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Canal boating along the Canal du Midi

France, Europe

No prior boating experience necessary, just bring your sense of adventure! A great way to share quality family (an extended family) time as you slowly meander (between 8-10 miles an hour) along the canals, navigating locks, stopping to explore quaint villages, castles and châteaux - you might even find a Michelin star restaurant a short stroll from dock! Toulouse is often referred to as ‘Paris in miniature,’ a maze-like city and a great place to start your canal boating adventure. Overflowing with art galleries and excellent food, make sure you shop for a picnic of local produce at Marche Victor Hugo or grab a cassoulet lunch in an eatery above the covered market before you set off. The 9 locks of Fonseranes (also known as the Octuple) in Beziers is a Canal du Midi must do and a great way to end your canal boating journey!

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Gavin Rasikaran

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.

Gavin
Cherone Wilson

Cherone Wilson

House of Travel Howick

Travel has been a constant in my life since my OE started with a classic Contiki trip through Europe, followed by working in London and traveling through the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. I also spent a year working in Iceland—a now trendy travel hotspot—before returning to New Zealand.

In 2000, my family moved to the middle east living in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which provided an exciting base for exploring nearby destinations. We had unforgettable holidays in Austria, France, the UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter of travel, this time without children. Recent adventures have included Vietnam, India, China, Peru, and Cambodia.

My travel career started with Singapore Airlines and since 2019 I’ve been consulting at House of Travel in Howick.  I love talking and connecting with clients, listening to their travel dreams and turning them into memorable experiences.  

Whether you're looking for an island getaway, relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip.

Travel is an adventure that brings the world to life. 

Cherone

Melanie Hubber

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

Penni McDonald

Penni McDonald

House of Travel Auckland City

As the stores resident cruise specialist without a doubt my favorite way to travel is by ship. 11 cruises so far & inspections of a further 20+ ships.

River cruises on the Nile, Danube & Rhone. Ocean cruises in the South Pacific, Caribbean & NZ.

Penni

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Canal boating along the Canal du Midi