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A magical Christmas in New York

New York

The Big Apple does Christmas better than anywhere else, and New Yorkers seize the opportunity to celebrate every moment of it.

Start the silly season off by heading along to Rockefeller Centre to see the towering Christmas tree with the Swarovski Star and over 30,000 glittering lights. Marvel at the ice skaters zipping around Bryant Park, and be awestruck by the amazing decorations and store window displays along Fifth Avenue. Explore outdoor Christmas markets, making sure not to miss Macy’s Santaland, and check out FAO Schwarz, New York’s most famous toy store.

Christmas in New York is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Inspired for 2024? Now’s the time to be booking your magical Christmas in New York!

“Do as the locals do and enjoy a cocktail on a rooftop bar – 230 Fifth is as the name suggests located at 230 5th Ave. The views of the Empire State Building and out across Manhattan are incredible – and they have heaters and cosy rooftop igloos – very cool!”

Connect with a USA specialist

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Kelsey Mackay

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

Travel has always been more than just getting from A to B for me, it’s about the experiences, the memories, and the confidence that comes from seeing the world in a new way.

I love helping people plan trips that truly suit them, whether that’s a relaxing island escape, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a well-earned holiday where everything just runs smoothly. I take the time to understand what’s important to each client, and I’m known for being organised, responsive, and honest with my advice.

Having travelled myself and worked closely with trusted suppliers, I enjoy sharing practical insights and industry knowledge that help take the stress out of planning. From the early ideas right through to the finer details, my goal is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and excited about your holiday.

There’s nothing better than hearing about a great trip when clients return, knowing I’ve played a small part in helping create something really special and it's certainly making my Book-It "List" turn into a Novel!

My favourite place I have visited is Puerto Rico - from the beautiful white-sand beaches and the best coffee & chocolate I’ve ever had, this country is so rich with culture. It’s sure to be a memorable port stop on your next Caribbean Cruise.

The next place I would love to explore is Indonesia & South America!

Kelsey

Minji Park

House of Travel Christchurch City

Minji is our Japan specialist in Christchurch. Born and raised in South Korea, her passion for travel began at an early age. This passion led her to study tourism management and become a tour guide in both Japan and Southeast Asia.

Minji has spent most of her tour guide career in Japan, leading tours across the country and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the region. She has also guided tours in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and has backpacked extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and Canada. Minji has lived in London, Vancouver, and Sydney, spending at least a couple of years in each country.

My top travel tips

Pack as light as you can (except for cruises). Heavy luggage can be tedious to manage and exhausting just getting on/off trains.
Try to pre-book and pay in NZ dollars. If you pay locally, you will need to pay in local currency and the banks will apply their exchange rates plus international transaction fees.
Utilise your stopover opportunities. Two holidays, one ticket, you are basically genius.

Years in the industry: 14

No. of countries visited: 30+
Favourite place to visit: Japan
Next place on the list to visit: Safari in Africa

"Investment in travel is an investment in yourself" - Matthew Karsten

Why I love travel

I love meeting new people, discovering new cultures, tasting new food and beers and having new experiences. Travel is the best way to tick all the boxes and be inspired.

It is exciting and rewarding to help make my clients' holiday easier with better value and making it more memorable with my travel knowledge and organisation skills. I just love talking about travel, and hearing about their holiday when they return home is the best part of my job. It is very rewarding to hear what a great time they had. I am continuously learning about new travel destinations and new products and experiences so I never get bored.

My top destinations

Japan – Japan is the country that I have travelled through the most and I can never tire of it. Japan offers so much, from old historic shrines and temples to the most modern architecture and latest technology, fascinating culture, beautiful nature areas and incredible food. It is also a very safe and easy place to travel so I recommend it for all types of travellers.
Spain - I love the Andalusia region in particular, including Granada and Ronda. You feel like you are walking back in time, or perhaps through a movie set with the many sublime landscapes, spectacular vistas and famous historic sites. A warm evening drinking sangria with some delicious tapas over a view of Alhambra is a personal favourite.
Vietnam - you can have an amazing experience within a very affordable budget. In one day, you will see more motorbikes than you have seen in your entire life. Interesting French Colonial architecture and indigenous castles and villages, beautiful beaches and rice paddies, the little art and culinary boutique town of Hoi An, unique and delicious food, UNESCO Heritage site Ha Long Bay and much more.
Galapagos - If you are into wildlife, this is one of the ultimate places in the world to visit. I still say Galapagos was the best travel experience in my life. The everyday encounters with unique species of sea lions, turtles, tortoises, all different types of birds, penguins, sharks, rays, marine iguana are unforgettable. The best part for me was diving amongst schools of hammerhead sharks and eagle rays inside the crater of a submerged volcano.

What's in my suitcase

Foldable backpack - It is the best thing ever. I always put one in my bag, and it is perfect for a casual day out exploring.
Travel organiser bags - I have one for clothes, one for underwear/socks and one for toiletries. It will make your pack/unpack so much easier.
Compact rain jacket and small collapsible umbrella - You will always have some rain during your holiday but unless you are expecting lots of it, you don't want these items to take too much space in your travel bag.

Minji