(66 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Dawn Thompson

Bremerton, WA
South Island New Zealand Travel Agent Specialist

  “Certain things in life simply have to be experienced” -Paula Coelho! 

I'm delighted to share my story with you, especially if you're ready to embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating landscapes of New Zealand. My travel od...
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Tonga Travel Agent Expert

Tonga, known as the "Friendly Islands," is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Here are some highlights and tips for visiting Tonga:Top AttractionsNuku'alofa: The capital city on the main island of Tongatapu, home to the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, and bustling markets.Ha?amonga ?a Maui: An ancient trilithon on Tongatapu, often referred to as the "Stonehenge of the Pacific."Vava'u Islands: Known for their stunning lagoons, excellent sailing, and vibrant marine life, including opportunities for whale watching.Eua Island: A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering rugged landscapes, caves, and dramatic cliffs.Ha'apai Islands: A group of islands with pristine beaches, excellent diving, and a relaxed atmosphere.ActivitiesWhale Watching: Tonga is one of the few places where you can swim with humpback whales, typically from July to October.Snorkeling and Diving: Explore vibrant coral reefs and underwater caves, particularly around Vava'u and Ha'apai.Sailing and Kayaking: The calm, clear waters of the Vava'u group make it ideal for sailing and kayaking adventures.Cultural Experiences: Attend traditional Tongan feasts (umu), dance performances, and visit local villages to experience Tongan culture.Hiking: Enjoy scenic hikes on Eua Island, with trails leading to viewpoints, caves, and through lush forests.Practical TipsBest Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.Transportation: Domestic flights and ferries connect the main islands. Renting a car or bike is convenient for exploring individual islands.Currency: The Tongan Pa?anga (TOP) is the local currency.Language: Tongan and English are widely spoken. Learning a few basic Tongan phrases can be appreciated by locals.Must-Visit Place Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes: Located on the south coast of Tongatapu, these blowholes create impressive water spouts.Anahulu Cave: A limestone cave with freshwater pools, perfect for a refreshing swim.Talamahu Market: Located in Nuku'alofa, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, handicrafts, and local goods.Fafa Island: A private island resort near Nuku'alofa, ideal for a day trip or a relaxing stay.Swallows Cave: A famous cave in Vava'u, known for its stunning interior and excellent snorkeling.Cultural Insights Respect for Tradition: Tongans place a high value on respect and tradition. Dress modestly, especially in villages, and always ask permission before taking photos of people.Sunday Observance: Sunday is a day of rest and worship in Tonga, with many businesses closed and activities limited. It's a great time to experience a local church service.If you have specific interests or need more detailed information about Tonga, feel free to ask!  

My Reviews

10 of 14 people found this review helpful
Best Girls Trip
Dawn is organized and personable. Very knowable of the area of which she helps with travel. Love working with her.
By  Hilskill  from  Phoenix, AZ
Traveled to  Phoenix ~ Arizona ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Dawn Thompson responded:
Thank you for your review. I love being able to help plan customized vacations for you and your family. Please let me know if I can be of any help in the future. Sincerely, Dawn

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10 of 15 people found this review helpful
Expert Advice
Dawn always goes above and beyond to provide excellent service with her vast knowledge. I relied on her expertise to provide many once in a lifetime experiences for my clients in Australia and New Zealand.
By  DeLora Walker  from  Vancouver WA
Traveled to  Australia & New Zealand
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Dawn Thompson responded:
Thank you so much for your kind words. You were an absolute pleasure to work with. If I can be of any assistance to you for future travel please let me know. Sincerely, Dawn Thompson

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9 of 14 people found this review helpful
The Best Travel Agent EVER!
Dawn is one of the most knowledgable, personable, seasoned and detail oriented travel agent I've had the pleasure to work with. She has handled both my national and international travel for years, both personally and professionally. I've become so spoiled by her knowledge and experience, I find it very hard to book anything without her help! She is fantastic, dependable, and so nice to work with. Five stars! Won't find anyone better.
By  JH  from  Seattle, WA
Traveled to  USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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9 of 15 people found this review helpful
Wonderful experience working with Dawn Thompson
My clients asked for many things- and kept making changes and Dawn was patient and helpful throughout- a pleasure for me to work with
By  Diane  from  San Diego Ca
Traveled to  Australia & New Zealand
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Special 30th wedding anniversary trip!
Dawn understood what I was looking for in planning our trip to Australia and was able to coordinate flight logistics. that fit our schedule She found great tours and shared many ideas as well. Dawn has a great knowledge of Australia.
By  Judy  from  Michigan
Traveled to  Australia & New Zealand
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Dawn Thompson responded:
Thank you so much. You were such a pleasure to work with.

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Destination Expert:

  • Tonga
  • Tongatapu Island
  • Nuku 'Alofa
  • Vavau Island
  • Ha'apai Islands

Travel Specialist:

  • Water Sports
  • Scuba
  • Beach Vacations
  • Outdoor Activities & Sports
  • Fishing & Hunting

Certifications/Awards:

  • 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist
  • Premier Aussie Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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