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Australia

G'day Mate


G'day Mates!

From Melbourne’s eclectic food scene, exploring colourful laneways, to kicking back and soaking up the laid-back Aussie lifestyle on Sydney’s golden beaches, you’ll find so many amazing experiences on offer in each major Australian city. Head to a rooftop bar in Brisbane, or get a taste of the country’s multi-cultural influences at Adelaide’s Central Market. If nature and wildlife is more your style, take a stroll through Kings Park in Perth. Queensland has a piece of paradise to suit everyone – it is truly like no other place on earth. From seemingly endless coastlines to the great expanses of the outback, the world famous Great Barrier Reef and an array of luscious rainforests. Travel to the tropical north for wonders of the world and natural serenity, or head south to the state’s capital hub where you can embrace city life and surf on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast – definitely the makings of the perfect sunshine holiday. 


And don’t forget to discover the four states that are filled with diverse and iconic Australian experiences that are renowned the world over: South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Whether you’ve got two weeks to see the sights or six months to cover these vast states in a campervan, here you’ll find everything you need to know about the places to go and things to do on your unique holiday.

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

"I missed my flight out of Auckland due to major issues moving out of my flat. Megan got my flight changed to the next day and done on top of a very busy day for her and at a cost the was well well below what I thought it was going to cost me"

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"Very pleasant and helpful."

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"Excellent personal service. Very good outcome with our seating requests as well as accommodation."

Geofrey

Our Aussie specialists

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Jo McLaughlin

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 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.  


Jo
Claire Jones

Claire Jones

House of Travel Devonport

Hi there,

I wanted to share some exciting news— I’ve recently joined House of Travel Devonport, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Helping people make their travel dreams come true is my true passion, and I’m looking forward to many great conversations about all things travel.

Whether you’re an old friend or someone I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’m here to assist with all your travel plans, big or small. With 25 years in the travel industry, I’ve been fortunate to explore so many amazing places—Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, a bit of Africa, and even some incredible cruises.

Travel has always been close to my heart, and I love sharing my experiences and tips with others. I believe in making the most of every opportunity, and there’s no better time to see the world than now. Life is short, and travel leaves us with wonderful memories and no regrets.

Please feel free to drop by and say hello anytime. I’d love to chat and help you plan your next adventure.


Claire

Penni McDonald

Penni McDonald

House of Travel Auckland City

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

Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

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