The Best Travel Team look forward to helping you on your next adventure.
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
― Mark Twain
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
― Mark Twain
Frazer Best
My father Garth Best who started Best Travel in 1976 gave me the inspiration to start my travel career with Air NZ working here in Napier and Hastings both in their retail travel stores and also time at the airport. After 4 years or so with the airline my chance came to join Best Travel, starting my journey with a great family run company joining Bill and Christine Sheppard who at that stage had purchased my father’s shares. My chance came to buy into Best Travel to become a 50% partner to Bill and Christine, with my main focus then and still is looking after our corporate clients. With Bill and Christine’s retirement in Feb 2024 and sadly Bill’s passing I had the great pleasure to have my new business partners Linda and Dwayne Smith take over their mantle, this I am sure will see Best Travel continue to be a leader in HB’s travel industry for years to come.
Linda Smith
My travel career started in my homeland of Ireland where I worked for various airlines and travel companies from when I left college. My passion and excitement for travel started from an early age, my mum used to work in the telephone exchange at Dublin Airport so any chance we got to visit Dublin airport was a real treat and we always got to go “behind the scenes”. My travel career has and continues to be, so rewarding, helping people with their travel arrangement no matter how big or small is what I love to do. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel in my career so it was probably written in the stars that I would eventually move from one side of the world to the other!
Jacqui
My inspiration and passion for travel came from my Mentor Mr Garth Best where I first began my travel career in 1976. It gives me enormous pleasure to be back and part of the fabulous team here at Best Travel I am very much a people person and have built up strong relationships with my clients over the past 40yrs in the Industry . Getting to know my clients and working together to design the best holiday experience for them is what I love to do. Come to me for the holiday of a lifetime! Whether it be boating on the Canal du Midi, exploring the great cities of Europe , Trekking to Machu Picchu, on Safari in Africa, Cycling in Vietnam , Ocean or River Cruising or just relaxing on a Pacific Island. By working together, we can create that special holiday that suits your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Shannara
My love for travel has always been a part of me, but my spark to take it on as a career began when I took my first trip to Thailand. I then went on and gained my Diploma in Travel and Tourism, where my career began at Best Travel. While I am new to the industry, my passion and determination drive me to help you create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. I'm so excited to share my love for exploring the world and can't wait to help you plan your next adventure!
Petra
After spending almost 10 years working as a Travel wholesaler for Flight Centre in their head office in Brisbane, I moved back to NZ to the Hawke’s Bay and worked for four years as a Travel broker. Having taken a break after Covid, I returned back to Travel in 2024 when I joined the Best Travel Team and I am thoroughly enjoying being back in the industry. I have a deep understanding of what clients require to build the right trip and provide the best experience. I believe that when we are immersed in travel and new experiences, we are present and engaged in the moment, this in itself is a catalyst for why we all return to experience travel again and again. Travel opens us to experience unique cultures, meet new people, discover new foods and learn a different way of life. I want all my clients to experience this for themselves. I love to ski and have many years experience the ski industry with a particular passion for Ski/Snowboard travel in the USA and Canada. I look forward to helping you with your next trip!
Carin
With over 35 years in the travel industry, I’m passionate about crafting unforgettable trips tailored to each client’s unique interests. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical beach getaway, a cultural city escape, or an adventurous road trip, I’m here to turn those dreams into reality. I specialize in personalized itineraries, from luxury vacations to budget-friendly escapes, ensuring every detail is taken care of. My goal is to provide seamless travel experiences that leave you with lasting memories. When I’m not planning trips for my clients, I’m probably exploring new destinations myself—so I can give you first-hand advice. Let’s work together to design your perfect getaway!
Kirsten Best
At the age of 14 I was lucky enough to go on a family holiday to the USA! I didn’t know many people that had been out of New Zealand, so we all felt very privileged – our parents worked extra jobs for us to experience this amazing trip. I was hooked from that age and wanted to travel the world. I pursued my dream and in 1984 I was fortunate enough to gain a life-changing role with Air New Zealand in Hawke’s Bay and have been in and out of the industry ever since. I worked for Air New Zealand in both London and Auckland and had a career specialising in Conference & Incentive groups for 17 years in Auckland before moving back to Hawke’s Bay – that job took me all over the world many times travelling with groups. Although I am no longer selling travel, I still have that knowledge and passion for travel which often helps me in my day to day understanding of problem-solving accounting issues!! I love hearing all our clients coming in booking their fabulous holidays – all our staff have that same passion, and it shows with the many wonderful itineraries they create. I was also fortunate enough to have our founder, Garth Best, as my father-in-law. He is always remembered fondly by many of our clients and staff and was a true gentleman leaving the Best travel legacy. By the way, I still haven’t finished travelling and love planning that next trip!