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UK & Ireland

Castles, Pints, and Scenic Splendour!

United Kingdom Belle Tout Lighthouse

A blend of historic charm and scenic landscapes

Are you ready for an adventure that will take you across two of the most amazing and diverse islands in Europe? Journey to the UK and Ireland, where you will discover a world of wonders, from bustling cities to breathtaking scenery, from ancient history to modern culture and from Christmas markets to summer river cruises.

Whether you want to shop till you drop in London, chase Nessie in Scotland, sip Guinness in Dublin, or explore the Game of Thrones locations in Northern Ireland, you’ll find something to suit your fancy in these two islands. 

The UK and Ireland are full of surprises and delights. Chat to our UK & Ireland travel specialists and together, let’s start planning your perfect holiday today!

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Meet our UK & Ireland specialists

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Janine Taylor

Janine Taylor

House of Travel New Plymouth

With years of travel under my belt and time spent living in London, I bring real-world knowledge to every itinerary I create. I’m passionate about helping people see the world with ease and confidence.

Janine

Darryl Sandri

Darryl Sandri

House of Travel Timaru

Darryl has a vast travel knowledge of the world with Europe & Africa continents being personal favourites.

He's been selling both leisure and corporate bookings for 18 years and is well equipped to handle all requirements for personal and business travel.

Darryl

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

Kyla Strahl

Kyla Strahl

House of Travel Christchurch City

Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!

"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!" 

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 57 
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island

"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven


Why I love travel: 

Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life. 


My travel tips: 

  • Always have travel insurance
  • Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café. 
  • Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can. 
  • Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine. 
  • South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes. 
  • Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park. 
  • Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals. 
  • Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared. 
  • Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation. 
  • Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be. 
  • Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip. 

Kyla

Our favourite things to do in the UK & Ireland

Warner Bros Harry Potter

Visit Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio

While in London make sure you go to to the Warner Bros. Studio – The Making of Harry Potter Tour. It is incredible, even if you are not huge Harry Potter fans.

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Rainbow behind Stonehenge

Best. Daytrip. Ever!

Take a daytrip to Stonehenge.

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Buckingham Palace

A rare peek inside Buckingham Palace

A "must-do" when in London!

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Castle in Ireland

Stay in a castle

Live like royalty!

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Train

All aboard the Harry Potter experience!

The Jacobite Steam Train is hands down one of the world’s most epic rail journeys, taking you on an 84-mile round trip through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.

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West End London

Catch a classic show in London’s West End!

Ready for a spectacular night out?

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Penny Lane Liverpool

Dive deep into "Beatlemania"

Beatles – Liverpool experience

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Seats at Anfield Stadium

Feel the thrill of the Premier League Live

Join in with the chants at an atmospheric football match.

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Canterbury Canal England

A must-do British experience

Think canal cruising in a narrowboat is boring? Think again—it's the perfect way to enjoy a British summer!

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Sample some local brews

Discover how the world-famous brews are made at the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery Bow St.

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"She could understand our wishes and find the desired flights quickly."

Grant

"Hayley is so friendly and very efficient. We have used Hayley a few times and everytime our trips have been excellent, she really knows her stuff and listens to what we want. Thankyou so very much Hayley you are awesome"

jenny

"5 stars for Kate! Fast response, very informative. Would recommend Kate to anyone looking to book flights."

Tyla

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