Melanie Whyte - Travel Manager

20/03/2025

Good morning all!
Just a quick public service announcement for those of you travelling to Bali in the near future.
Mt Lewotobi Laki Laki, which is actually on Flores has erupted for a massive 11 minutes resulting in all flights to and from Bali to be cancelled.
As with any natural event, it’s impossible to predict how long it will affect things, but keep in contact with your airline to figure out your Plan B.
Of course if you’ve booked it with your favourite travel agent, they will do all of the necessary shuffling for you, but you guys knew that already….. 😏🤣
Stay safe if you’re over there and have a fabulous weekend ✈️ ☺️

16/03/2025

Good evening all, I hope you’ve had a great weekend.

Just a couple of tidbits to share this time…

- Qantas have their “double” offer out at the moment where if you book and pay for any Qantas operated flights by 18 March, you can choose either double points or double status credits. You have to click the link in your app to register though so don’t forget that step!

- The Europe ETIAS (online visa) has been delayed again! After being delayed due to Covid, then the Olympics, their website now states that ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. So any journey from October 2026 will need a visa to travel to Europe. Please note that online visas are already in place for the UK, USA and Canada.

That’s it from me. I’m in the office for most of the week with the exception of a few appointments but I am having a few phone service issues so if you can’t get me, send me a text and I won’t be far away. Have a great week ✈️

08/03/2025

Good afternoon all!
I hope you’re all having a great long weekend if you’re in the bottom half of the country; and you’re safe and dry if you’re in the northern parts!
It has come to our attention that our emails aren’t getting to bigpond accounts, and certainly the amount of bounce backs I am getting would back this up!
We alerted our IT department yesterday and they’ve said that it is a setting issue with Telstra, which unfortunately can only be sorted out with Telstra by the account holder - that would be you! 🤪
I’ve no idea if it is affecting other emails coming to you, but given that our emails have a Gmail base, I’d suggest that it probably is.
I know that waiting on hold to Telstra isn’t a way I’d choose to spend my weekend, so if you do have an alternative address I can save to your file, please let me know.
Happy weekend all ☺️

05/03/2025

So because I’m super diligent and happy to sacrifice my own personal happiness for the greater good, I went and checked out Celebrity Edge today and sampled the restaurant for lunch.
This young lady was only launched in 2020 and is absolutely stunning! The overwhelming feel of this one is space! The ceilings are high, the walkways are wide, the colour palette is perfect and the food is amazing.
Carrying around 2500 when at capacity; this ship is a relaxed, country club vibe that never feels cluttered.
Kids are accepted, and there is a kids club for kids aged 3 - 11 and also a teenagers basement, but at 18 kids (aged 3-11) on this sailing out of 2500, it’s certainly one of the lesser dynamics.
If you’re wanting the endless kids activities, Celebrity is probably not your best choice, but for couples, empty nesters and foodies it is the perfect choice!
Be warned to pack your loose pants though - the food was incredible, and catered to lots of dietary restrictions. There are mobility lifts for the hot tub and pool, and the wide hallways cater beautifully to those with mobility restrictions.
The magic carpet (the movable orange platform in the pictures) is lowered to the bottom row to get passengers onto tender boats when needed, and also to transport wheelchair passengers. It also offers some incredible views “hanging off” the ship whilst at sea.
She really is a 5 star ship at 4 star prices, with some really great itineraries.
Enjoy your quick pictorial tour with these and if you’d like to grab a cabin and see her for yourself, let me know!
Have a great week everyone - time for me to get back to that “to do” list now! 🤣

27/02/2025

Good afternoon all!
I almost feel that I need to reintroduce myself given how long it has been since I have posted on here! I most humbly apologise for my absence from the social media world, you have all kept me too busy in the real world.

I would like to offer you all a massive thankyou for how patient you have been with my long, and sometimes just plain ridiculous wait times to get to your holidays! School holidays always takes a toll on my availability but this year seemed busier than most. I am very slowly coming out of it now though and will be back on an even keel very soon with some awesome things to share so keep an eye out for that.

