Travel News & Tips
Melissa and her daughter's whirlwind five days in New York City — from Times Square lights to Brooklyn Bridge views, and everything worth squeezing in between.
Melissa Landrebe accepted the First Travel Group Top 10 award in Adelaide on behalf of our whole Ferrymead team. Here's what it means to us.
Our Escorted Tour of Spain and Portugal has reached its final chapter. Melissa and Sandra have spent their last week on tour with our New Zealand group in Porto and along the Douro River, and Melissa has sent through her closing report, along with a few more photos from the journey.
Our Escorted Tour of Spain and Portugal has crossed the border, and our New Zealand group, hosted by Consultants Melissa and Sandra, has arrived in Portugal. Their first stop was one of Europe's most captivating capitals, and Melissa has sent through her report from the ground.
Seville completely stole our hearts and has been my favourite city so far. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and fascinating history. Read more of Melissa & Sandra's Escorted Tour of Spain & Portugal here.
Melissa & Sandra's luxury escorted tour of Spain & Portugal continues with the next stop on their itinerary being Cadiz. Read more of their experience and see all their photos here.
Overlooking the city, the ancient Alcazaba of Málaga stands proudly beside the hilltop Gibralfaro Castle, a reminder of the city’s rich Moorish history. Below, the charming old town is a maze of narrow, tiled streets, lively squares, and fantastic tapas bars, all leading to the palm-lined promenade beside the sparkling Mediterranean.
Our month-long You Travel Ferrymead 2026 escorted tour of Spain and Portugal began in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where history, culture, and stunning architecture come together.
If you've been dreaming of hawker centre dinners in Singapore, cherry blossoms in Tokyo, or a long weekend over in Perth, we've got some genuinely exciting news to share.
As we journeyed deeper into the wild heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, each day somehow managed to outshine the last. Just when we thought it couldn’t possibly get better, Antarctica would unveil another masterpiece — a new bay glittering with ice, a fresh wildlife encounter, a story etched into the frozen landscape.
Crossing the finish line of the "7-Continent Club" isn't just a trip; it’s a pilgrimage. Our journey began in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, before we headed to the infamous Drake Passage.
Our East Africa adventure with You Travel has kicked off in truly spectacular style! Over the past three days, our group has been staying at the remarkable andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the Masai Mara, situated just below the legendary site where Out of Africa’s most iconic scene was filmed.
And just like that, our journey ends in one of Europe’s most powerful and fascinating capitals. Berlin is not just a city you visit it’s a city you feel. Bold, creative, and deeply layered, it wears its history proudly on every street corner. Melissa takes us shares their final stop on their Christmas Markets Tour...
Melissa sends us her latest update and photos from the Christmas Markets Tour she and Sandra are currently hosting. Our next adventure whisked us away on a truly magical Viking River Cruise along the Elbe River, a waterway that has carried kings, merchants, and artists for more than a thousand years.
Prague is one of those rare cities that sweeps you straight into a storybook the moment you arrive and this visit was no exception. The Old Town Square Christmas markets were pure enchantment: wooden stalls glowing under strings of golden lights, the aroma of roasted nuts and mulled wine curling through the chilly air, and the iconic Astronomical Clock chiming over a scene that truly felt like stepping into a living fairytale.
Our third stop on this adventure swept us into the enchanting city of Tallinn, Estonia a place that feels as though it’s been quietly waiting for centuries to reveal its magic. We checked into a charming boutique hotel perched right at the edge of the Old Town, perfectly placed for wandering through history.
Our time in Stockholm perched right on the edge of the Old Town, Gamla Stan was nothing short of magical. This medieval heart of the city dates back to the 13th century, and wondering its narrow cobblestone streets felt like stepping into a Nordic fairy tale.
Arriving in the beautiful Scandinavian capital of Copenhagen blanketed in fresh snow felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The air was crisp, the rooftops shimmered white, and every corner seemed touched by a little Christmas magic. We had an action-packed three days ahead of us, and the city did not disappoint.
On their first stop of their fabulous Europe Christmas Markets escorted tour, Melissa & Sandra show off their favourite sites and venues around Abu Dhabi & Dubai...
