Connected Travel - Marissa & Co

21/12/2024

Are you good in a crisis? 🤯

Solutions for clients aren't always clear-cut, which is why agents must have strong crisis management skills to handle disruptions.

Thinking outside the box is essential...because policies and procedures are great at providing guidance, but real-world problems don't always fit neatly inside the lines.

That's why amazing agents are adaptable, resourceful, and even creative to effectively meet their client's needs! 💚

21/12/2024

Travel requirements to the UK are changing from the 8th of January 2025! 🇬🇧

This includes eVisas and the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is digital permission to enter the UK!

For more details, and to make sure you are not caught out, you can find more info here

➡️ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

20/12/2024

Have you booked travel for 2025 but yet to organise your travel insurance??

NIB have provided us with a PROMO code for 20% discounts on all new policies issued from today until the end of the year.

Get in touch with us for a travel insurance quote and don’t miss out on this savings. 🛬🚢

20/12/2024

Our team had an amazing time at the exclusive seminar with Sabre and Vietjet Air! ✈️ Sabre has some awesome new tech coming our way, and we're excited to be able to offer training on it through Connected Travel Academy.

Our next Sabre training dates are already fully booked – thank you for the overwhelming interest! But don't worry – we're working on our 2025 schedule, which will be released soon. Stay tuned, follow us on socials not to miss the dates for 2025 🚀

01/12/2024

Feeling stuck in a job that’s just... meh? 🫠

Dreaming of a career in travel but thinking, “How do I even start without experience?”

Or maybe, no travel retail experience at all?

I hear you.

That’s exactly why I created Connected Travel—to make it possible for YOU. No stress, no drama—we’ll give you the skills, connections, and support to kickstart your journey.

With award-winning training, hands-on learning, and a community that’s got your back, there’s never been a better time to turn your passion for travel into your profession.

Swipe through to see how our grads are making waves in the travel industry! 🌍✨👉

27/11/2024

Ever thought, ‘There’s got to be more to life than just dreaming about travel?’ Well, same here—and that’s how Connected Travel was born! ✈️✨

✔️ I wanted to create a space where people could turn their love for travel into a real career.
✔️ We are here to help you start small, dream big, and build a travel business that fits your life.
✔️ With hands-on training, personalised support, and a community that’s got your back, we’re changing how travel careers begin.

Ready to kickstart your career in travel or you’re just curious, give us a shout! Life’s too short to stay grounded! 🌍 💼

20/11/2024

What’s Going On with Webjet?

I’m sitting back and reflecting so want to let you know the situation as I know it so far…

You’ve all probably heard of Webjet’s online booking platform (Webjet OTA)—super handy for comparing flights. But there have been some big changes lately that you should know about.

In September 2024, Webjet Limited demerged into two independent companies: Webjet Group and Web Travel Group. Webjet Group now includes the Webjet online travel agency.

However, shortly after the split, Web Travel Group (the former parent company) announced it owes a staggering $32 million to suppliers as of September 30, 2024. This raises questions about how third-party platforms might be affected by financial troubles in the background.

For travellers, this is a timely reminder: while OTAs (Online Travel Agency’s) like Webjet offer convenience, booking directly with airlines or through trusted travel agents often gives you more security and peace of mind. If things go wrong, you’re dealing directly with the airline or an agent who has your back—not a middleman navigating behind-the-scenes issues.

So, before you book your next trip, think about what’s really included. Travel should be about making memories, not dealing with avoidable headaches!

19/11/2024

🌋✈️ Here's some info for those Bali lovers concerned about the volcanic activity.

Did you know that volcanic ash, which often causes flight cancellations, rarely affects Garuda Indonesia?

Why, you ask? 🤔

Well, as Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda has special permission to adjust their air routes. This means they can safely navigate around ash clouds, unlike airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, or Virgin, which are restricted to a single designated path to Bali.

It’s all about the “sky rules,” believe it or not! And while those budget airlines may seem like a bargain, don’t forget to factor in the extras—luggage, seat selection, meals, drinks, and entertainment—those add-ons can really stack up!

Compare them to Garuda, where it’s all included. You might be pleasantly surprised by how the prices compare, not to mention the peace of mind you’ll have if your Bali trip faces unexpected disruptions.

Who’d have thought flying had so many rules? ✈️

18/11/2024

Did you know, work in collaboration with an RTO to set you up with a qualification in Travel & Tourism and we help you set up a travel agency from home.

Our set up is like a “turn key package” for your business with all the training, a qualification, business coaching and ongoing support whilst you operate your business.

We are the only Australian Accredited Company that offer this.

If a travel business is your NY’s goal, take action NOW.

