South Australia

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 8 whom we took on holiday to Plantation Island in Fiji for a week.  We have also spent 2 weeks in Bali as a family in 2023.  Duncan and I also experienced a Viking cruise earlier this year which we absolutely loved! Our latest holiday was spending 5 nights in Fiji at the All Inclusive Naviti Resort.

We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block with cows, sheep, chickens, cats, and our gorgeous dog Millie.  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 really do have a passion for travel especially visiting new destinations. 

I very rarely spend my holidays at home. I'm usually on a plane with husband Mike - suitcases over packed as usual. 

We enjoy being active on holiday - walking 800 kms across Spain on the Camino, biking through Latvia and Estonia. 

I equally enjoy a good beach holiday such as Santorini, Fiji and Queensland. 

We also manage to fit in visiting children and grandchildren in London, Hong Kong and Sydney. 

Brigitta

I'm Gavin Rasikaran, your dedicated travel expert with a passion for exploring the world and a commitment to making your travel dreams a reality.

With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, I've had the privilege of helping countless clients embark on unforgettable journeys to destinations near and far.

When it comes to planning an International trip, be it just one destination or an around the world journey, it call all become overwhelming and daunting. Together with you, I will help you plan a perfect holiday taking the stress away, personalised to you.

Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.

My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.

It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.

Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you. 

Petra