After a whirlwind stop in Los Angeles to reconnect with friends and soak up a bit of California charm, we boarded a quick flight to paradise, Los Cabos, Mexico, ready for a week of relaxation, indulgence, and full-blown vacation mode. And let me tell you, Cabo did not disappoint!
We are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news — YOU Travel & Cruise Ferrymead has once again been recognised as one of the Top 10 stores within the First Travel Group for 2025!
It had been 25 years since my last visit to Barcelona, and I was truly impressed! The city centre has evolved into a more pedestrian-friendly hub, with tree-lined walkways and alfresco dining streets that bring the CBD closer together.
It is always a privilege to cruise the stunning coastline of the mediterranean, but it feels especially privileged to experience it on a small, luxury cruise ship like Viking Cruises.
For all of my travelling life I have always been drawn to Italy, and it has seen me re-visit on almost all of my European holidays. In May this year, my Italian obsession only increased when my partner and I arrived into the beautiful Amalfi Coast for the first time.
The last leg of our Croatian journey was an unforgettable 8 day road trip a perfect way to explore the diverse beauty this country (and a little beyond) has to offer. We picked up our rental car in Dubrovnik, and a quick note for fellow Kiwi travellers: New Zealand passports usually require an International Driver’s Permit to drive in most European countries, including Croatia.
This personal email from a new customer was sent to us after they returned from an incredible holiday in Greece & Croatia following a very special travel itinerary we had curated together. Their experience and feedback really is testament to the work we do and personal service we are proud to provide every single one of our customers here at YOU Travel & Cruise Ferrymead...
Melissa updates us on her Croatia adventure which now has the family exploring Dubrovnik. Contact us if you would like to look at a creating a holiday itinerary through Croatia.
Melissa shares more of her family summer holiday in Europe... After an incredible time in Split, our next stop was the enchanting island of Hvar—just a swift, one-hour ferry ride across the Adriatic. The journey itself was effortless thanks to a high-speed ferry that had us skimming over turquoise waters in no time.
The summer of 2025 will always hold a special place in our hearts. This year, our family decided to explore the captivating beauty of Croatia, a country where ancient towns, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking islands await. And what better way to kick off this unforgettable adventure than by setting sail on the sparkling Adriatic Sea?
Our 2025 team trip took us to the incredible city of Shanghai, and what an unforgettable experience it was! With China’s new 30-day visa-free policy, traveling to this dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis has never been easier.
If you’ve been craving a snow-filled escape that blends adventure, luxury, and postcard-perfect scenery, let Melissa take you on a journey through two of Canada’s most spectacular ski destinations — SilverStar and Whistler. This was no ordinary trip. Melissa recently took her family on a ski holiday to remember, and now shares every magical moment with us.
After 25 years away, our Managing Director and seasoned travel expert, Melissa, recently returned from an unforgettable escape to Bali—and she’s brought back plenty of insights, inspiration, and travel tips to share. From lush tropical sanctuaries to vibrant cultural encounters and beachside luxury, Melissa’s week in Bali was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and style.
After three incredible weeks of winter wonderland adventures in Canada, Melissa and her family wrapped up their Christmas holiday in the best way possible – with a sun-soaked escape to Hawaii!
At YOU Travel & Cruise Ferrymead, we’re passionate about helping you create unforgettable travel experiences—and our very own senior travel consultant, Janelle, is currently living the dream onboard Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier for the stunning 15-night Hidden Treasures of New Zealand and Vanuatu itinerary.
Our family’s holiday this year was nothing short of magical, and I’m thrilled to share our unforgettable experiences with you all! After kicking things off in Los Angeles with a mandatory stop at Disneyland, we were ready for our next big adventure—New York City, and oh, did it deliver!
After an unforgettable journey aboard a luxurious Viking cruise, we arrived at the enchanting floating city of Venice to spend our final few nights. This famous city, with its timeless allure and rich history, is a place that everyone should experience at least once.
From January, people wanting to travel to the UK will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) as the country digitises its border and immigration system.
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, has been gaining popularity as a must-visit travel destination, and it's easy to see why. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, it's a place that offers something for everyone. Recently, Melissa Landrebe, founder of YOU Travel Ferrymead, embarked on her own Sicilian adventure to explore the beauty of this Italian gem firsthand.
