Jo McLaughlin

Travel Consultant

House of Travel Papamoa

Lovely to meet you

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.

My favourite holiday memories

Spain

Such a memorable holiday! I celebrated my birthday in Ibiza and enjoyed exploring the old town, beaches, sights and nightclubs!
India

I loved India for it’s history, culture and architecture. Along with the most amazing food I’ve ever eaten!
Tahiti

I travelled with a group for work and it was a once in a lifetime experience - just stunning!
China

A very interesting place with so much to see and do.
London

The best time of my life! I absolutely loved living in London in my 20’s.

Creating better holidays

Whatever your travel dreams, I will work with you to create the best holiday possible. The holidays I specialise in include:

River Cruising - I love that you only unpack once and get to visit some beautiful places and get to blend in like local. I love the itineraries on offer and the amazing service offered onboard.
Group Travel - Topdeck and Contiki European Adventures - I love these two companies and what they offer young people! I did a 28 day camping tour in Europe with Topdeck and made friends for life with some amazing people!
Cycling
Golfing
Hiking Walking
Skiing
Adventure
Coach Touring
Small Ship Cruising
Expedition Cruising
Ocean Cruising
Couples Travel
Disney Holidays
Family Travel
Luxury Travel
Road Trips
Safaris
Solo Travel
Train Journeys

Where I have travelled to

What my customers have to say

Thanks to Jo, my trips are booked and I couldn't be more excited... After a few years of no overseas travel, having Jo book my flights and then come up with wonderful hotel options which are now booked is awesome. Jo is so lovely to deal with and look forward to working with her on future travel plans.

Catherine
Jo was fabulous to deal with. This is the second time that we have gone to Jo to help us with our trips. Her knowledge is fantastic and her easy manner nothing is a problem attitude makes the whole experience easy. Fast responses to our questions was really appreciated too. Would highly recommend Jo to anyone thinking of booking a trip. I know we are definitely in good hands and will be going back to her for our next trip.

Trudi
Thank you Jo McLaughlin (Papamoa) for organizing our holiday. The best awesome service and always there for you. Thanks Jo

David
Extremely good efficient service... would certainly recommend.

Elizabeth
Thanks to Jo, my trips are booked and I couldn't be more excited .. After a few years of no overseas travel, having Jo book my flights and then come up with wonderful hotel options which are now booked is awesome. Jo is so lovely to deal with and look forward to working with her on future travel plans ..

Catherine