Connected Travel - Marissa & Co

04/02/2025

I’m so excited to share something new with you…

We’ve been working behind the scenes on our brand-new website!

Whether you’re dreaming of travelling the world or building your own travel business, our shiny new site is your go-to hub for ALL the travel goodness. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

💻 Easy Navigation: We’ve made it super simple to find exactly what you’re looking for, training programs, travel services, and everything in between.

📚 Travel Inspo: Thinking of starting a travel career? Want to plan your next adventure? Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of tips, resources, and dreamy destinations.

📲 On-the-Go Ready: Mobile-friendly, you can explore Connected Travel anytime, anywhere (even in your PJs).

👀 PSST… There’s More Coming Soon: Check out exclusive services, career guides, and real-world stories from our Connected Travel community.

Explore for yourself: connectedtravel.com.au

03/02/2025

🚨 Website Enquiries Issue – Now Fixed! 🚨

We just discovered that our website forms weren’t working properly, meaning we haven’t been receiving any enquiries. 😬
The issue has now been fixed, but if you’ve sent us a message and haven’t heard back, please reach out—we don’t want to miss you!

Thanks for your patience, and sorry for the hiccup! 🙌🏼

02/02/2025

🚨 I’ve Got BIG News! 🚨

I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at Home Ex 2025, Travel Daily’s brand-new virtual event for home-based travel agents!

Here’s why you HAVE to join me on 10 March 2025:

💡 I’ll be sharing how we can empower the next generation of home-based agents and the skills YOU need to thrive in today’s fast-changing industry.

🌟 You’ll hear from incredible speakers like Cinzia Burnes (Helloworld COO), Wendy Wu, and Cameron McDonald, who’ll be dishing out tips on leadership, business growth, and remote team success.

💬 Connect with suppliers at the virtual expo and discover tools to take your travel career to the next level!

And the best part? It’s completely FREE thanks to amazing sponsors like CVFR, Expedia, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. !

All the content is available on demand for 6 months, so you can watch, learn, and grow at your own pace.

This is YOUR chance to level up your career, and I can’t wait to see you there!

01/02/2025

💙 Exclusive Access: Onboard Coral Expeditions!

Yesterday, we had the exclusive opportunity to step aboard Coral Expeditions, and five of our Connected Travel agents were lucky enough to experience it firsthand. I even got to sit in the captain’s chair—on the strict condition that I touched nothing and kept my seat all the way back. (Probably for the best!)

For those unfamiliar, Coral Expeditions specialises in small-ship expedition cruising, meaning it’s all about immersive, off the beaten-path adventures rather than just ticking off big ports. Think exploring remote islands, snorkeling in untouched reefs, and getting up close to wildlife with expert guides.

They sail to some incredible destinations, including:
🌴 The Kimberley – dramatic landscapes and waterfalls
🏝️ The Great Barrier Reef – pristine reef diving and island-hopping
🐧 Tasmania – rugged wilderness and wildlife encounters
🗿 Papua New Guinea & Indonesia – rich cultures and volcanic landscapes
🌊 Micronesia – crystal-clear waters, WWII history, and untouched marine life

They still have cabins left on their CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF AUSTRALIA | CAIRNS TO CAIRNS | 60 NIGHTS Cruise!!

Expedition cruises are a completely different style of travel—designed for curious explorers who want to experience nature and culture up close, rather than just watching from the deck. It’s an adventure, but with all the comfort of a boutique ship.

If this sounds like your kind of travel, let’s chat! We’d love to help you find the perfect expedition. 🚢

30/01/2025

Throwback to this amazing moment! 💙

Laura’s journey is exactly why we do what we do at Connected Travel!

So proud to see her thriving in her own business. ✈️✨

👏 Thank you, Laura!

13/01/2025

💡 Did you know…

We don’t just help you dream about travel, we help you do it.

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or the adventure of a lifetime, we've got you covered with services tailored to make your journey seamless from start to finish.

Here's everything we can help you with:

✈️ Flights: Domestic and international airfares, around-the-world tickets, and point-to-point flights to get you wherever you need to go.

🚢 Ferries: Explore stunning coastlines and islands with ease.

🚂 Train Journeys & Passes: From iconic scenic routes to practical passes, we’ll help you hop aboard.

🏨 Accommodation: Find the perfect stay, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, domestic or international!

🚗 Car Hire & Motorhomes: Go where the road takes you with flexible rental options, including motorhomes, for the ultimate adventure.

🚘 Self-Drive Itineraries: Let us map out your dream road trip with everything planned to perfection.

🚍 Multi-Day Coach Tours: Sit back and relax while exploring iconic destinations on a guided tour.