We're thrilled to share the incredible experiences and breathtaking sights from Melissa & Sandra's 'Discover France' Group Tour. From the charming coastal villages to the vibrant cities and serene river cruises, join us as we explore the enchanting beauty of France through their detailed tour walkthrough and stunning photos.
Embark on a journey to Tasmania, a land of boundless beauty and rich heritage. Nestled 250km across the Bass Strait from the Australian mainland, Tasmania boasts an astonishing 40% of its territory listed as UNESCO Wilderness World Heritage Area. Here, amidst rugged coastlines and pristine wilderness, you'll discover a world of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
Each year, Canstar Blue compares travel agents on customer satisfaction to support Kiwi travellers in booking their holiday or trip overseas. For their 2024 rating, Canstar Blue surveyed 1007 people who had used a travel agent or agency to book a trip within the last 2yrs and asked for their feedback on the agent/agency they had worked with.
Picture yourself unwinding on the pristine beaches of New Caledonia, where tranquility meets turquoise waters. Get closer to the relaxation you crave, only a short flight away.
There’s nowhere in the world quite like Tasmania. The small island provides a unique experience and uplifting vista at every turn. Let YOU Travel experts unlock the island’s treasures for a holiday of a lifetime.
Melissa shares her enthralling experience of their group tour through Europe's Christmas markets, from the bustling streets of Dubai to the enchanting towns along the Danube River. Join her as she recounts the magical journey filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable moments…
New Zealand native Toni Paltridge, a seasoned traveller and Marketing Executive at YOU Travel & Cruise NZ, embarked on a thrilling adventure to the Top End of the Northern Territory in October 2023. Join Toni as she shares her awe-inspiring experiences and unveils the hidden gems of this vast and diverse region.
Being a keen tennis player and always watching the grand slams around the world Melissa finally decided she needed to get to the Aussie Open before some of the great players retired
Did you know that YOU Travel is part of CLIA? - (Cruise Line International Association), which is the world's largest cruise industry trade association.
On May 8th 2023 we were lucky enough to participate in a glittering christening ceremony in the harbour of Valletta, Malta for Oceania's new ship Vista.
Embarking on a journey of discovery through Vietnam and Cambodia, our intrepid leader Tanya has been keeping us updated with exciting stories and stunning photographs from the road. Let's join her and the group as they delve deep into the heart of these two captivating Southeast Asian nations.
We started our adventure in Corfu which is a major hub and starting point for sailing adventures here in Greece. Our 4.8m Bali catamaran was home for three families and our skipper for the week.
When it comes to planning your ultimate ski holiday, there are a few destinations that stand out as must-visit regions for any fan of the slopes. France, Canada, and Japan, are the three "hot spots" that we recommend as the best places to hit the powder in 2024.
We recommend you book your 2024 ski holiday now to get the best that these destinations have to offer!
The Pacific Islands are a dream destination for many travellers. With their turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and laid-back lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many of us like to escape to this idyllic paradise for a taste of summer during our winter season!
Our SOLD OUT Europe Christmas Markets Tour in December 2022 was certainly one to remember so we wanted to share some of our messages home and memories of this tour for possible future guests too.
The goal of this article isn't to explain that this region of Australia is located south of Brisbane on the east coast of our neighbour across the Tasman. That the Gold Coast is a beachside city in Queensland. That it is known as Australia's holiday mecca, with a diverse choice of attractions, stunning long long white sandy beaches, shopping, restaurants, major events, and so much more!
Singapore is a great stopover option, however do not under estimate just how much there is too see and do in this beautiful city! After visiting there recently as part of a team building experience, we all agree that Singapore is also a great destination too.
With borders open, restrictions dropping, and a sense of normalcy returning to us we can now start planning (not dreaming) of travel again. Packing up our suitcases and breakfast at airport lounges feels is a reality now.
Wow. What a time the last two years have been. New Zealanders have worked so hard to ensure our safety, and to arrive to the best possible ending of this pandemic. While we are not there yet, we have arrived at the chance to travel again. With border restrictions loosening in 2022, we can start to research the best places to travel.