Witness the wildebeest migration in Tanzania

Hey there!

I'm Laura, the smiley face you'll spot as soon as you walk through our office door. With a serious case of wanderlust, I've done it all - lived abroad, cruised the seas, island hopped, even cruised around South Africa on the back of a motorbike! I am all about the adventure. But let me tell you about my ultimate love affair - Africa!

For three wild years, I bounced between Australia and South Africa, travelled to almost every corner on the bake of a motorbike. I’ve sat with Elephants for hours, seen the big cats hunting, slept under the stars in the middle of a game reserve. My heart belongs to the wildlife, and if you're an animal lover like me, trust me, Africa is the place to be.

They say home is where the heart is, and I left a piece of mine in Africa. Nothing makes me happier than helping others experience its magic. Sure, I'm a newbie in the travel industry, but exploring the world has been my jam since day one. The more I learn, the more excited I get about sharing the adventure with you!

So, whatever you are dreaming of, I'm here to make your travel dreams come true!

Laura

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.  

Being a friendly and bubbly person, I appreciate spending time with my clients building their dream holidays, listening and paying attention to their needs to create special memories. Let me help you discover the world the way that you would like to.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful travel industry that I am so enthusiastic about and find that my passion to help others shows when working in my happy place.

I have travelled through Europe with Contiki in my early 20's which was such a wonderful way to get a taste for the European culture and food, opening my mind to Europe's uniqueness. In 2023 I travelled to London to watch an All Blacks game at Twickenham Stadium which was absolutely fantastic, then completed a Trafalgar tour of England and Scotland. I was so blown away by the historic palaces and magnificent landmarks as well as iconic attractions.

Recently I was in Central Europe and embarked on a Scenic River cruise from Budapest through Vienna and Bratislava on the Danube. Cruising through the European waterways being inspired by the picture-postcard villages and castles. It was like being in a dream. If you have ever thought of doing a European River cruise, I highly recommend it. Come see me to have a chat about this incredible way of travelling as well as giving you some tips and insights before you go.

Selling river and ocean cruises is a passion of mine. It is such an easy way to travel. Unpacking once, having food included as well as entertainment. Why would you not love to travel like this.

I love Asia and the wonderful people, culture and food you experience in these destinations. I have been to Bali, travelled through Cambodia and the South to North of Vietnam, as well as parts of Eastern Canada and New York. I cruised Alaska which I absolutely loved and have had many trips to different parts of Australia, South Pacific, Asia and South Africa.

My favourite country would have to be Cambodia, where I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the locals, travelling this beautiful country, and experiencing the local food. Waking up at 5am to have a cup of tea whilst watching the sun rising over Angkor Wat as the local monks walked past. It was a magical moment and one that will be engraved in my mind forever.

I can’t wait to meet with you to discuss your individual travel enquiries.

With over 12 years of experience in the travel industry and a proud gold award to my name, I’m passionate about discovering and sharing unique destinations with my clients. I believe that every journey should be special, which is why I take the time to understand your preferences and curate experiences that truly resonate with you. Let’s explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures together—because travel is about creating unforgettable memories!

Torin