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Laura Simpson

Laura Simpson

House of Travel Taupo

When I first started in the travel industry, I didn’t even have a passport! Fast forward a few months, and that had all changed – I hit the ground running on my first overseas adventure, and I haven’t stopped since. Whether it’s getting immersed in the local culture, or ticking off bucket list moments, travel has a unique magic that stays with you forever. 

I love using my own travel experience to bring that personal, unique touch to your dream holiday, making a seamless experience from the planning stages right through to your return home. From navigating the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong to exploring the USA on a road trip, there’s a world out there just waiting to be discovered. 

Let’s have a chat, and make your travel dreams a reality!


Laura

Laura Cook

Laura Cook

House of Travel Whanganui

Hey there!

I’m Laura, the smiley face you’ll spot as soon as you walk through our office door. With a serious case of wanderlust, I’ve done it all —lived abroad, cruised the seas, island-hopped, and even cruised around South Africa on the back of a motorbike. But let me tell you about my ultimate love affair Africa!

For three incredible years, I bounced between Australia and South Africa, exploring every corner of the country, often on the back of a motorbike. I’ve sat with elephants for hours, watched big cats hunting, and slept under the stars in the middle of a game reserve. My heart belongs to the wild, and if you’re an animal lover like me, trust me, Africa will capture yours too.

Nothing lights me up more than helping people experience this magic. The more I learn, the more excited I get about sharing these adventures with you! Whether it’s a dream safari, a relaxing cruise, or an off-the-beaten-path escape, I’m here to bring your travel dreams to life.

Let’s make your adventure happen!

Laura

Minji Park

Minji Park

House of Travel Christchurch City

Minji is our Japan specialist in Christchurch. Born and raised in South Korea, her passion for travel began at an early age. This passion led her to study tourism management and become a tour guide in both Japan and Southeast Asia.

 

Minji has spent most of her tour guide career in Japan, leading tours across the country and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the region. She has also guided tours in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and has backpacked extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and Canada. Minji has lived in London, Vancouver, and Sydney, spending at least a couple of years in each country.

 

 

My top travel tips

  • Pack as light as you can (except for cruises). Heavy luggage can be tedious to manage and exhausting just getting on/off trains. 
  • Try to pre-book and pay in NZ dollars. If you pay locally, you will need to pay in local currency and the banks will apply their exchange rates plus international transaction fees. 
  • Utilise your stopover opportunities. Two holidays, one ticket, you are basically genius.

Years in the industry: 14
No. of countries visited: 30+
Favourite place to visit: Japan
Next place on the list to visit: Safari in Africa

"Investment in travel is an investment in yourself" - Matthew Karsten


Why I love travel 

I love meeting new people, discovering new cultures, tasting new food and beers and having new experiences. Travel is the best way to tick all the boxes and be inspired. 

It is exciting and rewarding to help make my clients' holiday easier with better value and making it more memorable with my travel knowledge and organisation skills. I just love talking about travel, and hearing about their holiday when they return home is the best part of my job. It is very rewarding to hear what a great time they had. I am continuously learning about new travel destinations and new products and experiences so I never get bored. 


My top destinations

  •  Japan – Japan is the country that I have travelled through the most and I can never tire of it.  Japan offers so much, from old historic shrines and temples to the most modern architecture and latest technology, fascinating culture, beautiful nature areas and incredible food. It is also a very safe and easy place to travel so I recommend it for all types of travellers.
  • Spain - I love the Andalusia region in particular, including Granada and Ronda. You feel like you are walking back in time, or perhaps through a movie set with the many sublime landscapes, spectacular vistas and famous historic sites. A warm evening drinking sangria with some delicious tapas over a view of Alhambra is a personal favourite. 
  • Vietnam - you can have an amazing experience within a very affordable budget. In one day, you will see more motorbikes than you have seen in your entire life. Interesting French Colonial architecture and indigenous castles and villages, beautiful beaches and rice paddies, the little art and culinary boutique town of Hoi An, unique and delicious food, UNESCO Heritage site Ha Long Bay and much more. 
  • Galapagos - If you are into wildlife, this is one of the ultimate places in the world to visit. I still say Galapagos was the best travel experience in my life. The everyday encounters with unique species of sea lions, turtles, tortoises, all different types of birds, penguins, sharks, rays, marine iguana are unforgettable. The best part for me was diving amongst schools of hammerhead sharks and eagle rays inside the crater of a submerged volcano.


