Back

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!

Connect with a France specialist

See all

Tori Melody

House of Travel Devonport

Lovely to meet you — and welcome, fellow adventure seekers!

I’m Tori, your dedicated travel consultant and in-house explorer. With four years in the industry, countless miles travelled, and a genuine passion for crafting meaningful journeys, I’m here to help turn your travel dreams into experiences that stay with you for life.

As a USA travel expert and global theme park enthusiast (yes — Disney and Universal are my happy places!), I specialise in the kinds of holidays that bring people together and spark unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a multi-generational family escape, a self-drive road trip, a backpacking adventure, or a tailor-made private itinerary, I love creating travel plans that feel personal, seamless, and exciting.

Adventure comes in many forms — hiking hidden trails, tasting a city’s flavours on a food tour, discovering rich history, sailing on a cruise, or joining an 18–35s group tour to meet new friends. Whatever your style, I’m here to match you with experiences that broaden your horizons and deepen your love for the world around you.

Alongside planning travel, I also run our store’s social media pages, keeping our community inspired with fresh ideas and insider knowledge.

If you’re looking for a consultant who brings passion, expertise, creativity, and genuine care to every itinerary, I’d love to be part of your next adventure

Tori

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

My love for travel began early - at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I've never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and knew I'd found my dream career. Even know, I still smile every day coming to work - I truly LOVE what I do.

I did step away from the travel industry for a few years to raise my family, but the pull of travel was simply too strong. Coming back confirmed what I already knew: there is nothing else I would rather be doing. No two days are ever the same, and helping to create someone's dream holiday is a true privilege.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialize in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I'm especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational family holiday, a tailor-made Europe itinerary or a cruising holiday, I'll work with you to create a trip that fits within your budget and needs.

I pride myself on attention to detail and prompt turnaround times with my work. I believe I also go above and beyond for my clients - many now see me more as a friend, because we've built such strong relationships. Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, I'm here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I'm known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I'll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.

I live on our dairy farm in Reporoa with my Husband Mathew and our three young children, who go to school in Rotorua. We are a busy sporting family, so I understand the #mumlife juggle and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday, either as a family or for a lush couples' getaway!

Some of our favourite family trips have been around Vietnam and to the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and next on our list with the kids in Japan. For my husband and I, a favourite recent trip was to Bali - the beachfront cocktails were amazing! Our next couples' getaway is to Langkawi in Malaysia!

Don't just dream about it - lets start planning. Get in touch today and let me turn your travel dreams into your next boarding pass.

Sarah

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

Megan Loughridge

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

With over 20 countries visited and four group tours under my belt, I understand just how impactful a well-planned journey can be. Each trip has given me new insights—not only into different cultures and places—but also into what truly makes a travel experience memorable.

I genuinely enjoy the planning process: mapping out itineraries, uncovering hidden gems, and making sure every detail is just right. It’s this same thoughtfulness and enthusiasm I bring to every trip I help design. Whether it’s a relaxed escape, a cultural deep dive, or an adventure-filled group tour, my goal is to create travel experiences that are exciting, seamless, and tailored to you.

When I’m not travelling, you’ll usually find me being a proud (and slightly crazy) dog lady—spending time with my three dogs and competing in dog agility. My love of animals flows into my travel values too, and I’m a big believer in travelling ethically and responsibly, with care and respect for local communities, cultures, and wildlife.

Megan