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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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Peter Davies

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

Kelsey Mackay

Kelsey Mackay

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

Travel has always been more than just getting from A to B for me, it’s about the experiences, the memories, and the confidence that comes from seeing the world in a new way.

I love helping people plan trips that truly suit them, whether that’s a relaxing island escape, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a well-earned holiday where everything just runs smoothly. I take the time to understand what’s important to each client, and I’m known for being organised, responsive, and honest with my advice.

Having travelled myself and worked closely with trusted suppliers, I enjoy sharing practical insights and industry knowledge that help take the stress out of planning. From the early ideas right through to the finer details, my goal is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and excited about your holiday.

There’s nothing better than hearing about a great trip when clients return, knowing I’ve played a small part in helping create something really special and it's certainly making my Book-It "List" turn into a Novel!

My favourite place I have visited is Puerto Rico - from the beautiful white-sand beaches and the best coffee & chocolate I’ve ever had, this country is so rich with culture. It’s sure to be a memorable port stop on your next Caribbean Cruise.

The next place I would love to explore is Indonesia & South America!

Kelsey
Maree Thompson

Maree Thompson

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!

I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!! 

I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!

I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm. 

I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled. 

I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general. 

I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.

My Travel Tips

* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad. 

*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!

*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.

*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel. 

The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.

Maree


Anna O'Dell-Smith

Anna O'Dell-Smith

House of Travel Ferrymead

Having travelled extensively I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the rich culture of any country I am fortunate enough to visit. Travel is my passion and I love helping clients create an unforgettable experience that is uniquely their own. 

I genuinely believe that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. I enjoy being part of each and every journey. No day is the same in the life of a travel consultant and I relish the challenge that this represents. I am flattered by the number of clients who have come back to me time and time again. 

Having travelled to nearly 50 countries, my bucket list is still never ending. I have backpacked my way through the world in my youth as well as enjoying five star luxury in more recent times. I have definitely felt richer from each and every experience. Travel is a way of life, I love what I do and that passion and enthusiasm always translates into the work I put into my clients plans. 


Anna 

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Canal boating along the Canal du Midi