Dreaming of a white Christmas ... in Santa's Lapland
Lapland, Europe
Reindeers, huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities - ice fishing, snow hockey and riding mini skidoos, elves around every corner, spectacular shows and a sleigh ride venturing deep into the forest to visit Santa’s secret hideaway for an unforgettable private visit at his workshop. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …this is Christmas in Santa’s homeland, Lapland.
Most Christmas tours will take you to Rovaniemi, where you’ll find Santa Claus’ Village, if you travel a little further north to Saariselka you’ll discover a little less ‘touristy’ yet still all the ingredients for a truly magical white Christmas experience.
Four or five nights is a good time to spend in Lapland, allowing you to enjoy all the activities and increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights too. In December there is approx. only two and a half hours of daylight – it takes a bit of time to acclimatise to the constant dark skies.
As part of your Lapland experience you will be provided with the appropriate thermal snowsuits and outdoor boots as well as woollen socks and thermal mittens you’ll need to keep warm in the below zero temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about your suitcase being full of all the bulky stuff!
The lead-up to Christmas is the most popular time to visit Lapland - you will need to book early (at least a year in advance), this also includes pre-booking your activities. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more flexibility and pay slightly lower prices, you can still enjoy your Lapland ‘Christmas’ in late November/early December, instead of travelling at Christmas itself.
Maree Thompson
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!
I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!
I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!
I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.
I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.
I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.
I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.
My Travel Tips
* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.
*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!
*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.
*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.
The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.
Maree
Hannah Smaha
House of Travel Johnsonville
Creating a holiday to suit your needs and budget is one of my favourite things to do.
Whether it's based on my own experiences or researching an obscure destination that is on your bucket list, I can't wait to help you book your dream holiday.?
Hannah
Olivia Whiteside Jenkins
House of Travel Riccarton
For as long as I can remember, travel has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up travelling multiple times a year, so it's no surprise I chose a career in the travel industry to carry this on in my adult life!
My love of travelling and experiencing different cultures is what drives me to create bespoke travel itineraries for all of my clients. I truly believe that travel sparks our imagination, feeds our curiosity, and reminds us how much we all have in common.
I have explored various parts of the world along with our own backyard and will continue to do this to not only fulfil my desire to travel more but also to advance my knowledge of locations that may be of interest to my clients.
Excelling your needs, wants and expectations before, during and after travel is my main priority. I would love to create a truly amazing trip and memories that will last you a lifetime!
Olivia
Jo McLaughlin
House of Travel Papamoa
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 9. We have been on family
holidays to Bali and Fiji, staying at Plantation Island and the Naviti on the
Coral Coast. Duncan and I also experienced a Viking ocean cruise (adults only)
and absolutely loved it! I have just returned from visiting Darwin, Litchfield
and Kakadu National Parks in the Northern Territory, taking the Ghan from
Darwin to Adelaide. I was very fortunate to take a scenic flight over
Uluru and Kata Tjuta – just breathtaking!
We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block. 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.
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