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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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Belinda Fifield

Belinda Fifield

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is a reason why Belinda was crowned the Top Travel Consultant in New Zealand by the Travel Agents Association of NZ... and it is her commitment to her clients. Belinda's friendly approach puts everyone at ease when planning their trip of a lifetime. She loves finding the perfect cruise for her clients and her knowledge of luxury travel throughout the world is second to none. 

"Travel has the power to enrich your life and with over 25 years travel industry experience, I will provide you with the confidence and support to make your travel dreams a reality. Whether it be time out to reconnect with your family or an engaging cultural experience, my first-hand knowledge and expertise will help you along your journey."

Away from the office Belinda loves getting outdoors for a long walk with the family dog, before sitting down and enjoying a Chardonnay with a fine meal. 

Years in the industry: 28
No. of countries visited: 28 
Favourite place to visit: Europe
Next place on the list to visit: Bali 

"Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport" - Anonymous


Why I love travel?

I absolutely love the joy and excitement of discovering new countries and cultures that travel brings. The two years of "no travel" during the pandemic has also taught me that revisiting places I've loved in the past gives me just as much joy! Connecting with people and places is very special and I am reminded of this every day in the job I do. 

I love to share my travel and industry experience with my clients so that we can build the best of holidays together! 


My travel tips: 

  • Make a bucket list and I can help make those dreams become a reality. Be sure to leave some space for those spur of the moment activities! 
  • Always get to the airport early. Much better to be checked in early, relaxing and waiting for your flight than stuck at the back of a queue wondering if you will make it. 
  • Download your travelling airlines app for flight notifications. Also download the House of Travel app before you depart so that you can access your whole travel itinerary and other useful travel information while you are on the go. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Europe - I never tire of visiting Europe. The people, history, food, wine and culture are extraordinary. The best way to see as much as possible if you are short on time is by cruise. You wake up in a different country every day. What's not to love about that. 
  • USA - this is a country that needs more than one visit to do it justice. Favourite cities in the states for me are New York, Washington, San Francisco, and Portland (Oregon). Then there are all those incredible national parks. 
  • Hawaii - deserves a mention of its own. Incredible beaches, a lovely climate year-round, fantastic outdoor activities and fabulous shopping. I recommend taking a short plane ride of one of the many magical islands that make up Hawaii. 
  • Bali - fantastic for a great value getaway whether it be with a group of friends or someone special. The accommodation options are amazing value.... be sure to ask about our villa options. 
  • Vietnam - has something for everyone even for first time visitors to Asia. Incredibly moving history, beautiful people, fabulous shopping and food, and wonderful outdoor activities. 

What's in my suitcase?

  • Kindle
  • Little black dress
  • Shoes I can walk miles in

Belinda

Antony Boomer

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

Tanya Aitken

Tanya Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

Travel fuels my soul, the experiences, the opportunities, the culture, the adventures, I have been lucky enough to have a career that is a labour of love. Planning holidays with a high degree of skill, attention and knowledge has become my trade mark.

I absolutely adore planning epic family trips, luxurious holidays alongside organizing a lot of corporate travel business as well. I also travel a lot, as often as I can so I have up to date first hand experience in so many areas. This has given me the skill and experience to share with my clients and ensure they also come away with travel experiences second to none. I work with a large referral business and I do require appointments to fully assess what is going to be right for you and start planning your holiday. 

Tanya

Rachel Molloy

Rachel Molloy

House of Travel Hamilton East

After 14 years in the travel industry, travel is still my great passion. I love exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures, cuisines and customs. Partway through my career, I took a year off to travel extensively through Central America, Asia and Europe. Today, I enjoy sharing the knowledge I've gained over the years and using that experience to help clients bring their travel dreams to fruition. 

Rachel

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Canal boating along the Canal du Midi