Let Us Help You
For a quarter of a century, Travel Associates have been helping their travel clients, going over and above on many occasions. We asked some of our trusted Travel Advisors to share their most memorable moments with their clients over the last 25 years.
At Travel Associates it is not just about making a booking, it is about doing the absolute best for our clients. Jo Kennedy, who has been with Travel Associates for 25 years, perhaps explained it best when asked what the most memorable client moment: “There isn't just one story of something amazing we've done for a client. Because it's what we do for EVERY client that's amazing. We get it all right, every time. The hotel is perfect, every detail is considered. The communication is perfect – no matter the holiday.” To give you an idea of what Jo means, here are some of our favourite stories of just how far we have gone over 25 years, to ensure your adventures are nothing short of perfect.
Alex Hannagan
HANNAGAN & GREIVE TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, DUNEDIN, SOUTH ISLAND
“One of my VIP clients, a family of four, were travelling to Fiji this year and when a change was made to the booking, I was notified that the accommodation was not confirmed. They were travelling at the busiest time of the year and Fiji was booked out! Through amazing work by myself and the surrounding team and beyond we exceeded the client's expectations by accommodating them at a 6* private island resort (Snoop Dogg has even stayed there). They were originally booked in a 4*. We managed to achieve all of this with no hassle to the clients and all before they departed on an outstanding, never to be forgotten holiday and they have never stopped thanking me.”
Alison Lord
TRAVEL ASSOCIATES TURRAMURRA, NSW
“I had a couple who were doing a Silversea cruise from Singapore and were going door-to-door from Sydney. They are both 80 years of age and had travelled regularly, however, they are unable to do anything technical. So I stepped in to help, setting up Gmail accounts so I could fill in their Indonesian Visa, complete all their online check ins, book their shore excursions and dining choices onboard, and completed their arrival immigration into Singapore. They wouldn't have been able to do this without me helping with all the new requirements that require you to be tech-savvy. It’s a different world of travel.”
Michael Lewis
LEWIS & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, NORTH ADELAIDE, SA
“I will never forget the times I have assisted parents to travel overseas to meet their babies born via surrogacy. Many of them had to make their special journeys while international borders were closed due to Covid, which created many difficult challenges. Some were also confronted with meeting their newborns in Ukraine when the war broke out, which was extremely stressful for all of us to work out how to get them out and home with their bundle of joy safe and sound. It was a privilege and honour to play a small role in their journeys and I know they were all extremely grateful.”
Edward Yee
YEE & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, KENMORE, QLD
“Travelling with a group of 18 on a Uniworld cruise, two days before disembarkation and before we were to go to Morocco, the earthquake happened. Collectively, we decided not to travel to Morocco but no one wanted to go home! After many phone calls and emails with my ‘black book’ contacts, I re-routed us all to a gorgeous villa in the south of France for 12 days, and organised daily excursions with a private guide/driver. For most of our evening meals, we went to the local markets and I designated cooking/hosting duties to everyone to have a turn each. Not bad for two days’ notice in the middle of the Rugby World Cup.”
Becky Kent-Perchalla
PERCHALLA & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, HYDE PARK, SA
“One of my favourite memories as a Travel Advisor with Travel Associates really hit the right note. I had some travellers who went to Belfast to see Van Morrison live in concert. One of them was an enormous fan. Through my contacts I gained by networking and travelling over the years, I happened to know where Van resided for a lot of his time in Ireland. I chose the accommodation strategically for these travellers and during their stay, and after some secret correspondence with my contacts, I arranged for them to meet Van at breakfast as a surprise! They were absolutely thrilled.”
Kriston Chrisakis
CHRISAKIS & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, WEST LAKES, SA
“I had someone who had not travelled before, call-in to say his father was about to pass away in a remote location in New Zealand. I managed to get him on a flight leaving three hours later with Air New Zealand. Through our Air NZ representative, we got him straight off the flight and on to the next leg where the whole crew knew what was going on and looked after him. After three connecting flights we got him there. The card I got on his return read: ‘Thank you so much for all you did to get me home to my dad. Unfortunately, he passed away, but because of your hard work to get me there I got to spend some good time with him.’ Fifteen years later, I still have this client’s card in my draw.”
Stewart Evans
EVANS & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, MOSMAN, NSW
“Many times I have found seats that did not exist or found a way for my clients to travel to places at the last minute when things seemed dire. Being contactable on my mobile meant clients – a family of three – in New Zealand during the floods called me at 2AM. I was able to grab the last two seats on a flight to Sydney and reissue their tickets. It is because I make myself available that I could make this happen, to take those seats the second they became available. They thought it would be impossible. The more you never say die the more you and your clients win.”
