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Eat tapas like a local in Spain

Spain, Europe

Eating tapas in Spain is a social ritual and a ‘complete tapas experience’ involves hopping from bar to bar and enjoying a couple at each bar!

We recommend booking a tapas tour to help get your bearings, where a local guide will take you to a few of their favourite bars and show you how it’s done - then you’ll be set.

A few tips... keep your eye out for happy hours, each bar has a speciality dish, don’t order everything in the first bar and the best tapas bars are always crowded so pop into any lively looking place - Salud!

Connect with a Spain specialist

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Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

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

Esther Ru Bay

House of Travel Papamoa

For over 20 years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of helping people explore the world. From weekend getaways to once-in-a-lifetime journeys, I’ve sent travelers to every corner of the globe—each trip teaching me something new and deepening my passion for travel planning.

What I love most is working with people to craft experiences that go far beyond just itineraries and bookings. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, a cultural deep dive, or a soul-searching solo trip, I take the time to understand what matters most to you. Together, we create meaningful, memorable journeys that you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.

In the past few years, the travel landscape has changed dramatically. Flight disruptions, evolving health regulations, and new requirements have made things more complicated than ever. But with experience comes adaptability. We've become experts at staying ahead of the curve—navigating changes with confidence, keeping you informed, and ensuring your plans stay on track no matter what.

My goal is simple: to take the stress out of travel so you can focus on the joy of discovery. From the moment we start planning to the moment you return home, I’m here to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.

Travel might be more complex today—but that’s exactly why having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Let’s plan something amazing.

Esther

Grace Hadfield

House of Travel Ashburton

I joined the travel industry with House of Travel in 2022 and am so far loving it!

I have already been fortunate enough to do a bit of travelling myself and look forward to seeing more of what the world has to offer in the future!

I love researching and planning a memorable holiday for clients, there is so much to learn about each and every destination. I find that sharing travel stories is a great way to connect with others!

Grace

Erin Phillips

House of Travel Hamilton East

I have been in and out of the industry since the 80's I have lived in Australia, Canada, Italy and of course NZ.

I have travelled to some great places but there is still a huge number of countries on my wish list.

There is nothing better than being able to help someone when they are going to a new place...recommend a hotel, restaurant or activity and then have them return to say how much they enjoyed it all.

Erin