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Visit the Mona Lisa & stroll the Champ Elysees

France

France is just one of those destinations you must visit at least once in your lifetime! Le Louvre housing Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous art piece Mona Lisa, the prestigious Champs Elysee, the world-famous Eiffel Tower and the River Seine are land marks Paris is known the world over.

Sip a café au lait in a chic Parisian café (our favourite Café de Flore in Saint-Germain), enjoy the flaky butteriness of a freshly baked croissant from a patisserie (the eclairs from L’Eclair de Genie are devine!), browse famous works of art in Le Louvre (take a stroll through the iconic park Les Tuileries in front of Le Lourvre), climb the Arc de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower for views across the city, explore boutiques in the cobbled streets or prestigious Belle-Epoque department stores such as Galeries Lafayette along the Champs-Élysées.

Paris is always a good idea!

“A walking tour is the best way to see all the sights and the hidden gems from the locals! ”

Recommended by Chanel Gray , HOT The Square

Chanel Grey

Connect with a France specialist

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Bridget Hanrahan

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime. 

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry". 

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family. 

Years in the industry: 19+ 
No. of countries visited: 25 
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous


Why I love travel: 

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding. 


My travel tips: 

  • Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short. 
  • If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else. 
  • Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you. 


My top 5 destinations: 

  • Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
  • Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing. 
  • Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
  • Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe. 
  • Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do. 


What's in my suitcase?

  • Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
  • Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel. 
  • A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone. 

Bridget



Brie Cooper

Brie Cooper

House of Travel Browns Bay

As a young and passionate travel consultant with firsthand experience across multiple continents, I bring fresh energy, up-to-date insights and a genuine love for exploring the world. From my solo adventures in Europe to expeditions through Japan and tropical escapes in the South Pacific, I have a deep understanding of what makes a holiday special and use this to craft unforgettable holidays for my clients. Whether you're adrenaline junkies or culture enthusiasts, I can turn your ideas into unforgettable memories. 


Brie

Mike (Buzz) Thomson

Mike (Buzz) Thomson

House of Travel Hobsonville

With 20 years experience in the travel industry both here and abroad I use this knowledge every day to create unforgettable journeys for my clients.

I'd love to hear what your plans are and together we'll create a well organised memorable trip.

Mike

Maree Thompson

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


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Visit the Mona Lisa & stroll the Champ Elysees