Go Greek Island Hopping!
Greek Islands
Azure waters met by angel sand, barrels of feta and tavernas serving Ouzo. Greece is undeniably idyllic. More-so when hopping between islands via ferry.
There are multiple islets, but Mykonos is most likely the head-turner you dream about, with sugar-cube buildings and bright blue doors.
Santorini’s defined by its cliff-cascading position and cobalt domed roofs, while the islands of Chios and Samos are a little more sedate, famed for tiled villages and sweet Muscat wine.
Ask about our 12 island hopping passes, or the more versatile FlexiPass.
Sarah Crowe, from HOT High Street Lane shares her Greek Island indulgence.
The only thing as beautiful as Greek sights is Greek food. Olives are everywhere and the locals’ standards are exacting. It probably goes without saying that the seafood is the freshest around, and calamari is something of a natural treasure. The decadent feta and other cheeses are unmissable, but you really must leave space for moussaka, a baked dish of heaven involving aubergine, mince, tomato, garlic, spices, and cheese.
If you like a cocktail, taste the ouzo, a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is unspeakably strong - I don’t recommend matching the locals sip for sip! Wine drinkers should try asking for local barreled varieties, which are delicious and much cheaper than bottled.
Punctuality is not a top Greek priority, and popular attitude is that nothing needs to be rushed. As a result, it’s best not to expect fast meals in tavernas or public transportation that runs like clockwork. Instead, think of it as a reminder to slow down, sip in the salty air and enjoy your holiday – island style!
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.
"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
Angela Delany
House of Travel Taupo
Bula, Bonjour, Talofa, Konnichiwa – and welcome!
From the moment I could dream, I dreamed of travel. At just 17, I set out on
that path by diving into my first travel course, and I’ve never looked back.
For the first decade, I poured my heart into everything South Pacific – those
sparkling waters, warm smiles, and sun-soaked cultures became my world.
Now, my map has expanded far beyond the Pacific, and I’m proud to say I sell
the entire world. And what a breathtakingly vast world it is! Over the past 30
years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore some of its most magical
corners – Samoa, Bali, Vietnam, Hawaii, Italy, and Switzerland are just a few
of the places that have left footprints on my soul.
But this journey isn't just about me. It’s about you – your dreams, your adventures, your once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’m here to ignite your excitement, guide your decisions, and help piece together your perfect travel jigsaw. Whether you’re hopping over to Australia, meandering through the Scottish Highlands in a small group, or gliding past alpine peaks on a Swiss rail tour – I’ll be right beside you, making it all seamless.
There’s nothing quite like nabbing that dream tour, then weaving in the best
flights, stopovers, and secret gems to create an itinerary that’s more than a
trip – it’s an experience. Over the years, I’ve learned something simple but
powerful: every place is unique, kindness connects us all, and life’s most
precious souvenirs are the memories we make.
So let’s start building yours.
Angela
Peter Davies
House of Travel Wellington City
I’m Pete, the globetrotting geek. A passionate traveller who thrives on learning and discovery - Travel provides an endless array of opportunities for this; it’s a way to experience new, ever changing and always exciting places, meet curious people and engross yourself in a different culture or witness wildlife that is truly wild.
Be it museums, historical landmarks, wildlife excursions or gaming havens – I revel in these aspects of adventure and love to share it with others.
To put it in other words.
Whether you seek the wonder of enchanted cities, the solitude of mystical forests, or the thrills of a perilous expedition, I am your trusted companion—your Gandalf, if you will—helping you navigate the world’s vastness and ensuring that your journey is free from worry and full of memories to last the ages.
Let’s together, chart your course through the lands, creating an adventure that will be sung about for years to come. As a wise halfling once said.
“Not all those who wander are lost” – Bilbo Baggins
Peter
Janine Taylor
House of Travel New Plymouth
With years of travel under my belt and time spent living in London, I bring real-world knowledge to every itinerary I create. I’m passionate about helping people see the world with ease and confidence.
Janine
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