "It taught us that anything is possible, and we've all been travelling ever since." That travel-loving mum was Marion Bunnik, founder of Australia's much-awarded Bunnik Tours, the business she launched 30 years ago. Today, Sacha and Dennis are joint CEOs, working alongside her and sharing their travel passion with customers on small group tours to the world's most magical destinations. Combined, the trio has travelled to more than 320 countries. As they celebrate this year's milestone anniversary, we asked these globetrotters to share some of the wisdom gleaned from lifetimes of exploring the world, their most memorable journeys and their favourite places in the world. Marion Bunnik: Travel as young as you can - it helps open your mind, builds empathy for other cultures, and even helps you better understand your own. Carry small amounts of US or Euro cash - around $200 in smaller notes. It's useful for short stays and gives you more bargaining power in markets. Always bargain with kindness - paying a bit extra can mean a lot to a local seller, and the return smile is priceless. Travel outside peak seasons. In Europe and North America, spring, autumn or even winter offer fewer crowds and better prices. You can dress for cold, but there's only so much you can take off in a heatwave. Sacha Bunnik: Learning a few words or phrases in the local language - even just hello or thank you - goes a long way. I usually mess it up, but people love the effort and it often brings a smile. Dennis Bunnik: Embrace the unexpected. Some of the best stories come from moments that don't go to plan. Explore on foot. Wander beyond the tourist hotspots and see what's around the corner. That's where you'll meet locals and find the real heart of a place. Always carry multiple forms of payment. And don't rely on phone-based payments. Say yes to experiences - even the messy or unplanned ones. They're often the most memorable. MB: I absolutely love South America - especially Peru and Brazil. Turkey is another one of my favourites. I remember staying in a cave hotel in Cappadocia with Dennis, and overnight, snow transformed the landscape into a fairytale scene. The beauty of that moment will stay with me forever. SB: I'm a big fan of the American National Parks, especially in Utah - places like Canyonlands, Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon. It's Mother Nature at her best. The contrast of the red earth against the bright blue sky is breathtaking. We visited once in winter when there was a light dusting of snow and it was truly magical. I recommend going in the off-season because the parks can be packed in summer. DB: I don't have one favourite place, I have many. You can't possibly compare the plains of the Serengeti with the back streets of Lisbon or the feeling of standing in front of the Treasury in Petra. Every destination has its own magic and I love it all. MB: One of my most special travel moments was sitting on the balcony of the Steigenberger Hotel in Luxor at sunset, overlooking the Nile. As birds flew in patterns across the sky, the sound of the call to prayer echoed from every direction. It was a truly beautiful, peaceful experience. SB: When I was 18, I went on a nine-month camping trip through Europe with my then-girlfriend, Inger (now my wife). We travelled from Poland to Spain. It was the best experience and really cemented my passion for adventure and travel. DB: My most memorable trip is a tie between two. The first is flying into Egypt as the Arab Spring Revolution broke out in January 2011. I was the only Australian travel manager in Egypt at the time and helped get all our clients out two full days before the Australian Government evacuation flights arrived. That trip was the start of my love affair with Egypt and its people. I've been back more than 20 times since. The second is taking my own family on a big three-month trip through Europe in 2009. The boys were nine and six and they loved it. They'd been lucky to travel a lot previously but this long trip really instilled in them their own sense of adventure and exploration. Much the same as the trip our parents took us on in 1975. MB: Right now, I'm travelling with a Bunnik Tours' small group through the five Stans - and it's been one beautiful surprise after another. We've seen and experienced so much across these incredible Central Asian countries. It's been a real eye-opener, and the group has been one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of travelling with. SB: Later this year, my wife and I are heading off on a cruise to Norway with Holland America Line, from Amsterdam all the way to the top of Europe. I'm especially excited to experience the midnight sun in summer! DB: My next trip is on Bunnik Tours' brand-new Iceland tour. It's been on my bucket list for 35 years, and I can't believe it's finally happening. I can't wait! To find out more about Bunnik Tours and its wide range of small group tours visit or call 1800 286 645. Brought to you by Bunnik Tours. In 1975, when brothers Sacha and Dennis Bunnik were just one and six, their parents bought an old van, renovated it, and then took the family on a five-month road trip across Europe. "The extended family thought our parents were crazy, but it gave Sacha and me a lifelong sense of adventure," says Dennis. "It taught us that anything is possible, and we've all been travelling ever since." That travel-loving mum was Marion Bunnik, founder of Australia's much-awarded Bunnik Tours, the business she launched 30 years ago. Today, Sacha and Dennis are joint CEOs, working alongside her and sharing their travel passion with customers on small group tours to the world's most magical destinations. Combined, the trio has travelled to more than 320 countries. As they celebrate this year's milestone anniversary, we asked these globetrotters to share some of the wisdom gleaned from lifetimes of exploring the world, their most memorable journeys and their favourite places in the world. Marion Bunnik: Travel as young as you can - it helps open your mind, builds empathy for other cultures, and even helps you better understand your own. Carry small amounts of US or Euro cash - around $200 in smaller notes. It's useful for short stays and gives you more bargaining power in markets. Always bargain with kindness - paying a bit extra can mean a lot to a local seller, and the return smile is priceless. Travel outside peak seasons. In Europe and North America, spring, autumn or even winter offer fewer crowds and better prices. You can dress for cold, but there's only so much you can take off in a heatwave. Sacha Bunnik: Learning a few words or phrases in the local language - even just hello or thank you - goes a long way. I usually mess it up, but people love the effort and it often brings a smile. Dennis Bunnik: Embrace the unexpected. Some of the best stories come from moments that don't go to plan. Explore on foot. Wander beyond the tourist hotspots and see what's around the corner. That's where you'll meet locals and find the real heart of a place. Always carry multiple forms of payment. And don't rely on phone-based payments. Say yes to experiences - even the messy or unplanned ones. They're often the most memorable. MB: I absolutely love