My gift to you in the meantime is for all of you that have thought about a cruise, but don't really know where to start! Questions like..
Can I fit my whole family in one cabin?
I have to go in school holidays, where can I go?
How much will it cost??
You're all so lovely that I get comments like "I didn't want to bother you with these questions" so now I have the solution for you.

https://cruise.travelmanagers.com.au/app/0/cruise/0/search.html?clear=all&hatoken=hottmaH103

This site has almost all cruise lines associated with it and you can check real availability and message me straight from that site. You can actually even book on that site, but I'm happy to book it all for you of course if it's a bit overwhelming, as it definitely can be.

This is just a great place to start your travel dreams while I catch up on the rest of this almost avalanching pile. After that, then we're going to get you on a holiday somewhere amazing because let's face it, you deserve it and life is too short not to buy the shoes, eat the cake and take that trip! ✈️

Searching for cruises allows you to shop and book across all our preferred cruise partners for all the destinations and itineraries they offer. Not only can you book your ship cabin, but on select cruise lines and departures you can also book pre and post hotel stays, onboard amenities, pre-paid gra...

07/01/2025

Good afternoon!

It seems like a long time ago now but Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a great break with those that mean the most to you. Unfortunately, I was kept busy with various emergencies, some as weird as a plane breaking down on a runway causing the airport to close!

A couple of things I wanted to let you know, none of which are really related to each other!

Effective 1 January, va**ng has become illegal in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia and Laos. It is illegal to buy them, to carry them or to use them. Ci******es are still ok, but anything to do with va**ng carries with it various levels of penalties.

My office will be closed tomorrow (8 January) for the Devonport Cup public holiday. I am going for the first time in a few years so for any locals, please feel free to come and say hi. I've been known to over cater and we have a marquee in the centre of the track!

I also have to put a pause on any new enquiry until Monday, 27th of January. The 12 Deals of Christmas was quite frantic and I still have lots to do from that, I'm ducking across the ditch for a few days with my son for an early 18th birthday present, and will be inundated with teenage girls for my daughter's birthday party as well. I will want to come back to full pace for a rest!

Rest assured, if we have communicated via any means already, that you are still on the list and that will be completed ASAP and during that timeframe, but I don't like to rush anything and muck it up so I'm spending that time to do the ones currently 'on the list' to the best of my ability.

2024 was a record year for me in every possible category with my business and I'm so grateful to you all for your bookings of course, but also with your support on social media and very much for your recommendations to your friends. I was spoiled by you guys so much at Christmas time - although clearly most of you think I have a drinking problem!! :D :D

I'm truly thankful for all of you and let's make a plan to get you on a holiday in 2025. It's time!

Send a message to learn more

24/12/2024

Drumroll please….. 🥁 🥁

And the winner of the $500 travel voucher is…..

Kristy Hayes

Congratulations Kristy, I look forward to sending you on a fabulous getaway!!

Merry Christmas everyone and thankyou for all of the engagement around this giveaway. Maybe look out for Easter Bunny giving another one away….. 🤗🤗

23/12/2024

Good morning!

Today is the day that we will be drawing the lucky winner of the $500 voucher. It will be drawn at 12 noon so you still have a few more hours to get yourself and your friends into the draw!

All you need to do is to make sure you like, share AND follow my page to be in mix!

The office is now closed for new business until January 2nd.

I will be finishing up everything that is already underway over the Christmas break but no new trips will be started until the new year.

As always, I will be available for emergencies and for people already travelling.

This year has been, without a doubt, the busiest one I’ve had in 25 years in this crazy industry, and I can’t thank you enough for supporting my business and supporting me.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and I hope that you all get to spend it with the people that mean the most to you.

See you all in 2025 for some new adventures! ✈️ ❤️

22/12/2024

On the TWELFTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...

Five star Vietnam
Gold Coast and a cruise ship
Luxury Bali
Sunshine in Singapore
Aetearoa
Phuket for some cocktails
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

Are we saving the best for last...?! Maybe!
I love everything about Vietnam - the people, the food, the history but it can be very busy so this one gives you time to explore and also enjoy some beach time - and it's ALL FIVE STAR!

We have the following...

* Return economy airfares flying Vietnam Airlines ex Melbourne
* 20kg checked in luggage per person
* Return private car transfers in Ho Chi Minh City
* 3 nights' accommodation at the Grand Hotel Saigon
* Breakfast daily
* Return private car transfers in Phu Quoc
* 4 nights' accommodation at the Sol Beach House Phu Quoc
* Breakfast daily

Price per person: $1865

CONDITIONS:
- Price is based on a 12 May departure ex MELBOURNE and is subject to availability.
- Price is based on 2 people travelling.
- This package must be booked and paid for by 15 January.

