Karen Smith
“Wanderlust” a strong desire for, or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.
With over 40 years in the travel industry, I bring a wealth of experience, from working in retail and wholesale tour companies, to escorting groups, and independent travel brokering. I'm proud to be part of the dedicated team at Wanderlust Travel Experts.
I’ve travelled a lot, both personally and with work, to many countries all over the world. One of my most recent, and memorable journeys was a six-week adventure from Beijing to St. Petersburg, traversing nomadic Mongolia and the Silk Road through Central Asia. Experiences like this have only grown my appreciation for travel and cultural discovery.
Based in rural Central Hawke's Bay, I work with people from all walks of life, building lasting relationships and assisting multiple generations with their travel plans. As a Master Accredited Cruise Consultant, I offer expert guidance in the rapidly evolving cruise sector, ensuring personalised advice to match individual preferences.
My commitment is to go the extra mile, ensuring every trip is seamless, hassle-free, and memorable. Whether it's securing vital flight connections or crafting the perfect itinerary, I’m here to provide professional support around the clock, wherever your travels may take you.
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Karen was amazing. My partner and I were moving home from Canada and she took so much stress off our shoulders! With covid there was so much extra paperwork and admin that needed to be done - she did everything she could to help on her end and then made sure we knew exactly what we needed to do on our end. She wasn’t just helpful, but also extremely caring and kind. I would 100% use her again and highly recommend to anyone travelling, especially through covid times. Thanks Karen. Anna F.
Karen did an amazing job at organising our dream honeymoon! She made the process so easy for us and never missed a detail. She was always easily contactable and we would highly recommend her! Mary H.
Karen curated a super stay for us in Adelaide! She arranged our flights, hire car and accommodation - all of which were wonderful. Karen went some extra miles for us too - sorting things when Air NZ cancelled our flight at short notice, contacting hire car and accommodation people when we had a delay due to a medical incident at Sydney airport and just being on the phone when I needed advice and reassurance at that time. I like the way Karen listens to our ideas and comes up with several (but not too many) options - this makes it easy to choose. Our holiday was brilliant in every way. We especially loved our boutique heritage cottage accommodation in North Adelaide - delightful inside and out, secure parking, very handy to free city bus, supermarket and restaurants. It was perfect for us and utterly charming! Jenny D.
Karen did an amazing job of our 10 day adventure to Thailand ! Flights transfers and motels were near perfect! Very professional and wonderful support! Very responsive communication... and took all the hassle out of the travel side so we were able to make the most of our time! Ann D.
Karen has organized 2 FABULOUS holidays for us . Rocky mountains by rail then a cruise on the inside passage to Alaska followed by a further train excursion from Seward, Denali national park to Fairbanks. More recently Karen has organized flying to South America, expedition cruise travelling to Cape Horn, flying through Buenos Aires to see the fantastic Iguassu Falls. Karen is a great organiser and arranged everything for us. Thanks so much. Rex & Sandra F
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Trekking through the Virunga’s in Rwanda/Africa to see the Mountain Gorillas.
Scooter ride through the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City/Vietnam on a “foodie tour”.
An epic rail journey from Beijing to St Petersburg through nomadic Mongolia & the beautiful “Stans” on the Silk Road.
Taj Mahal and staying in Maharajah’s palaces through Rajastan/India.
Ancient fortress of Machu Picchu/Peru, magical and mysterious.
Petra/Jordan, Abu Simbel/Egypt & the Great Wall of China – iconic & awe inspiring.
Hot air ballooning at sunrise over a landscape of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia/Turkey.
Riding by camel through the Sahara desert & sleeping under the stars.
Helicopter over the magnificent Iguassu Falls/South America & Victoria Falls/Zimbabwe.
Cruising the stunning Alaskan Inside Passage on a small ship.
Getting lost in the medina’s of Morocco & eating a mountain of Turkish Delight in the Spice Market/Istanbul.
Astounding natural beauty of the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley/Australia.
Encounters with locals and travellers along the way – experiences & memories that last forever.
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