Peru

Hi, I’m Jo and I joined the House of Travel Papamoa team in April 2022 not long after the borders opened and it’s fair to say it’s been crazy busy ever since!  No two days are the same and I thrive working in a fast-paced environment.   I have been working in Travel for around 10 years and started in January 2009 at Flight Centre Mt Maunganui and then moved to Auckland in 2011 to step into a management role to open their new retail store in Royal Oak.  I then moved back to the Tauranga area in early 2013 and opened the Flight Centre in Bayfair.  Opening two of Flight Centre’s stores gave me an incredible learning experience and insight into building a business and taking it to incredible heights!  I was also in charge of training multiple new to the industry staff members.  Before Travel I worked in banking for 4 and half years both in the retail branch and the business banking team. 

I have great attention to detail, excellent communication skills and am down to earth, friendly and approachable.  I love meeting new people and building relationships with my clients.  I love putting together itineraries and working closely with you to find your perfect fit.

I'm passionate about travel to Canada and the UK.  As I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and London for nearly 3 years on Working Holidays.  I’ve also spent 3 weeks in Egypt and over 6 weeks in South America.  I’ve travelled on my own to Asia and then jumped on an Intrepid Cambodia tour.  I have also done a 28 day Topdeck Camping trip around Europe and travelled independently using Eurail passes and the Eurostar. Along with many other exciting adventures!

My partner Duncan and I have two children, a son 10 and daughter 8 whom we took on holiday to Plantation Island in Fiji for a week.  We have also spent 2 weeks in Bali as a family in 2023.  Duncan and I also experienced a Viking cruise earlier this year which we absolutely loved! Our latest holiday was spending 5 nights in Fiji at the All Inclusive Naviti Resort.

We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block with cows, sheep, chickens, cats, and our gorgeous dog Millie.  We love the outdoors and taking advantage of the many wonderful things on offer here in the Tauranga area.  

I’d love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.  

There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team and Andy is ours! His easy and honest approach makes for an enjoyable relationship and experience for clients, suppliers and all the team. 

Travel has always been a constant in Andy's life. 

Andy first developed a love for travel early, living in the USA for 3 years from the age of 5. After this he has taken every opportunity, travelling the world to some of its most remote spots. Whether he is trekking in the Patagonian Andes, strolling the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread across USA, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, Andy's in his element. 

Being in the travel industry for almost 7 years has given Andy a great opportunity to visit amazing places and diversify his knowledge, so no matter where you want to go, he will have some expert advice to make your trip unforgettable. 

"I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything, your only limited by how far your imagination can stretch."

Years in the industry: 7 
No. of countries visited: 10 
Favourite place to visit: Amalfi Coast
Nest place on the list to visit: Yosemite, California

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien. 

Why I love travel: 

The places I see and the people I meet, travel really is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from all cultures and walks of life. Remember life is short, travel often. 

My travel tips: 

• If you are always early, you are never late. 
• Prebook as much as possible before you go and schedule rest days on long trips.
• Live courageously - you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take. 

My top 3 favourite destinations: 

• Italy - The food, the history, the people, the stunning coastlines, and mountains. Italy should be on everyone's bucket list. 
• USA - With a multitude of cultures to experience and adventures to be had, you could spend your life just in the USA and not see everything. 
• Patagonia - A challenge to reach, the landscapes that will great you make every minute of the journey worth the effort. 

What's in my suitcase: 

• Kindle/E-reader - it is easy to pack, light to carry, and has a long battery life; this is an essential on all my trips. 
• Noise cancelling headphones - perfect for noisy flights and airports. 
• Travel plug adapter - easy to forget but a must have.

Andy

I recently joined the team at House of Travel Mt Maunganui after relocating from Hamilton, where I’d previously worked with Calder & Lawson House of Travel.

After many years in the travel industry, what makes this job special to me, is having my clients return from their trips to tell me about their adventures and then wanting to rebook another holiday with me - they do say the best way to overcome the post-travel blues is to already be planning your next one, and I couldn’t agree more!

I would love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.

I've been on overland truck trips for months on end, long extended self-drive adventures, ocean cruises and riverboats, coach tours, small group guided journeys and done independent travel, visiting 60 countries in 6 continents along the way.

I'm always looking forward to my next adventure and love helping clients get the most from theirs. 

Sindy