Connected Travel - Marissa & Co

11/09/2024

👉🏽 Why Booking with a Travel Agent Matters More Than Ever

In light of recent events, we’ve been approached by several travellers who booked their Vietnam holidays online and are now struggling to receive room confirmations or proper support. 😢

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist these individuals as we didn’t handle their bookings, and the online platforms they’re using are not providing the customer care they expected.

This situation highlights a crucial reason to book with a professional travel agent like Connected Travel.

When you book through a trusted agent:

1️⃣ You have direct communication with someone who understands your travel needs and can offer tailored recommendations.

2️⃣ Should a natural disaster, like the recent Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam, or any other unforeseen event affect your trip, we’re here to help you navigate cancellations, rebookings, or refunds.

3️⃣ You can trust that your accommodation is properly secured and any issues that arise are promptly addressed, saving you the stress of dealing with online platforms that may not provide sufficient support.

At Connected Travel, we prioritise your peace of mind from the moment you book until you safely return home.

🤯 Don’t let your dream holiday turn into a headache—let us take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

09/09/2024

✈️ Meet Kathryn – Our Independent Cruising Guru

Kathryn is one of our valued independent agents, operating her very own Connected Travel business. When it comes to cruising, she’s our go-to expert, with a wealth of knowledge that ensures her clients experience is nothing short of exceptional.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one of her happy clients recently shared:

👉🏽 “Hi Marissa, Your Kathryn is an asset to you and your business. We can only praise her for all the help and excellent service she provides for Dom, me, our friends, and family. She deserves a medal—as does your business!”

We couldn’t agree more! Kathryn’s dedication to delivering personalised service and unforgettable travel experiences is truly unmatched. Whether it’s helping you find the perfect cruise or planning a trip for your entire family, Kathryn is here to make it happen with care and expertise. 🩵

01/09/2024

Monday Fact!

28/08/2024

Last night we had a fantastic time at the Niche is Nice Roadshow, held at the Langham learning about some incredible luxury and boutique travel experiences!

I went to Utah and met Tom Hanks 😜 and tried my first Portuguese Pie!

We learned about expedition cruises, including a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica (now on my bucket list), and Snow Hill Island, home to the largest emperor penguin colony (also now on my bucket list).

Let’s add to the list, Driving a Ferrari 458 Italia in Maranello and meeting a Ferrari engineer for an aperitif….yep, we can make all of this happen. 🫶🏽

Connected Travel, where we will help you tick off those bucket list destinations and experiences. 👏🏽👏🏽

25/08/2024

We are deeply saddened to learn of this tragic event and extend our heartfelt sympathies to Shane's family during this difficult time.

While it’s easy to believe that accidents won’t happen while you're enjoying a holiday, it's crucial to stay vigilant. If you choose to ride a scooter abroad, always wear a helmet, avoid drinking before riding, and make sure your travel insurance covers scooter or motorbike use—many policies don't, and conditions often apply.

Rest in peace, Shane. Our thoughts are with your loved ones.

A Perth tradie who was left critically injured after a shocking scooter crash in Bali has passed away in Royal Perth Hospital surrounded by family.

23/08/2024

We are so excited to share that Connected Travel Academy has been named a finalist in the NTIA Awards for two categories:

🌟 Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Institution
🌟 Most Outstanding Employee Engagement and Recruitment Program

This recognition showcases our dedication to excellence, not just in training future travel advisors but in ensuring that our clients receive top-notch service from well-trained professionals.

We're proud to be setting high standards in the travel industry!

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to lead the way. 🌍✈️

22/08/2024

Guess the island? 🥰

09/08/2024

Travelling Overseas? Pay with a TravelPay Money Card!

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Pack Light, Pay Smart! Click the link to get yours today!

https://travelpaymoney.com.au/?agent=CONNECTED

05/08/2024

🔊 Can I please have your attention...

We have an exciting opportunity to share! And this is not a joke, or it's not April's Fool's Day (in August).

Our business is in the running to be recognised as Australia's best travel brand through the People's Choice Award at the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) 2024.

We would 💙 for you to tell us why you 💚 our business and why we deserve to be chosen as Australia's best travel brand. By participating, you not only support us but you also have a chance to win an incredible holiday package valued at $21,000! Again, I am not joking!

How to Participate:

1️⃣ Visit www.escape.com.au and nominate us as your favourite travel brand.
2️⃣ In 50 words or less share your positive experiences and why you love our services.

Nominations close 30 August 2024.

What's in it for you? A chance to win the following package:
✈️ 2 x return Economy Class tickets to ANY European or UK city offered by Singapore Airlines
🇬🇧 Trafalgar's 8-Day Britain & Ireland Highlights tour for two people twin share
💲2 x $500 TravelPay Mastercard Gift Cards

Double the Impact:
While you're sharing your love for our business, we’d also appreciate it if you could leave us a Google Review. Your feedback not only helps us in this competition but also boosts our online presence.

How to Leave a Google Review:

1️⃣ Go to Google and search for our business.
2️⃣ Click on "Write a Review" and share your thoughts.

Don't Miss Out – It's Easy!. Your story could be the one that wins! 🍀🤞

escape.com.au

31/07/2024

Help Needed: Ponant Cruise Credit Transfer 🌊🚢

We have a client with a $2,500 credit for a Ponant cruise, but due to surgery, he can't travel. This was going to be his once-in-a-lifetime trip, and we’re hoping someone can help him recover his deposit.

