“Wear green, purple & gold and join in one of the Second Line Parades around the city. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras culture. Just remember to wear comfy shoes as dancing along to the brass band is hard to resist!”
Beat the blues at Mardi Gras in New Orleans
New Orleans
Beads, beer and blues music, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is a chaotic explosion of celebration, with music and mayhem pulsating from every crack in the brickwork.
Mardi Gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and symbolises the last day of indulging before fasting. This is Cajun country, so get acquainted with lively flavours.
Lock lips with an infamous beignet at Café du Monde in the French Quarter, and descend on the bakeries, open pre-dawn, for a traditional Mardi Gras ‘King Cake’. These gluttonous treats are ring-shaped and frosted. Inside there’s a tiny plastic baby – find it and tradition insists you have to buy next year’s cake
Shane Robertson
House of Travel Rotorua
“I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list” has pretty much been my life motto since I was 14. I sold a motorbike I’d outgrown and used the money to book myself, as an unaccompanied minor, on a flight to Australia to visit family, and I’ve never really stopped travelling since.
In my early 20s I did the classic European OE, and what I love most is how my travel style has evolved with each stage of life. I’ve backpacked, joined coach tours, sailed on luxury cruises and stayed in five star chateaus with two Michelin star restaurants. Now, with two young children, I’m genuinely excited about the next chapter: beach resorts with brilliant kids clubs, multi generational escapes and, of course, the Disneyland years.
I’ve travelled extensively through the South Pacific, Europe and Asia, and I’ve spent 17 years in the travel industry, most of that time working in product. That behind the scenes experience means I know how to sort the genuinely great options from the glossy brochure fluff, and how to build itineraries that flow well in real life, not just on paper.
As a consultant, I am especially passionate about the South Pacific, road trips and multi generational travel. I love finding those little “in between” moments that become the stories you tell for years, like taking the slow roads instead of highways or exploring a new neighbourhood while the washing is spinning at a local laundromat. My goal is to design journeys that feel personal, well considered and fun, with a little bit of something for everyone who is coming along.
If you are looking for someone who understands how travel changes as life does, from solo adventures to family holidays and everything in between, I would love to help you plan your next chapter.
Shane
Chanel Gray
House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square
From a young age I dreamed of taking adventures and exploring the world, and my passion has continued to grow the more places I have visited.
I love sharing my knowledge and experience with clients, and helping them plan their dream trips.
I'm a passionate traveler & always look forward to planning the next trip, whether it's for my clients or myself.
So far I've visited over 33 countries & experienced many types of travel including independent, small group tours, coach touring & cruising.
Chanel
Tracey Ormsby
House of Travel Prestons
Teri Campbell
House of Travel Greymouth
What truly sets me apart is that I believe in creating travel experiences as unique as you are. I take the time to understand your preferences, your dreams, and even those little quirks that make your ideal trip special.
It’s not just about booking flights and hotels; it’s finding that hidden gem of a restaurant in Barcelona or securing the best view of the Pyramids in Egypt, I’m committed to delivering experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
I also pride myself on being incredibly accessible and responsive. If a last-minute change or unexpected challenge arises, I’m just a phone call or message away, ready to jump in and ensure everything goes smoothly.
My goal is to make every moment of your trip memorable, stress-free, and tailored just for you.
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