Hot Chch Team Photo Wall

Kyla Strahl

Lovely to meet you

Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!

"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!" 

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 57 
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island

"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven


Why I love travel: 

Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life. 


My travel tips: 

  • Always have travel insurance
  • Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café. 
  • Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can. 
  • Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine. 
  • South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes. 
  • Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park. 
  • Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals. 
  • Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared. 
  • Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation. 
  • Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be. 
  • Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip. 

Kyla


Some of the destinations I have explored

AFRICA: Botswana/Namibia | South Africa
ASIA: India/Nepal/Bhutan | Thailand | Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos
AUSTRALIA: Adelaide, South Australia | Brisbane | Darwin/Red Centre | Gold Coast | Hobart, Tasmania | Melbourne, Victoria | Perth/Kimberleys, WA | Sunshine Coast | Sydney, New South Wales
MIDDLE EAST: Dubai, UAE | Egypt/Jordan Turkey
NORTH AMERICA: Antigua and Barbuda | Bahamas | Barbados | Belize | Canada | Caribbean | Cayman Islands | Dominica | Grenada | Hawai`i | Mexico | St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines | St Maarten | Turks and Caicos | USA
SOUTH AMERICA: Argentina | Aruba | Brazil | Curaçao | Equador | Peru | Trinidad and Tobago 
SOUTH PACIFIC: Fiji | Tahiti
UK/EUROPE: Austria | Belgium | Croatia | Denmark | Germany | Ireland | England | France | Italy | Greece | Netherlands | Norway/Finland | Poland | Scotland | Spain/Portugal | Switzerland | Turkey 

What my customers have to say

  • Our relationship with the Christchurch City office of House of Travel commenced 3yrs ago in the middle of lockdown AND what a breeze it has been. Kyla, our travel consultant was on the point with every query, change of plans and willingness to accommodate our needs as we progressed to departure date. Then whilst on the other side of the world, additional "e tickets" arrived as needed. More business is on the way as we progress 2023. Many thanks team!
    Geoff

Awards & qualifications

  • New Zealand Certificate in Tourism Level 3
  • Cruise Line International Association
  • Blue Lagoon Cruises Specialist
  • Fiji Specialist
  • Disney Specialist