Rail Journeys

I’m Natalia - Travel Fairy!? 

I love crafting trips that blend discovery, comfort, and a little bit of magic.

My initial introduction to the world of travel was becoming a flight attendant after my graduation many moons ago! This gave me first-hand knowledge of flights, airlines and fuelled my own love of travel alongside other travellers.

I’ve visited more than 30 countries, lived in Russia, Thailand, and India,  and travelled widely across Europe and Asia. Each experience has helped me become familiar with both budget and luxury styles of travel (and everything in between!).

As a mum of two, I’m also an expert in travelling with children from toddlers to teens, and I know how to make those trips smooth and enjoyable to all!

With so many years in customer service and the travel industry, I understand and I’m attentive to my clients’ needs and preferences, creating journeys that match their personality and style of travel — from solo travellers and couples to families and all kinds of groups.

I see every journey as a beautiful puzzle. With care and attention, I bring all the pieces together to create your seamless and unforgettable experience.

So, whether you are planning a family holiday, peaceful escapes, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, I’d love to help.  

Let’s have some fun & bring your travel dreams to life together!

Natalia

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.  

I love that Travel experiences gives you lasting memories.

I've worked in almost every area of the travel industry over the last 30 years and have a wealth of experience to help plan your next trip!

Kirsty

Lisa