Meaghan Wolf
WOLF & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, BLACKBURN, VIC
“The question is, what is the most memorable thing a client has done for me, and it was a new client who trusted me with their once-in-a-lifetime family trip through Europe. My client collaborated with me, came in for appointments, engaged with every idea and together we created the most intricate eight-week family experience. She was sending pictures to me as she went which really made my day. We had a two-hour welcome home appointment to run through every detail, hotel and experience. It was a joy for her as well as me. This trip was like poetry in motion!”
Kate Kneipp
NOLLER & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, PADDINGTON, QLD
“Helping plan a family holiday of a lifetime to Africa, was one of my memorable experiences with a client. I managed to tick all their big boxes with wonderful African experiences. I organised a gorilla trek, they climbed Mt Kiliminjaro, and marvelled at the Ngorongoro Crater, staying at the luxe Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. The clients kept me up to date via What’sApp, and one of the highlights for me was sharing their first glimpse of the gorillas. It was so special to be included in that.”
Gillian Woodley
TRAVEL ASSOCIATES SANDY BAY, HOBART, TAS
“After returning from Antarctica I had some regular clients tell me they thought they were too old to experience this for themselves and they had missed the boat for this adventure. As I had done it myself, I knew they could do it and convinced them to go. It was so rewarding to then organise the trip for them, and send them off – with their group of six – on board a Ponant ship venturing to the great white continent. They still say to this day it would never have happened if I didn't reassure them they were capable of it.”
Rachael Heelan
ROSS & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, PARADISE POINT, QLD
“An elderly man wanted to give his wife – who was in a wheelchair – a dream trip before they got too old. They were both in their 80s and he was her full-time carer. The trip took months to plan, ensuring every airline, hotel and transfer company could accommodate her and the wheelchair. During our many consultations, they told me about when they had met in New Zealand and that they had shared a bottle of kiwi fruit wine. I eventually found this wine, and imported it from NZ. I wanted to give them a piece of their past with their documents.”
Lolo Trendell
TRENDELL & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, MANLY, QLD
“To be honest I can't say I've done anything particularly amazing. I care for my clients and always give them time. We laugh a lot together and I'm not afraid to share a tear with them and always have a hug … if they want one. I have driven them home or to trains when their cars are out of action. I've baked cookies at Christmas and delivered them to their homes and I have even looked after their dogs when they couldn't find anywhere for them to go. Giving someone your time is worth a lot and they all appreciate it.”
Nathan Press
PRESS & JAMES TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, MONA VALE, NSW
“The most memorable thing I have done for a client was to bring an extended family group together from all parts of the globe on a private tented safari of the Masai Mara and Serengeti. It was challenging but so worthwhile, as everyone loved staying at the various luxury tented safari camps, not to mention going out on safari at dawn and dusk every day to witness nature in all its glory. The Serengeti is so vast, mesmerising and untouched, with the group raving about their animal sightings both big and small, and then there are the remarkable sunsets. Best seen with a sundowner in hand.”
Vanessa Schmitzer
REIS & JAMES TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, MANUKA, ACT
“Helping a 92-year-old client plan a trip back to the UK and Europe after 70 years was amazing. He wanted to see his favourite soccer team play in England and explore parts of Spain he had not visited before. Travelling solo in first class, he made his way on planes, trains, buses and cars to experience it all. Seeing his team win and discovering new places in Spain made the journey unforgettable. It was an absolute delight to help him make his dream a reality. Witnessing his excitement as he experienced the wonders of travel at 92 was truly heartening.”
Mark Langhorne
FREEDMAN, LANGHORNE & JAMES TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, SANDRINGHAM, VIC
“I had clients wanting to travel to Brazil many years ago. Back then passports needed to go to Canberra with a turnaround time of four weeks. I had two. I asked my father, who was retired and lived in Canberra to go into the Brazilian consulate and see what could be done. He managed to get hold of the Ambassador while at the consulate. He rang to say I needed to send the passports to him via overnight courier. Passports were sent, visas were issued in one day and my clients travelled to Brazil on time and without a hitch. They were beyond appreciative of my assistance.”
Tammy Houston
HOUSTON & TURNER TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, APPLECROSS, WA
“Some people in Denmark saw our Travel Associates logo linked to the Gourmet Escape in Western Australia. They contacted our store and I put together a stunning itinerary of the best of Western Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Highlights included a Walk Into Luxury tour in the Margaret River, staying at ‘Como the Treasury’ in Perth, a private walking tour of Maria Island, and a helicopter airport transfer to Waiheke Island. I got to meet them while they were in Perth for a drink and oysters overlooking Elizabeth Quay. They've since booked three cruises with me and they tell me I am their agent for life.”
