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Smell the cherry blossoms in Japan

Japan

Japan’s pastel pink cherry blossoms smell as good as they look. While the trees seldom bear fruit, the blossom flourishes every spring, and with it comes an intoxicating floral scent.

The Japanese celebrate Sakura (cherry blossom) with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.

Locals organise flower appreciation picnics under the blooms, sitting beneath the bubble gum petals and sipping on ‘Sakura’ Pepsi. For a limited time, even the cola’s pink!

“You have to try the Starbucks sakura-themed drinks - they are an acquired taste but has to be done!”

Connect with a Japan specialist

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Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Hi all - please note that I am on maternity leave until September 2026 :)

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Fiona Muir

House of Travel Whanganui

You know how some people collect handbags or shoes, well I have a love of collecting passport stamps! I developed a bit of a passion for adventure travel since working in the States at a summer camp in my early 20’s. I have travelled to over 40 countries, doing everything from eating scorpions in China, snorkelling the Silfra fissure in Iceland, to skydiving in Namibia.

Fiona

Alyssa Kane

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

After achieving my New Zealand Level 5 & 6 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism, I’m excited to have joined the team at House of Travel Rotorua back in December 2022 - not even Covid could derail my dreams of becoming a travel consultant.

My years of studying and my personal experience of travelling to Australia on family holidays has fuelled my passion for creating unforgettable holidays. I spend my days designing holidays within New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, and I absolutely love arranging cruise holidays. Working with you to create your perfect getaway is what I enjoy the most, so bring me your dream holiday, and we can build it together! Leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!

Alyssa

Antony Boomer

House of Travel Dunedin

I've been immersed in the world of travel since 1987- first as a tour leader, then as a travel advisor, and now as Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City, travel has never just been a profession for me: it's been a lifelong pursuit of discovery.

Over the years, I've explored more than 105 countries, experiencing travel in its rawest and most authentic forms- from double-decker buses through Europe and rickshaws in Asia, to horseback journeys in the Middle East and dugout canoes deep in Central Africa. Along the way there have been camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles- each journey adding to a deep understanding of what true adventure feels like.

Today, while the sense of adventure remains as strong as ever, I pair it with a passion for refined, seamless travel. Recent journeys have taken me to destinations such as Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Japan, Türkiye, Zimbabwe, Peru, Argentina and Antarctica- experiencing them through a lens of greater comfort, exclusive access, and considered detail.

Many of my clients share this same evolution- still driven by curiosity and a desire to explore the extraordinary, but with an appreciation for quality, ease, and exceptional experiences. With my breadth of knowledge across both adventurous or luxury travel, I specialise in designing journeys that combine the thrill of discovery with the comfort and sophistication you deserve.

Whether it's a remote expedition, a tailor-made cultural journey, or a high-end escape with unique touches, I take pride in crafting travel experiences that are seamless, distinctive, and unforgettable.

I look forward to helping you discover the world- your way.

Tony Boomer