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Beat the blues at Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans

New Orleans Street

Beads, beer and blues music, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is a chaotic explosion of celebration, with music and mayhem pulsating from every crack in the brickwork.

Mardi Gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and symbolises the last day of indulging before fasting. This is Cajun country, so get acquainted with lively flavours.

Lock lips with an infamous beignet at Café du Monde in the French Quarter, and descend on the bakeries, open pre-dawn, for a traditional Mardi Gras ‘King Cake’. These gluttonous treats are ring-shaped and frosted. Inside there’s a tiny plastic baby – find it and tradition insists you have to buy next year’s cake

“Wear green, purple & gold and join in one of the Second Line Parades around the city. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras culture. Just remember to wear comfy shoes as dancing along to the brass band is hard to resist!”

Recommended by Carla McKinnon , HOT Whangarei

Carla Mckinnon

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Brydie Forsyth

Brydie Forsyth

House of Travel Westport


Antony Boomer

Antony Boomer

House of Travel Dunedin

I have been in the travel industry since 1987 as a tour leader, travel advisor, traveler visiting the globe, and now Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City. 

My travels have encompassed 105 countries initially using all forms of transport from a double decker bus around Europe to rickshaws in Asia to horses in the Middle East and dugout canoes in Central Africa with camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles in-between. 

I am more than willing to travel in a lot more comfort these days visiting the Pacific, Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Ireland, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, USA, Cayman Islands, Zimbabwe, Turkiye and Malta in recent years. 

I believe the transition is similar for people of my generation who still yearn to visit anywhere and everywhere but enjoy a bit, or a lot, more luxury. As such I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the whole spectrum of travel options and regularly come up with solutions to the most complex of travel plans.

Tony

Elizabeth Turney

Elizabeth Turney

House of Travel Hamilton City

I’m someone who’s always had a deep passion for travel and a genuine love of connecting people with the world around them.

I’ve been fortunate to live in several countries and have spent many months backpacking through South America, Europe and Asia, experiences that have given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. For me, travel is more than just visiting new places, it’s about creating meaningful connections and helping others experience the transformative power of discovering the world.

Whether it’s sharing stories, planning journeys, or offering guidance, I’m passionate about helping others create their own unforgettable travel experiences.

Liz

Bridget Hanrahan

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime. 

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry". 

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family. 

Years in the industry: 19+ 
No. of countries visited: 25 
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous


Why I love travel: 

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding. 


My travel tips: 

  • Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short. 
  • If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else. 
  • Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you. 


My top 5 destinations: 

  • Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
  • Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing. 
  • Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
  • Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe. 
  • Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do. 


What's in my suitcase?

  • Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
  • Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel. 
  • A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone. 

Bridget



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Beat the blues at Mardi Gras in New Orleans