South America - especially Peru and Brazil. Turkey is another one of my favourites. I remember staying in a cave hotel in Cappadocia with Dennis, and overnight, snow transformed the landscape into a fairytale scene. The beauty of that moment will stay with me forever. SB: I'm a big fan of the American National Parks, especially in Utah - places like Canyonlands, Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon. It's Mother Nature at her best. The contrast of the red earth against the bright blue sky is breathtaking. We visited once in winter when there was a light dusting of snow and it was truly magical. I recommend going in the off-season because the parks can be packed in summer. DB: I don't have one favourite place, I have many. You can't possibly compare the plains of the Serengeti with the back streets of Lisbon or the feeling of standing in front of the Treasury in Petra. Every destination has its own magic and I love it all. MB: One of my most special travel moments was sitting on the balcony of the Steigenberger Hotel in Luxor at sunset, overlooking the Nile. As birds flew in patterns across the sky, the sound of the call to prayer echoed from every direction. It was a truly beautiful, peaceful experience. SB: When I was 18, I went on a nine-month camping trip through Europe with my then-girlfriend, Inger (now my wife). We travelled from Poland to Spain. It was the best experience and really cemented my passion for adventure and travel. DB: My most memorable trip is a tie between two. The first is flying into Egypt as the Arab Spring Revolution broke out in January 2011. I was the only Australian travel manager in Egypt at the time and helped get all our clients out two full days before the Australian Government evacuation flights arrived. That trip was the start of my love affair with Egypt and its people. I've been back more than 20 times since. The second is taking my own family on a big three-month trip through Europe in 2009. The boys were nine and six and they loved it. They'd been lucky to travel a lot previously but this long trip really instilled in them their own sense of adventure and exploration. Much the same as the trip our parents took us on in 1975. MB: Right now, I'm travelling with a Bunnik Tours' small group through the five Stans - and it's been one beautiful surprise after another. We've seen and experienced so much across these incredible Central Asian countries. It's been a real eye-opener, and the group has been one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of travelling with. SB: Later this year, my wife and I are heading off on a cruise to Norway with Holland America Line, from Amsterdam all the way to the top of Europe. I'm especially excited to experience the midnight sun in summer! DB: My next trip is on Bunnik Tours' brand-new Iceland tour. It's been on my bucket list for 35 years, and I can't believe it's finally happening. I can't wait! To find out more about Bunnik Tours and its wide range of small group tours visit or call 1800 286 645.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Traveller' or ‘tourist'? These days you can be both at the same time
Are you an independent traveller, or do you prefer to travel in an escorted group? Those who prefer to travel solo or with a chosen partner usually reject the idea of barrelling around a country with groups of strangers on rigid itineraries. They like to take it slow, dive deep into a culture, hang out with locals and follow their instincts. They don't want to do that with 40 other people and a tour guide in tow. On the other hand, some travellers are happy to allow others to make the arrangements for them. They feel more secure in a group with experienced leaders and a good ground game that smooths out unexpected events such as transport delays, natural disasters and even political upheavals. These days, you don't have to be in one camp or the other. Independent travellers might choose to travel in a group to more complicated or risky destinations, while those who like the safety of escorted tours find opportunities for private experiences during, before and after the main event. The world is so complicated now that it's natural for travellers to feel some uncertainty, which might explain the resurgence in group touring, certainly since COVID-19 taught travellers what it was like to be stuck far from home or have plans massively go awry. Recent geopolitical events have created another level of anxiety. Among reasons for the increased popularity of escorted tours is that 'touring is not what it was', says Dennis Bunnik of family-owned Bunnik Tours, an Australian company that has specialised in small group tours since 2004. 'For a long time, the Australian touring market was dictated out of North America because that is the largest market,' Bunnik says. But touring has developed beyond that, especially for the Australian traveller, he says. 'Australians travel further and longer than anyone else, so we don't have to be rushed,' he says. 'We want to know what's around the corner. We're naturally curious and natural explorers. We don't want to take a bubble of Australia with us.'
The Age
16-05-2025
- The Age
‘Traveller' or ‘tourist'? These days you can be both at the same time
Are you an independent traveller, or do you prefer to travel in an escorted group? Those who prefer to travel solo or with a chosen partner usually reject the idea of barrelling around a country with groups of strangers on rigid itineraries. They like to take it slow, dive deep into a culture, hang out with locals and follow their instincts. They don't want to do that with 40 other people and a tour guide in tow. On the other hand, some travellers are happy to allow others to make the arrangements for them. They feel more secure in a group with experienced leaders and a good ground game that smooths out unexpected events such as transport delays, natural disasters and even political upheavals. These days, you don't have to be in one camp or the other. Independent travellers might choose to travel in a group to more complicated or risky destinations, while those who like the safety of escorted tours find opportunities for private experiences during, before and after the main event. The world is so complicated now that it's natural for travellers to feel some uncertainty, which might explain the resurgence in group touring, certainly since COVID-19 taught travellers what it was like to be stuck far from home or have plans massively go awry. Recent geopolitical events have created another level of anxiety. Among reasons for the increased popularity of escorted tours is that 'touring is not what it was', says Dennis Bunnik of family-owned Bunnik Tours, an Australian company that has specialised in small group tours since 2004. 'For a long time, the Australian touring market was dictated out of North America because that is the largest market,' Bunnik says. But touring has developed beyond that, especially for the Australian traveller, he says. 'Australians travel further and longer than anyone else, so we don't have to be rushed,' he says. 'We want to know what's around the corner. We're naturally curious and natural explorers. We don't want to take a bubble of Australia with us.'
