Esma Holden

Topic Editor - Vacations & Leisure
Esma Holden - Esma Holden
Esma Holden - Esma Holden

I am a feature writer and the topic editor for the Vacations and Leisure section for Suite101.

I have been an international travel consultant for 11 years. I have traveled throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, the U.S, the U.K and Europe, and I continue to visit new destinations each year. The hard part is resisting the urge to go back to my favourite destinations. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a big world out there and I need to visit new places if I'm going to keep learning about the world and its amazing people. My biggest regret is that no matter how much I travel, I'll not see it all before I die.

I was educated at Auckland University and have a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Anthropology with a major in archaeology.

As a writer, I predominantly comment on travel-related subjects and am especially interested in travel trends, emerging niche travel markets, and the ability of current events to shape new patterns in travel and tourism. When I'm not thinking about travel, I like to write about the other things I enjoy or spend a lot of time speculating upon such as weekend markets, secondhand and vintage clothing, cycling, fitness, movies, relationships, and human nature.

I received a Suite 101 Editors Choice Award for my article The Contribution of Japan's Nuclear Crisis Toward Atomic Tourism.

I live and work in New Zealand.

Email Esma Holden

Latest Articles

Three Reasons to Visit Japan
If you are a neat freak, like to be treated with respect and prefer to feel safe when you travel, you'll love traveling around Japan.
Dec 15, 2011 - Esma Holden
Three Reasons to Visit Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is easy to get to. You'll also feel like a big kid and experience just how fond the Japanese are of Disney characters.
Oct 22, 2011 - Esma Holden
Bars and Karaoke for First Time Visitors to Japan
It's not hard to find a good time after hours in Japan. Enjoy a different type of bar and karaoke experience in Tokyo than you'll be used to in the West.
Oct 21, 2011 - Esma Holden
Tokyo Shopping Guide for First Time Visitors to Japan
Japan has a reputation for being expensive. However, it's not entirely deserved. Costs vary depending on where you shop and what you are shopping for.
Oct 16, 2011 - Esma Holden
How to Get Around Japan When You Don't Speak or Read Japanese
Negotiating any foreign city where English is not the first language can be a challenge. However, there is plenty that you can do to help yourself in Japan.
Oct 16, 2011 - Esma Holden
What to Pack in Your Carry-On or Hand Luggage for a Long Flight
What you pack in your hand luggage can mean the difference between a longhaul flight that passes by at the speed of light and one that lasts an eternity.
Oct 15, 2011 - Esma Holden
How to Prepare for a First Time Trip to Japan
Japan is fun but a few pre-travel preparations will make your first trip to Japan even better.
Oct 15, 2011 - Esma Holden
How to Find the Cheapest Airfare for a Multi Stop Itinerary
Multi stop airfares are expensive if you don't do your homework. Use airline websites, travel websites & traditional travel agents to get the best airfare.
Sep 25, 2011 - Esma Holden
Dine at the Jervois Steak House in Auckland, New Zealand
Dine at the Jervois Steak House for an unforgettable steak encounter, a unique home grown cocktail menu and an unparalleled service experience.
Sep 24, 2011 - Esma Holden
Three Reasons Why the 1997 Film, Titanic, is a Classic
The 1997 James Cameron film, Titanic, remains a favorite on so many levels. The history, the love story and the music are as moving today as they ever were.
Sep 17, 2011 - Esma Holden