We’ve wanted to travel to New Zealand ever since Kozyndan gave us a glimpse of Muriwai Beach. For the second year in a row, readers of Wanderlust – a UK based travel publication – voted it as the Top Country to visit. The magazine claims that New Zealand’s growing popularity as a filming location has helped raise their profile as a must-see destination and is consistently drawing visitors – especially when there are flight deals like this one. If you’re interested in seeing New Zealand, now is a good time.

In other news, today’s travel briefing highlights Germany’s Airport Strikes, Jet Lag Prevention, The New Yorker’s Spotlight of Lesser Known Music Venues and Virgin Atlantic’s Move for Green.

Virgin Atlantic’s Move for Green [PSFK]

As spotted on PSFK, Virgin Atlantic announced their move toward more eco friendly travel. “The carrier selected the new Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to power its Boeing 787-9 fleet of aircraft. The Boeing 787-9, which can carry up to 290 passengers depending on the bed or seat layout, brings a step change in aviation and will substantially reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.”

The New Yorker’s Under the Radar Review [TNY]

The New Yorker highlights music venues that are lesser known but present excellent tunes just the same.

Jet Lag Keeps Getting Hotter [GS]

Gridskipper brings our attention to the words of travel expert Peter Greenberg from the Today Show. He claims that he travels 400,000 miles a year and never feels the effects of Jet Lag. Read their article for commentary and video regarding tips on avoiding it.

Scores of flights canceled as airport workers in Germany strike for higher pay [IHT]

International Herald Tribune reports, “German airports canceled hundreds of flights Wednesday after thousands of airport workers walked off their jobs as part of a wider labor action to win higher pay for public service workers.”