As we settle into 2016, New Year resolutions are still fresh off-the-shelf and remain pretty palatable at the moment (or has anyone broken theirs already?). ‘Saving money’ has been found as one of the hot favourites when it comes to New Year resolutions^[1], but Air Asia just made this goal tougher to hit with the launch of the enticing Kuala Lumpur – (Gold Coast stopover) – Auckland flight at RM499 all-in-fare one way.

Malaysians love travelling and this is simply irresistible. New Zealand is famous for its picturesque sceneries, adventurous outdoor activities, not forgetting the delicious food and friendly people. However, even though air tickets are on sales, accommodations, transportations, local tours and other fun activities still add up to a hefty sum for travelers. These could easily burn a hole in anyone’s pocket, especially with the Ringgit depreciation.

We still don’t know when our currency will regain its strength, but that doesn’t mean that you need to curb your travel desires or break that New Year resolution of yours! Cashback websites are here to help shoppers spend smarter and save more. One of the industry’s pioneers, ShopBack, is leading the market with its strong partnerships with over 500 incredible e-commerce merchants spanning the various lifestyle verticals. It rewards shoppers with up to 30% Cashback on top of merchants’ existing discounts and credit card rebates. Travelers can revel in ShopBack’s offering of AirAsiaGo, Agoda, Booking.com, Expedia, Contiki, Lazada, and Taobao in Malaysia to get more bang for the buck!

Here are some tips on how you can earn more cash to use it during your dream New Zealand trip:

• Check out combined packages from AirAsiaGo and Expedia

#DidYouKnow that you don’t need to always buy flight tickets from AirAsia.com?

Many travelers are not aware that AirAsiaGo and Expedia actually provide a cheaper rate if you book tickets and accommodations together at their platforms, compared to separate bookings on AirAsia and Agoda/Booking.com (same choice of hotels). This is applicable to the KL – Auckland route and on top of the promotional fare, ShopBack Malaysia enables you to get up to 8% Cashback when you make a purchase. There are no hidden tricks! What you have to do is just sign up for an account, click on AirAsiaGo or Expedia thumbnails, proceed to buy your tickets/packages and wait for the money to be credited into your account.

• Stay in youth hostels or budget guesthouses if you are on a tight budget

#DidYouKnow that Agoda and Booking.com carry a large number of affordable accommodations and have weekly insider deals for budget travelers?

For instance, you can find a dorm bed at around RM50 per night in Auckland within a few clicks, but this is not the cheapest price yet. ShopBack Malaysia is running special CNY deals with Agoda and Booking.com, of which shoppers can obtain up to RM40 Cashback through every confirmed booking (up to RM60 for Mastercard holders!). The promotion runs from now until the last day of Chinese New Year.

• Sign up for an insightful tour with Contiki, and find discounted activities on Taobao

#DidYouKnow that ShopBack Malaysia has the most awesome dream packages for the youth?

If you are between 18-35 years old and wish to explore New Zealand with a bunch of passionate backpackers, consider joining the Contiki tours. Ranging from 3 to 19 days, Contiki offers flexible packages that let you enjoy your adventure with like-minded people from all over the world, at the same time leave you enough time to do your own things.

During your free hours, experience the world’s first ocean-touch bungee jump at Harbour Bridge or go for a less adrenaline-rush activity like whale and dolphin watching. Other than getting extra rebates from Contiki, you can also search and book available Taobao tour packages anytime and gain up to 10% Cashback.

• Not a fan of group tour? Just rent a car and explore the best of New Zealand by yourself

#DidYouKnow that you can drive in New Zealand with a valid Malaysian driving license?

Driving is still the best way to navigate all beautiful places in New Zealand. One of the must do’s in New Zealand is to visit the Hobbit’s village at Matamata. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch Aurora Australis that only appears between March and September every year in certain parts of the country like Wanaka. You can pre-book a car with Expedia and get an additional 8% Cashback into your ShopBack account.

• Record your best moments, and make it a permanent memory

#DidYouKnow that photos are always more evocative in physical than digital form?

Every joyful trip wouldn’t be completed without wonderful photos and videos. Best known for its offers on tech gadgets, Lazada has a wide range of cameras include Go Pro to suit all kinds of users’ shooting needs. It is collaborating with ShopBack Malaysia to give customers an additional 10% Cashback for every successful purchase. You can also turn your breathtaking shots into an everlasting, unique photo travelogue or canvas with Photobook Malaysia.

So those are our recommended valuable deals, of which the savings may enable you to stay for an extra night or have scrumptious meals with your loved ones on the next trip. There are plenty of attractive offers and all you need to do is just head to Shopback Malaysia to view all the available promotions, coupons and Cashback! Once the Cashback turns redeemable, you can choose to transfer to either a preferred local bank or PayPal account. Have fun in your travel planning and enjoy an unforgettable yet affordable Kiwi holiday!

^[1] https://theconversation.com/the-psychology-of-new-years-resolutions-51847