Enrolments close Friday so message for further details 😊

06/11/2024

Excited to share this article featuring Connected Travel and what it truly takes to be a successful travel advisor today!

Our advisors bring much more than just booking your holiday —they’re well-trained professionals with in-depth destination knowledge, tech expertise, and the ability to think outside the box.

They’re trusted advisors, here to offer personalised guidance and make every travel experience exceptional.

Dive in to see how Connected Travel Advisors set the bar in today’s evolving travel landscape!

In the face of a national skills shortage, Travellers Choice has launched a free training program to empower agents and support new starters, writes JO-ANNE HUI-MILLER.

01/11/2024

🧳𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹?🧳

When it comes to travel, packing smart is key! The one thing you never forget to pack is ___________.

I’ll be honest, mine is my prescription meds (because no one wants to see me without them! 😅). Anything else? I can grab it when I get there.

Whether it’s your favourite book, a power bank, or travel-sized skincare, having your essentials can make all the difference on your adventures! 🌍✈️

What can’t you live without when traveling? Share your packing must-haves in the comments!👇

31/10/2024

𝟮𝟭 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄!
1. The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps.
2. 90% of Australians live on the coast.
3. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.
4. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest ecosystem in the world. It is made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and can be seen from space.
5. Australia has over 60 separate wine regions.
6. Fraser Island in QLD is the largest sand island in the world.
7. The Indian Pacific train has the longest straight section of train track in the world.
8. The Great Ocean Road is the world's largest war memorial.
9. 80% of Australian animals are unique to Australia.
10. Australia has the world's longest golf course measuring more than 1,350 kms long.
11. Australia is home to 21 of the world's 25 most venomous snakes.
12. It would take around 29 years to visit one new Aussie beach every day – there are 10,685 of them!
13. Australia is the 6th largest country in the world.
14. 91% of the country is covered by native vegetation.
15. 33% of Australians were born in another country.
16. Australia is the only continent in the world without an active volcano.
17. Australia is home to the longest fence in the world, the Dingo Fence. Originally built to keep dingos away from fertile land, the fence is now 5,614 km long.
18. The Australian dollar is considered to be the most advanced currency in the world – its waterproof, made of polymer and notoriously hard to counterfeit.
19. Australia is the only continent covered by a single country.
20. The world's oldest fossil was discovered in Australia – 3.4 billion years old.
21. Australia is home to more than 1,500 species of spiders.

31/10/2024

🎃𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀!🎃

Did you know Halloween started as an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, where they lit bonfires and wore costumes to keep the ghosts away? 👻✨

Let’s have some fun! Share your favourite travel stories – have you been to any spooky spots or experienced unique traditions?
Mine’s a local one: I did a nighttime ghost tour at Pentridge Prison. I was skeptical at first, but by the end, I came out a believer! 😱

I want to hear your spooky stories! 👇

28/10/2024

𝗦𝗼 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗶'𝘀 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆. 😉

Madi has just completed her Connect to Business Program and is well on her way to earning her Certificate IV in Travel & Tourism. She’s now in the process of launching her own business with us. With the rising demand for travel agents in this new era and the opportunity to operate within our network, well... I’ll let her share her journey with you! 🎉

If you’re passionate about travel and ready to take your career to the next level, now’s the perfect time. Our next intake for the Qualification starts in mid-November, so don’t miss your chance! 💙

25/10/2024

🚀𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 #𝟴! 🚀 Can you guess which country has a law against stepping on cash? 🤔

That's right—it's Thailand! 💵 The Thai currency features the King’s image, and showing disrespect to it is no joke! 🌍 Curious to learn more quirky facts from around the world? Stay tuned for more surprises in our Travel Curiosities Series!✈️

25/10/2024

It was either a last minute shark cage dive whilst in Sydney or a spontaneous Bridge Climb whilst in Sydney. Amazing views and highly recommend the night time tour.

Travel Advisor Life Is The Best 💕

24/10/2024

NTIA Awards weekend is nearly here 🌟

I’m Sydney Bound! Have so much to look forward to this weekend and it starts off with boarding Jetstar’s new A321 - NEO built in 2023. Hasn’t been flying long and there is no smelly bum smell (you all know what I mean after a flight on the fabric seats 😂).

Already winning. 🥇😂

23/10/2024

🚀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 #6! 🚀 Feeding pigeons in Venice might seem like a charming activity, but did you know it’s actually illegal? 🕊️ The rule is in place to protect the city’s stunning historical landmarks from damage. 🌍 Stay tuned for more unique travel tips and fun facts!

💡 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞? Did you already know this fun fact? Comment below! ⬇️
And stay tuned for more unique travel tips and surprises! ✨