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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Melissa has spent more than 29 years in the travel industry, beginning her career in reservations with Air New Zealand before moving into retail travel. Her love of exploring the world began earlier during her OE in the UK, where she spent two years travelling, living in Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands and volunteering on a kibbutz in Israel.
Since then Melissa has travelled widely, including visits to Hawaii, California, Toronto and Niagara Falls and the iconic Rocky Mountains. She has also explored southern France on a trip and visited Paris several times, deepening her appreciation for French culture, cuisine and wine.
France remains a favourite destination and Melissa previously represented a company specialising in self-drive canal boat holidays, giving her the opportunity to explore many of the country’s picturesque waterways and bases.
In 2018 she travelled to Europe with her two daughters on a memorable UTracks cycling adventure. They began with the Hungarian Rhapsody trip, cycling along the Danube, before continuing to the Netherlands for the Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge – Deluxe tour aboard the Magnifique II – an experience that combined cycling, culture and relaxed barge travel.
Melissa has also travelled with World Expeditions in Vietnam and explored the landscapes and villages of Tuscany in Italy. Now based in Kerikeri in New Zealand’s Far North, she enjoys boating and fishing.
Melissa loves helping travellers discover new adventures and believes exploring a destination on foot or by bike is one of the most rewarding and sustainable ways to see the world.
8Days
Moderate
Introductory
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.