Rail Journeys!

I’ve been in the travel industry since March 2003 and after 23 years, it’s safe to say travel isn’t just my job - it’s my life.  I’ve worked across both leisure and corporate travel in consultant and management roles, which means I know the industry inside and out and how to make trips work smoothly, even when they’re a little bit complex.

I bought House of Travel Whanganui in 2019 and what a ride that’s been.  Through COVID, tough times and a full rebuild, my love for travel and this industry has only grown stronger - along with my appreciation for the incredible clients who trust me with their holidays.

I’m passionate about adventurous, experience-rich travel.  My own journeys have taken me across the globe - from European river cruises and Serengeti safaris, to bullet trains in Japan, eating my way through Vietnam, wandering tea plantations in Sri Lanka and expedition cruising in the Philippines.  I love helping my clients travel deeper, not just further.

Together with my partner, we’re raising four kids and showing them the world one adventure at a time. Next up for me personally is a trip I’m incredibly excited about — travelling from Jordan to Egypt, then attending ANZAC Day in Gallipoli.

I’ve twice been recognised as one of House of Travel’s Top 12 Consultants, but what really drives me is planning unforgettable holidays for my clients. I bring energy, honesty and a no-hold-back attitude to every trip - because great travel should leave you with stories, not just photos,

Carla

Hi, I’m Jolene. I have lived in many places across the globe and am passionate about travel. New Zealand is now my home and I love hearing about your travel plans and am always in the process of planning my next trip.

Jolene

Travel is truly in my blood. My grandparents sparked the travel bug in my mum, and she passed that passion on to me. From the moment I took my very first holiday at age three, a magical trip to Disneyland, I was hooked. Growing up, I listened to my mum’s stories from her OE, my cousins’ globe-trotting adventures, and my sister’s explorations, all of which fueled my own wanderlust.

Over the years, I’ve lived in Scotland, as well as in England and Ireland, soaking up different cultures and ways of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, exploring incredible destinations including Jordan, Israel, the USA, Australia & Europe. I’ve experienced the security and ease of organised solo travel with Contiki and Topdeck tours, but I’ve also embraced the challenge and freedom of planning my own trips, like eloping in Denmark, which remains one of my most cherished adventures.

With a background in hospitality, I combine practical knowledge with genuine care to craft holidays that are personalised, meaningful, and seamless. I love getting to know your unique travel style and what matters most to you, whether that’s family fun, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list adventure.

I’m not just your travel consultant; I’m your travel cheerleader. I’ll celebrate every countdown with you, smooth out any bumps along the way, and be just as excited when everything comes together perfectly. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on making memories.

Let’s work together to create a travel experience that’s not only unforgettable but uniquely yours.

Courtney

As the stores resident cruise specialist without a doubt my favorite way to travel is by ship. 11 cruises so far & inspections of a further 20+ ships.

River cruises on the Nile, Danube & Rhone. Ocean cruises in the South Pacific, Caribbean & NZ.

Penni