If you or anyone you know is booking a Ponant cruise by February 2025, please send them our way. Your help would mean the world to him!

Explore Ponant's amazing cruises here.

Please share and tag friends who might be interested! 🙏💙

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30/07/2024

🚨 REX Airline Update 🚨

REX has entered voluntary administration, but there's hope on the horizon! 🛫

The airline's regional services are still running strong, though their nine Boeing 737 jets are grounded for now. Ernst & Young Australia is stepping in to help manage things.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Transport Minister Catherine King are keeping a close watch, with plans in place to keep regional flights going. ✈️

In a show of support, Virgin Australia is offering to rebook affected REX passengers for free!

Those of you who are our clients and affected, you are in good hands. We will be in touch with a solution 💙💙

Stay tuned for more updates!

30/07/2024

AVIATION NEWS UPDATE: REX has Stopped Ticket Sales for Two Weeks 🚫✈️

Regional Express Airlines (Rex) has stopped selling tickets between major cities for the next two weeks.

Will Rex unfortunately become the second Australian airline to enter voluntary administration this year, following Bonza's collapse in April?

Stay tuned - we will share more details as we receive them.

28/07/2024

Some of our July Connect Program participants recently had the exclusive opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Banyan Hotel Brand.

This invite-only event at Chin Chin’s in Melbourne featured exceptional wine and canapés, offering a taste of the exclusive experiences our program provides.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of these unique events. 🥳

If you or anyone you know is looking for a career in travel, send them our way.

Enquire now for our October intake! 💙

24/07/2024

15/07/2024

These were our 30 most viewed travel advice pages during January to June 2024.

How many of these countries have you been to?

And let’s take this as an opportunity to remind you, subscribe to receive travel advice and alerts to the destinations you are travelling to and through.

Subscribing gives you the latest updates to our travel advice and news.

11/07/2024

Silhouette Skylines 💚💙 Haven’t been to Venice yet but that is the most prettiest to me. Whats your fave??

04/07/2024

Important Update for New Zealand Travelers

Planning a trip to New Zealand soon? Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest requirements!

All travelers, including babies and children, need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arrival.

The NZTD is essential for collecting travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information. It’s free, and you can get started anytime. Just remember, the earliest you can submit it is 24 hours before your trip, and it must be done before you reach passport control in New Zealand.

You can complete the NZTD online at www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or through the NZTD app.

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. It is available for travellers arriving into New Zealand's airports.

21/06/2024

Last year we were top 5 finalists and in one category…

This year we have been nominated in 3 🤭🤩🫶🏽

You know you have something very special going on when the industry recognition keeps growing too. ✈️💙💚

19/06/2024

Who is Connected Travel?

Established in 2017, our agency and network of independent agents not only craft unforgettable travel experiences for our clients but also nurture industry newcomers through Connected Travel Training Academy .

Our dual operation reflects our commitment to elevating the travel and tourism industry ensuring all our clients are working with highly qualified and accredited travel agents/advisors.

All our agents have completed a Certificate IV in Travel & Tourism and are well travelled. They are equipped with the skills and the knowledge to create quality holidays and provide a service to you that exceeds expectations 🫶🏽

Our accolade as a finalist in the National Travel Industry Awards is a testament to our impactful presence in the travel and tourism sector.

We will be introducing our team to you over the coming weeks so you can see our beautiful, experienced and approachable faces 😉

19/06/2024

Oh Disney Fans 🤩

Have you missed out on the last two years Disney Cruises have been sailing out of Sydney or Melbourne?

Well guess what!!! Disney Magic at Sea is sailing from Sydney and Melbourne again next year starting in October.

Contact us to get on the registration list because prices and cabins are available to book come June 28, 2024 and the last two years sold out fast!

17/06/2024

Louis Tussaud's House of Wax in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk has achieved cult status with tourists from all over the world wanting to see these unbelievable waxworks. 😂😂

On the other hand, Madam Tussaud’s in London is much more realistic and highly recommended for other reasons.

One of these pics is a personal snap from the more realistic wax museum in London.

Hopefully you can guess which one 😂

13/06/2024

One item you always pack when travelling? 🌏

07/06/2024

I’m going to add, EAT GREEK!! 🇬🇷😂

06/06/2024

The magical moments when your daughter sees success and the hard work that goes into operating your own company (the “upgrade” is my new division Connected Travel Training Academy ) 🫶🏽🫶🏽

05/06/2024

Today Adam joined our Connected Travel team and updated us about their "All Inclusive Holidays" and the amazing resorts!

Watch this space as Adam and I are working towards something special coming next month!! 🤩👌

Tell your friends - the more the merrier. 😉🥳

04/06/2024

Yes, it’s really happening! The P&O Brand will be shut down in March 2025! 🛳️

The Pacific Explorer ship will retire in February and Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will begin to operate as Carnival Cruise Line.

Anyone affected will receive options on how they can go forward. 🫶🏽

Carnival scraps the P&O brand after 90 years of cruising from Australia with Pacific Explorer to be retired in February.

03/06/2024

📍Zion National Park In Utah, USA!!!🤩🇺🇸
One of my personal favourite destinations for a hike!!! 🏜️

03/06/2024

Let’s play a quick game!!!!!