What's in my suitcase

  • Foldable backpack - It is the best thing ever. I always put one in my bag, and it is perfect for a casual day out exploring.
  • Travel organiser bags - I have one for clothes, one for underwear/socks and one for toiletries. It will make your pack/unpack so much easier. 
  • Compact rain jacket and small collapsible umbrella - You will always have some rain during your holiday but unless you are expecting lots of it, you don't want these items to take too much space in your travel bag. 

Minji

Lisa Grunsell

Lisa Grunsell

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

With over 30 years in the travel industry, I still get that same excitement when creating holidays for my clients.

My extensive travel knowledge, combined with personal experiences, allows me to transform your dreams into reality.

Travel has truly been life-changing for me, from the diverse cultures to the countless continents I’ve explored. I would love to share that joy with you.

I invite you to come and chat with me—I’m here to make booking your holiday as easy and stress-free as possible. 

Lisa

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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Vietnam FAQs

Q. What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam’s diverse geography means the best time to visit varies by region. Generally, spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather with less humidity and rainfall. For northern destinations like Hanoi or Halong Bay, it is generally cooler than the rest of the country so winter (November to January) is cooler, while southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City enjoy dry weather during these months. Central Vietnam, including Hoi An and Hue, is best visited between February and August when it’s warm and sunny.

Q. Where should I go on holiday in Vietnam?
Vietnam boasts incredible diversity. Visit Hanoi for history and culture, Halong Bay for its stunning limestone karsts, and Hue for imperial palaces. Central Vietnam offers the charm of Hoi An’s ancient streets and Danang’s beaches. In the south, explore the Mekong Delta’s waterways or experience the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh City. For nature enthusiasts, Sapa's terraced rice fields and Phong Nha’s caves are must-sees.

Q. How long should I plan for my Vietnam trip?
To see the main highlights, we recommend a minimum of 10 days, but ideally three weeks — to see the very best of Vietnam in its entirety.

Q. How to find the best holiday package to Vietnam?
Check out our Vietnam deals section on the website or subscribe to receive exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Our Vietnam travel specialists can help craft the perfect itinerary for your adventure.

Q. Where should I stay in Vietnam? 
Vietnam offers options for every budget. Choose boutique hotels or luxury stays in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, eco-lodges in Sapa, beach resorts in Danang or Phu Quoc, and traditional junk boats for an unforgettable overnight in Halong Bay.

Q. What should I pack for Vietnam?
When traveling to Vietnam or other neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, your packing list will vary based on the time of year you decide to travel.

  • Lightweight clothing for hot weather, with layers for cooler northern winters.
  • Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring cities or trails.
  • Sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle.
    A universal adapter for electronics (Vietnam uses type A, C, and G plugs).

Q. What are some must-try experiences in Vietnam?
Some of our absolute favourites to explore in Vietnam include - Cruising Halong Bay, visiting the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City, cycling through rice paddies in Hoi An, and indulging in authentic Vietnamese cuisine like pho and banh mi are experiences not to miss. To view our favourite things to see & do in Vietnam click here

Q. Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam? 
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers unexpected medical needs and trip interruptions.

Q. How to get around in Vietnam?
If you’re short on time, skipping central Vietnam and flying from north to south (or vice-versa) is wise.  If time's not a problem, book a driver and guide for a scenic route between Hue and Danang, or Hanoi and Danang. Both drives are stunning. 

Trains are reliable throughout, but the Reunification Express train, which chugs between Hanoi and Sapa, is a real highlight. Slow but intrepid, if you have time to amble, the views are incredible. 

We recommend you to download the Grab app (similar to Uber) but no need to put credit card details in. You know the price before you go & pay cash. Much easier than taxis & super cheap.

Q. What dishes should I try in Vietnam?
Street food is very common & more stalls come out at night than day time. Sit on a very low plastic seat & enjoy new flavours & textures. You may need to observe fellow diners on how to eat some dishes!

We highly recommend eating where Obama dined - While in Hanoi, President Obama ate at an every-day noodle establishment called Bun Cha Huong Lien. Food is tasty, cheap and the restaurant is very proud of it’s most famous diner!

Here’s our absolute favourite 7 must-try Vietnamese dishes

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