“Go for the hockey, stay for the people watching! From the thunderous cheering of the crowds to the copious amount of food on offer (don't miss the hot dogs & poutine), watching an ice-hockey match is a must do when in Canada”
Go to an ice-hockey match in Canada
Canada
It’s just hockey. In Canada, you don’t need to specify the ice; it’s a national given. It’s also a national obsession. Imagine 18,000 passionate fans screaming in your ears, the thwack of a puck on stick and the constant hiss of razorsharp blades slicing through ice.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vancouver at the same time as the Vancouver Canucks, throw down your Canadian bucks and buy tickets to a game. At the Rogers Arena, the atmosphere is guaranteed electric, with erratic bursts of 80s rock music, bellowing fans and a heady mix of popcorn, beer and hot dogs.
Gather rink-side 30-minutes prior to opening face-off and watch the players go through their warm-ups. If you hear the sudden ‘thfffft’ of a wayward puck, you better dive behind the perspex.
Melanie Hubber
House of Travel Ferrymead
I am passionate about sustainable travel for the future.
My entire career of 30 years has been in travel sales and tourism. I have travelled overseas more than a hundred times to over 70 countries and 6 continents for personal holidays, business and leisure.
I've made my home in London, Dorset, Chamonix and Auckland. I settled back in my home town of Christchurch after being away for five years.
I love travel and how it enriches lives and provides a livelihood for people and communities around the globe. I love helping to inspire and inform clients, who care about the impact their choices have on local communities and the environment, and who want to have a great holiday.
Sustainable doesn't mean you can't have luxury! My personal holidays always have a sense of adventure, you will find me on a beach or mountain or taking in a cultural experience to make the most of a destination.
I personally rate train travel one of the best ways to casually explore, there's nothing I love more than checking in at a downtown railway station off to a new destination. I think travel provides new perspectives and respect for different cultures and values are par for the course. We can always find common ground when we are prepared to go out of our comfort zone.
Why book your travel with me? I am a CLIA certified Cruise Master and dedicated to helping you with your travel plans. I have the tools and the networks available to assist with all styles of travel experiences you may be looking for.
Mel
Andy Gosnell
House of Travel Christchurch City
There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team—and Andy is ours. His approachable, honest style fosters strong relationships and consistently positive experiences for clients, suppliers, and colleagues alike.
Travel has always been a defining part of Andy’s life. He caught the travel bug early - 3 formative years of living in the USA during his childhood hardwired his love for travel. Since then, he has taken every opportunity to see the world, often venturing to remote and remarkable destinations. Whether trekking through the Patagonian Andes, wandering the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread around the globe, Andy is truly in his element.
With nearly ten years in the travel industry, Andy has had the opportunity to experience an exceptional range of destinations and build deep, practical knowledge. No matter where you want to go, he brings expert insight and thoughtful advice to help make your journey genuinely unforgettable.
“I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything—you're only limited by how far your imagination can stretch.”
Years in the industry: 10
Countries visited: 12
Favourite destination: Amalfi Coast
Next destination on the list: Poland
“Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
Why I Love Travel
The places I see and the people I meet—travel truly is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from different cultures and walks of life. Life is short; travel often.
My Travel Tips
- If you are always early, you are never late.
- Pre-book as much as possible before departure and schedule rest days on longer trips.
- Live courageously—100% of the opportunities you don’t take are missed.
My Top Three Favourite Destinations
Italy
The food, history, people, dramatic coastlines, and mountains—Italy deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.
USA
With its extraordinary diversity of cultures and experiences, you could spend a lifetime exploring the United States and still not see it all.
Patagonia
Challenging to reach, but the dramatic landscapes that greet you make every moment of the journey worthwhile.
What’s in My Suitcase
- Kindle / E-reader – Lightweight, easy to pack, and long-lasting battery life; an essential on every trip.
- Noise-cancelling headphones – Ideal for busy airports and long-haul flights.
- Travel plug adapter – Easy to forget, but absolutely essential.
Andy
Rhonda Bignell
House of Travel Ferrymead
Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure.
I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.
I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.
From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.
However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.
I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.
Rhonda
Gavin Rasikaran
House of Travel Auckland City
I'm Gavin Rasikaran, your dedicated travel expert with a passion for exploring the world and a commitment to making your travel dreams a reality.
With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, I've had the privilege of helping countless clients embark on unforgettable journeys to destinations near and far.
When it comes to planning an International trip, be it just one destination or an around the world journey, it can all become overwhelming and daunting. Together with you, I will help you plan a perfect holiday taking the stress away, personalised to you.
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