21/12/2024

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
Gold Coast and a cruise ship
Luxury Bali
Sunshine in Singapore
Aetearoa
Phuket for some cocktails
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

This one is for the families AND is in school holidays!

What we have is this...

* Return economy airfares from Launceston to Brisbane and return leaving on 27 January, 2025
* 20kg checked in luggage per person
* 4 nights accommodation at the Mercure Gold Coast
* Breakfast daily
* 4 day cruise on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas in a BALCONY cabin including port charges and taxes

Total cost for 2 adults and 2 children: $4985

CONDITIONS:
- Package must be paid in full at the time of booking
- Price is subject to availability
- Price is valid for 2 adults and 2 children, aged 2-11 inclusive
- Passports are not needed for this cruise

20/12/2024

On the TENTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...

Luxury Bali
Sunshine in Singapore
Aetearoa
Phuket for some cocktails
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

This one is for those among us that like the finer things in life..

LUXURY IN BALI!

You will get...

* Return economy airfares flying Virgin Australia ex Launceston
* 20kg checked in luggage
* Return airport transfers
* 7 nights accommodation at the Double Six Luxury Hotel Seminyak in a luxury suite
* Daily a-la-carte breakfast at the Rooftop bar
* 1 x Lunch at Lagoon Deck OR Dinner at Rooftop Sunset Bar, Suzie-Q restaurant or at Greek Palace Taverna at Blu Zea Resort by Double Six (food only)
* 1 X 3 Course set menu dinner at Plantation grill restaurant (food only)
* Daily one-hour free flow drinks of select alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks at Rooftop Sunset Bar from 7 pm – 8 pm
* Choose either: 1 x 60 minute Balinese Massage at Acqua Perla Spa OR 1 x 90 minute Traditional bliss massage treatment at The Spa at Blu-Zea Resort by Double-Six
* 20% Discount from the total bill at Suzie-Q Restaurant (food only)
* 10% Discount from the total bill at Plantation Grill Restaurant (food only)
* 15% Discount on all treatments at The Spa at Blu Zea Resort by Double Six
* Free usage of Kid’s Corner for the first 3 hours with a dedicated team of staff at Blu Zea Resort by Double Six
* Complimentary Wi-Fi
* Complimentary bottles of mineral water in room daily

Price per person: $2295

CONDITIONS:
- Based on per person with 2 people sharing.
- Price is subject to availability
- Must be booked and deposited by 12 January
- This price is based on a 1 May departure. Other dates are available but blackout dates do apply. Valid travel dates are 27 Jan – 16 Mar 25, 22 Apr – 31 May 25 & 1 Oct – 20 Dec 25

18/12/2024

Good Morning All!

A slight interruption to the 12 Deals with some great news!

Fiji Police have released a statement this morning saying the toxicology tests on the latest 'alcohol poisoning' event in Fiji have come back negative for methanol or any other illicit drugs. It appears that these people had a virus, which is still very unfortunate for them of course, but it's a relief to know that there was nothing underhanded at play here and we can all go back to relaxing in the tropical paradise that is Fiji - phew!

LAST MINUTE REMINDER OF OUR GIVEAWAY!

There are 5 more days until this prize is drawn - a $500 travel voucher would be amazing at this time of year!

All you need to do is like, follow and share my page or this post so we can invite more people to get out and see the world. You must do all three of those steps to get an entry into the draw.

Good luck to you all, and the 12 Deals will resume shortly! :D

Send a message to learn more

18/12/2024

On the NINTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
Sunshine in Singapore
Aetearoa
Phuket for some cocktails
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

Singapore has always been the "air conditioned version of Asia" to me. It's so beautifully clean and easy to navigate, with lovely people, taxi drivers that won't rip you off, and tonnes of things to do! The ninth deal is your opportunity to join in that!

We have...
- Return economy airfares ex Melbourne
- 30kg checked in luggage per person
- Return private car transfers
- 5 nights accommodation at the Furama Riverfront

Price per person: $1435

CONDITIONS:
Price is based on a mid March departure and is subject to availability.
Price is per person, twin or double share.
Other dates available on request.

