A group of personal travel managers (PTMs) recently discovered there is so much more to the city of Houston than just NASA’s Johnson Space Center, when they enjoyed a seven day famil, hosted by Travelcube sales executive Teena Hollwey and TravelManagers business partnership manager – Queensland, Karen Dowling.
The group comprised Victoria-based PTMs Mark Devers (representative for Gembrook), Joanne Haines (Berwick), John Lengacher (Windsor), Darren Christensen (Narre Warren South); Queensland-based PTMs Maree Evans (Hope Island), Lillie Smith (Toowong); and New South Wales-based PTMs Annette McHugh (Kiama) and Tanya Tyler (Riverview).
At Houston’s Peska fine dining seafood restaurant (from right, going around the table) Maree Evans, Karen Dowling, Darren Christensen, Simon Laneres (GTA), Tanya Tyler, Mark Devers, Annette McHugh, Teena Hollwey (Travelcube ), John Lengacher, Lillie Smith and Joanne Haines
While the Space Centre may be Houston’s most famous attribute, all the PTMs agreed that Galveston Island, located an hour from the city centre, is Houston’s hidden gem.
“I loved Galveston. The city has so much history! Galveston Island may be small – it’s only 40km long and 5km wide but it sure makes up for it with its historic charm, beautiful houses, antique shops, great pubs and restaurants along with a fun fair on the pier. There always seems to always be something fun happening in Galveston and the re-launch of the streetcars next year will further enhance its uniqueness and intrigue,” said Lengacher.
Galveston Island also serves as a major port for cruises to the Caribbean and beyond.
“A great combo would be three nights Houston and two nights Galveston Island before departing on a Caribbean cruise ship,” said Smith.
On Galveston Island from left to right L-R: Lillie Smith, Joanne Haines, Darren Christensen, John Lengacher, Annette McHugh, Tanya Tyler, Karen Dowling, Maree Evans, Mark Devers, Simon Laneres (GTA)
Houston is the fourth most populated American city and Dowling discovered getting around can be difficult.
“Houston is a large city and although there is some public transport not all parts of the city are serviced well. Many of the attractions such as the Space Centre, Galveston Island, and outlet shopping malls are a fair way out of the city so I highly recommend clients having a rental car,” she said.
The group travelled from Australia via Auckland with Air New Zealand direct to Houston.
“Travelling on Air New Zealand was an absolute pleasure. The friendly crew provides unfaltering service, which combined with modern entertainment systems, gives me the confidence to continue recommending the airline to my clients without hesitation. With the 14 hour flight from Auckland I can highly recommend the Skycouch – the lower leg support makes the seat much more comfortable, particularly when the seat is reclined,” he said.
“TravelManagers prides itself on providing exceptional and personal customer service which comes from firsthand knowledge and experience. Educationals that allow immersion into a destination, such as our co-created dedicated partner supplier famils, are so important and why we proactively work to provide as many educational opportunities as possible,” said executive general manager Michael Gazal.
Top image: Locals showing Queensland business partnership manager Karen Dowling how to pose in their posse!
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