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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

“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!”

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Tracey Edgecombe

House of Travel New Plymouth

I liken planning a holiday to baking a cake. It takes several well measured and thought out ingredients for a great result.

I have been lucky to have travelled extensively myself and being a travel consultant for more than 20 years, I use these 'ingredients' - experience and expertise - to draw on to help create amazing holidays and lifelong memories.

It is such a pleasure to help my clients get the best out of their holidays and manage an incredible team of travel professionals.

Tracey

Courtney Cameron

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

As your personal holiday builder I am here to take the stress out of your next holiday. Be it a family trip over the Tasman or romantic getaway to one of the sun soaked Pacific Islands, or maybe a bucket list destination trip.

I have had 10 years in the travel industry -made up mostly of being an International Flight Attendant. I have been lucky enough to travel to many places and experience many cultures. But there is always somewhere new to go!

I want to take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the excitement of the trip. I am highly organized and like to ensure everything has been thought of and accounted for. Communicating clearly along the way with you so you feel confident and reassured.

Courtney

Jay Irvine

House of Travel Barrington

With my own experience in travel, along with my corporate background as well.

I have been able to book a wide variety of trips ranging from flop and drop holidays through to sport events and everything in between.

Jay

Melissa Duder

House of Travel Taupo

My travel journey began with a solo adventure to New York at 21-and I've been hooked ever since! Fast forward a few years and I've had the absolute joy of exploring over 20 countries.

From wandering through ancient cities to tasting street food in hidden alleyways, I thrive on discovering new places, flavours, and cultures.

I found my way into the travel industry while searching for a career that truly lit me up-and I've never looked back.

Today, I get to turn wanderlust into reality by crafting unforgettable holidays for our local community and curious travellers from all over the world.

Planning a trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming. I'm here to take the stress out of travel and help you design a getaway that's as unique and joyful as you are.

Got ideas? Let's dream big and make it happen-together!

Melissa