18/12/2024

On the EIGHTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
Aetearoa
Phuket for some cocktails
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

Day 8 is brought to you by Aetearoa - New Zealand!

This one would be a great Christmas gift for that impossible to buy for partner, or like me, soon to be 18 year old!

This one includes...

* Return Qantas airfares from Launceston to Auckland
* Checked in luggage of 20kg per person
* 5 nights accommodation at the Chancellor on Hobson in Auckland in a 1 bedroom suite

Price per person: $1345

CONDITIONS:
Price is based on 12 March departure but other dates are available.
Price is per person, twin/double share.
Price is subject to availability.
Frequent flyer points are available on this fare.

15/12/2024

On the SEVENTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
Phuket for some cocktails
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

Who doesn't want to escape the Australian winter for some beautiful beaches, great massages and cheap cocktails?!

Let's go to Phuket!

What you will get is this...
* Return economy airfares ex Melbourne to Phuket
* 20kg per person checked in luggage
* Return private car airport transfers
* 7 nights' accommodation at The Kee Resort and Spa
* Breakfast daily

Price per person: $1575.00 x 2

CONDITIONS:
- Package is based on 1 June departure ex Melbourne. There is limited availability on other dates.
- Price is per person twin share, based on 2 people travelling.
- Price is subject to availability until sold out.

13/12/2024

On the SIXTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
Four Europe Countries
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

Ok so the grammar in that one is making me twitch, but it's SO worth it because this one is a cracker!!!

It's quite specific departures, and limited availability but if you can make it work with your timings, it's the cheapest European deal I've seen in years! There isn't a hostel in sight - all full service, well located hotels (3.5 star minimum) and your transport is taken care of too.

What you will get is this...

* Return economy airfares ex Melbourne to Paris
* 4 Days in 1 month Flexi Eurail pass - standard class
* 3 nights accommodation in Paris at the Aparthotel Adagio Bercy
* 2 nights accommodation in Brussels at the Pentahotel Brussels
* 3 nights accommodation in Munich at the Maritim Hotel
* 3 nights accommodation Bern at the Best Western Hotel
* 1 night accommodation at Mercure CDG (Paris Airport)

Price per person: $3475.00 x 2

CONDITIONS:
- Package is based on 28 March departure ex Melbourne. There is limited availability on other dates.
- Price is per person twin share, based on 2 people travelling.
- Travel insurance and seat reservation fees on trains are not included.
- Price is subject to availability until sold out.

There is no specific time limit on this one but there are hardly any seats now and for a price like this, it's not surprising!

08/12/2024

On the FIFTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
TO-KI-YO!
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

(Yes, I know it's not spelled like that but it's the "Five Gold Rings" line so it has to be pronounced! ;) )

Japan is up 130% on last year for visitors so it's time you joined the club - let's go to Tokyo!

For this one you will get...

* Return economy airfares ex Melbourne (full service airline)
* 20kg checked in luggage
* 5 nights accommodation at the Knot Tokyo (Shinjuku)

PRICE PER PERSON: $1665

CONDITIONS:
Travel is based on 2 people travelling and you can have either a double or twin share.
Departure is based on 1 May but other dates are available.
Extensions are permitted.
Price is subject to availability and subject to change until confirmed.
Travel insurance is not included.

01/12/2024

On the FOURTH day of Christmas, my Travel Manager gave to me...
Carnival Cruise
IN-SUR-ANCE
An open bar in Maldives
America and a bit of Fiji!

This one is a cracking deal but has to be booked by the end of tomorrow, 2 December!

For the March long weekend, you can have the following...

* Return economy airfares ex Launceston on 8 March, 2025
* 20kg luggage per person
* 1 night accommodation in Brisbane
* 4 day cruise on Carnival Luminosa as below including port charges and taxes in an inside cabin

Total price for 4 people: $4450 (That's only $1112.50 per person!)

You can also take advantage of the deal on travel insurance to add this on as well.

Imagine the kids opening this on Christmas morning! Or take another couple and enjoy the pristine waters of our Whitsunday Coast whilst sipping a cocktail or three.

Let's get you away to the sunshine!