Renee Taylor

Admin Support

House of Travel Calder & Lawson

Lovely to meet you

While I'm now in a part-time support role for our incredible team of Travel Specialists, I have been part of the Calder & Lawson family since 2011. I've worked across all areas of the business, including as a Travel Specialist from 2018-2021.

My love for travel and exploring the world began as a child. I come from a big family in a small Waikato town, and as my older sister travelled through America working as an au pair, I will always remember receiving her post cards, monthly phone calls and gifts in the mail from the amazing places she visited. From those moments, I knew I wanted travel to be a big part of my life.

I am fortunate to have travelled to many countries, experiencing various travel style and cultures. I love sharing with people everything I can about the amazing places I have been to, and in return I learn so much about those I haven't been yet. My "to travel" list is ever-growing!

My favourite quote comes from Mark Twain; "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did do". Renee

My favourite holiday memories

Europe

Two back-to-back Contiki's, an incredible week in Spain, a Busabout "All Stars" trip to Italy & Ibiza and a Princess Cruise around the Mediterranean. These 4 trips have all been so different and explored various parts of Europe, resulting in a longtime love for everything Europe has to offer. The food, wine, culture, people watching, breathtaking scenery, History, everything Paris and the Spanish siesta are among my favourite parts of Europe.
Vietnam

The first big international adventure for my husband, and we were a little nervous at first! We needn't worry; the traffic is best explained as "organised chaos", the locals and tour guides are incredibly polite and knowledgeable, the history is confronting and the temperamental weather does call for a cold drink-stop (or two) while waiting for the down pour to pass! A trip to Vietnam is not complete without a Saigon street food vespa-tour, and visiting Hoi An for some tailor made clothing and a traditional cooking class.
Cruising

P&O Cruise to Fiji, Princess Cruise around the Mediterranean and Blue Lagoon Cruise around the Yasawa Islands of Fiji have all been memorable experiences and solidified my love for cruising. Unpack one? Check! Accommodation, transport, delicious meals & entertainment all paid in advance? Check! From large ships to small ships, adults-only, kids & families, all-inclusive or expedition; there's something for everyone when it comes cruising.

Creating better holidays

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

18yr-30 Something Travel
Couples Travel
Family Travel
Solo Travel

My travel passions

Food -Some may call me a pasta snob these days, as my first visit to Italy really ruined any other kind of pasta for me! Handmade pasta really is something else, as is their tiramisu! You'll often find me at local food markets, hidden gems where locals go to eat, taking a traditional cooking class or doing a street-food tour!

R&R- As a mum now, travel is as much for adventuring as it is for relaxing and recharging. I'll always make sure I have time aside to "just be" in that destination. Whether that's by the pool, sitting in a beautiful park with a good book, treating myself to a spa treatment or midday siesta! Make sure you take time for yourself.

Local Tours- Walking tours are an epic way to see a new place and get your all-important step count! Bicycle tours are another favourite, especially if it includes wine. And I'm a sucker for a "hop on hop off" bus tour, at least a 24hr pass so I can get my bearings of a new city and use it as my transport around too, win-win!

People Watching - Take it from the French, who have all their café outdoor tables & chairs facing outwards to the street so you can people watch. Remember though - if you decide to dine in rather than takeaway, it often will be a little pricier! Immerse yourself in the local culture, learn a bit of the language (it goes a long way) and have a go at the local transport systems like the Metro/underground train systems.

Some of the destinations I have explored

Let’s connect

Renee Taylor

Renee Taylor

Lovely to meet you

My favourite holiday memories

Creating better holidays

My travel passions

Some of the destinations I have explored

Awards & qualifications