All Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer!

Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.

I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.

I've been immersed in the world of travel since 1987- first as a tour leader, then as a travel advisor, and now as Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City, travel has never just been a profession for me: it's been a lifelong pursuit of discovery. 

Over the years, I've explored more than 105 countries, experiencing travel in its rawest and most authentic forms- from double-decker buses through Europe and rickshaws in Asia, to horseback journeys in the Middle East and dugout canoes deep in Central Africa. Along the way there have been camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles- each journey adding to a deep understanding of what true adventure feels like. 

Today, while the sense of adventure remains as strong as ever, I pair it with a passion for refined, seamless travel. Recent journeys have taken me to destinations such as Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Japan, Türkiye, Zimbabwe, Peru, Argentina and Antarctica-  experiencing them through a lens of greater comfort, exclusive access, and considered detail. 

Many of my clients share this same evolution- still driven by curiosity and a desire to explore the extraordinary, but with an appreciation for quality, ease, and exceptional experiences. With my breadth of knowledge across both adventurous or luxury travel, I specialise in designing journeys that combine the thrill of discovery with the comfort and sophistication you deserve. 

Whether it's a remote expedition, a tailor-made cultural journey, or a high-end escape with unique touches, I take pride in crafting travel experiences that are seamless, distinctive, and unforgettable. 

I look forward to helping you discover the world- your way.  

Tony Boomer

Travel has always been a big part of who I am, and I love helping people turn their dream holidays into something personal, seamless, and unforgettable.

From adventure and culture to great food, relaxation, and those special moments along the way, I enjoy creating trips tailored to each traveller. Having explored Los Angeles, Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Australia, the Pacific Islands and Europe, experienced a Rhine River cruise, and travelled with Contiki, I bring genuine firsthand insight to every holiday I help plan.

Three things I can’t travel without:

• My Uniqlo crossbody bag
• A portable charger
• My passport, of course

My love for travel kicked off early, I entered the industry at 19 and have been lucky enough to turn that passion into a career. I’ve explored over 45 countries and experienced travel in just about every way imaginable: solo adventures, OEs, family holidays, cruises, group tours, and everything in between.

Having lived in several countries, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the diversity of travel and how personal each journey can be. I truly believe the best holidays start with thoughtful planning, and I love helping others turn their travel dreams into reality.

I bring a mix of energy, enthusiasm, and people-focused leadership to my role. I’m a bubbly, approachable personality who thrives on connecting with others, but I’m also highly organised and passionate about ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. 

Holly