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All Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer!

Canada

Operating April to October, the Rocky Mountaineer is synonymous with the Canadian Rockies. Offering three rail journeys, either east to Banff or Lake Louise, or north to Jasper you’ll encounter majestic mountain peaks, dramatic gorges, stunning crystal lakes and rivers, desert like canyons, rich ranchlands and UNESCO World Heritage national parks.

The best part? With highlights best seen by train, you can catch an award-winning daylight luxury train journey with panoramic views through the heart of it all. It’s essential to always have your camera at the ready, because you never know what wildlife you’ll spot around the next corner!

You’ll constantly hear shouts of “bear”, “mamma bear and her cub” and “deer” all along the journey! It’s such an exciting time, and the train kindly slows down so everyone has a chance to see. If your journey includes an overnight stop in Lake Louise, treat yourself by upgrading your room type at Fairmont Lake Louise to a Lake View room – the views are absolutely stunning!

Connect with a Canada specialist

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Lesley Masters

House of Travel Lower Hutt

Why book with me?

Because your holiday deserves more - it deserves care, tailored advice, and personal attention every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience as a travel consultant, I specialise in designing trips that fit your needs perfectly, whether it's a fun family escape to the Gold Coast or a complex, multi-country adventure across the globe. I'm here to handle the details, solve the unexpected and make sure your travel experience is seamless from start to finish.

Travel isn't just my job - it's my lifelong passion. Since catching the travel bug at age 12 on a trip to England, I've explored around 35 countries, discovering the joys of rail journeys, river and ocean cruises, guided tours and solo travel. This hands-on experience means I can give you first-hand tips and recommendations.

My favourite destinations include Italy, England and Niue, but truly, I've fallen in love with almost everywhere I have explored. Next on my list? Japan, Samoa and Sri Lanka - always planning, always exploring, so I can share the very best with you.

I feel privileged to work in such an exciting, dynamic industry, and I'd love to help to plan your next unforgettable holiday. Let me take care of everything - so all you have to do is enjoy.

Lesley

Nicky Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

I have had a lifelong love affair for exploring the world. Raised in a family that prioritised travel, I inherited a passion for all things travel. I have lived in different countries (London, USA, Argentina) and I am fascinated with the rich tapestry of culture, people, religion and food in new places.

My love for travel has taken me to some of the world’s most amazing places!

From Mauritius to Bahamas and all in between, I have been privileged to experience the world and being able to speak and understand 5 languages English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German and Greek) certainly comes in helpful.

I have grown up in South Africa, spending most of my adult life there, being able to show my clients what makes this region so unique is a privilege. Africa was my backyard after all and even after living in NZ for almost 12 years, my heart still beats to the African Drum.

For me, choosing a favourite destination is impossible. But .. Bali has literally captivated my heart, and even though I have been there 20+ times, I still always find new things to uncover. As does the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, these islands just have the “it” factor

I also love ocean cruising, especially Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Cruising offers such a great variety and a chance to see multiple destinations and experiencing iconic landmarks and locations from your hotel on the sea.

I WOULD SAY MY PASSION IS MAKING MY CLIENTS DREAM HOLIDAYS COME TRUE AND I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY EFFICIENT SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.

Nicky

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