Rey Alton
Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist
The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience. But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
Learn more about me.
The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience. But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than 25 years of travel industry experience, Rey specializes in providing knowledge-based guidance to corporate, government, higher education, and leisure travelers. Rey is committed to providing his clients with honest and straightforward advice throughout the travel planning process. He places a special emphasis on being responsive to his clients’ needs while making each client feel comfortable and equipped to make informed travel decisions. Rey thrives on helping people fulfill their travel goals and dreams. As an experienced world traveler who has visited six continents and 45 countries, Rey uses his first-hand knowledge to help guide and advise his clients. Rey has worked in the travel industry for more than 25 years and has experience with travel brands such as American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, and Travel Leaders. A native Houstonian, Rey enjoys spending time with his young family, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, and practicing yoga. Rey also serves as a frequent travel expert on local television networks, including ABC News-KTRK-13, Fox Morning News KRIV-26, and Great Day Houston-KHOU 11. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Travel Weekly, and CNN.com.Rey graduated from Hampton University with honors in 1995 with a degree in History.
Can Be Reached At
1-713-592-8000 ext:1
New Zealand Travel Agent Expert
New Zealand, a scenic island nation in the South Pacific, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from beaches and rainforests to fjords and mountains. Known for its rich Maori culture and adventurous spirit, it offers a blend of outdoor thrills and vibrant cities like Auckland and Wellington, making it a paradise for nature and adventure lovers alike.
The best time to visit New Zealand depends on what you’re after:
Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm weather, ideal for beaches and hiking, but busier.
Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, scenic, and less crowded—great for wine tours and hiking.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Best for skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and ideal for outdoor activities.
Here are some top places to visit in New Zealand:
Milford Sound – A breathtaking fjord in Fiordland National Park, known for dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and boat tours.
Queenstown – The adventure capital, offering bungee jumping, skiing, and beautiful lake and mountain views.
Rotorua – Famous for geothermal activity, hot springs, geysers, and Maori cultural experiences.
Tongariro National Park – Home to volcanic peaks, emerald lakes, and the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike.
Auckland – New Zealand's largest city, with stunning harbor views, vibrant neighborhoods, and access to nearby islands.
Bay of Islands – A coastal paradise with turquoise waters, historic sites, and opportunities for sailing, diving, and dolphin watching.
Wellington – The capital city, known for its arts scene, vibrant nightlife, and Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.
Abel Tasman National Park – Known for golden beaches, clear waters, and coastal walking trails ideal for kayaking and hiking.
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Accessible glaciers on the South Island, offering unique hiking and helicopter tours.
Mount Cook National Park – Featuring New Zealand's highest mountain, alpine lakes, and stunning stargazing opportunities.
Here are the top 10 activities to experience in New Zealand:
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – A scenic day hike across volcanic landscapes, with stunning views of the emerald lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe.
Cruising Milford Sound – Take a boat cruise or kayak through this breathtaking fjord, surrounded by waterfalls, towering cliffs, and wildlife.
Bungee Jumping in Queenstown – Queenstown is home to the world’s first commercial bungee jump; a must for thrill-seekers.
Exploring Glowworm Caves in Waitomo – Discover magical caves lit by thousands of glowworms on a boat or tubing tour.
Maori Cultural Experience in Rotorua – Enjoy traditional Maori performances, a hangi feast, and learn about New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
Whale Watching in Kaikoura – Spot sperm whales, dolphins, and seals on this marine wildlife adventure along the coast.
Glacier Hiking on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier – Take a guided walk or heli-hike across these awe-inspiring glaciers on the South Island.
Wine Tasting in Marlborough – Visit some of New Zealand’s best vineyards and sample world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc in this scenic wine region.
Skydiving in Lake Taupo or Abel Tasman – Experience the thrill of skydiving over New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, with lakes, beaches, and mountains below.
Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park – Paddle along golden beaches, clear waters, and lush coastlines, spotting wildlife and secluded coves.
Overview
Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River during an extreme ride, and make use of transport from Queenstown. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain...Read more.
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My Reviews
70 of 114 people found this review helpful
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By
TC
from
San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to
Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By
Randy
from
Houston
Traveled to
Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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62 of 108 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By
Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz
from
Houston, Texas
Traveled to
Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By
Lady on the Go
from
Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to
Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 100 people found this review helpful
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By
Chris Cooper
from
Humble, Texas
Traveled to
Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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