🎡 Day Tours & Sightseeing Passes: Unlock the best experiences wherever you go.

🚕 Airport Transfers: Start and end your trip stress-free with reliable transfers.

🎁 Special Touches: Honeymoon Registries, Birthday Registries, Gift Vouchers, Holiday Fund Accounts

We handle the details so you can focus on making memories. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic honeymoon, a family road trip, or your next solo adventure, we’ll make it happen.

💬 Ready to plan your next trip? Let’s get started: https://www.connectedtravel.com.au/about

10/01/2025

🌍 Your network = Your net worth

As a program member, you’ll score invites to exclusive industry events, think suppliers, cruise lines, and industry leaders. These aren’t just meet-and-greets.

They’re game-changers for your travel business. 💪

Walk in as a newbie and walk out as a pro with connections that matter.

Intake starts soon!

Learn more here: https://www.connectedtravel.com.au/qualification-connect-program

09/01/2025

“Wait, you still work in travel? Can't we book everything online these days?” (Insert extreme side eye roll as per my photo right here!!!!) 😂

According to LinkedIn’s latest “Jobs on the Rise” list, travel specialist is actually one of the top three fastest-growing roles in Australia (alongside English teacher and server - what it means by server...I'm not entirely sure! 🤣).

How’s that for a comeback!

Human-centric skills like communication, empathy, and flexibility is exactly what AI can’t replace especially when creating and making travel plans!

Share with me, how do you like to plan and book your holidays?!

Just remember, you are following this page for a reason but no judgement!! 😉🤪👌🏽

08/01/2025

From 8 January, Australians visiting the who don't need a visa for short stays or who don't have any other UK immigration status, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to travel to or transit through the UK.

Read more here:

Australian Government travel advice for United Kingdom. Learn more about local safety, laws and health risks.

01/01/2025

Lynn started as a trainee with me back in the day, and 7 years later is still putting up with me! Connected Travel now employs her, but she's much more than that! She is my sidekick and the real Ying to my Yang 🩵

To get these kinds of references from someone I work so closely with is so heart-warming I had to share... Because you never know where your journey will take you when you start in the training academy.

31/12/2024

✍ Today’s travel agents face a whole new world of challenges and opportunities. From mastering complex booking systems to handling unexpected disruptions, they need a unique mix of skills to thrive.

Gone are the days of simple transactions. Agents now play the role of adaptable, resourceful, and creative problem-solvers.

(And don't forget making every trip unforgettable for your clients)

That’s why I’ve designed my training programs to go beyond the basics. I don’t just teach theory…I give agents real-world experience, hands-on practice, and mentorship that you won’t find in a standard course.

You’ll learn how to handle the unexpected, work smarter with booking platforms, and wow your clients every time.

My programs are about preparing you for the challenges and showing you the exciting side of this industry. Because let’s be honest, travel isn’t just a job, it’s a passion.

What skills do you think are most essential for the modern travel agent? 💭

If you're ready to take your skills to the next level, let me know in the comments or drop me a DM.

30/12/2024

The travel agent role has evolved immensely from previous generations. Today’s agents need to master a variety of skills to excel. 🛩

Beyond traditional destination knowledge and customer service, they’re expected to offer personalised, expert guidance that helps clients navigate an increasingly complex travel landscape.

✍ To be successful, agents must confidently sell and provide strong recommendations, shifting from order-takers to trusted advisors.

In addition to in-depth product and destination knowledge, technical skills are crucial. From GDS to CRM systems, and keeping up with the latest travel regulations, today’s agents must be tech-savvy and proactive in staying informed. 💻

30/12/2024

Which international destinations are a favourite for Aussie travellers over Christmas holidays?

It’s no surprise Asia is a favourite; it’s relatively close to avoiding the mad rushes during Christmas, but it has such an incredible array of options on our doorstep. Here are the top 3 Christmas destinations:

🌴 Bali: The ultimate go-to for Aussies craving sunshine, beach vibes, and a laid-back lifestyle. Nothing says “holiday season” like sipping a Bintang by the pool!

🌏 Tokyo: Christmas lights, jaw-dropping seasonal displays, and unique Japanese traditions, Tokyo turns the festive spirit up a notch.

🛍️ Singapore: Think sparkling Orchard Road decorations, festive events, and world-class shopping. It’s the perfect spot for Aussies wanting a mix of fun, food, and a little luxury!

Where are you spending New Year's this year? Let me know below! 🎄✈️

30/12/2024

At Connected Travel, we’re not just training travel pros; we’re building a community that believes in growth, passion, and a little bit of adventure! From new starters to seasoned experts, our team is a tight-knit group with strong values and a love for the industry.

We’ve helped so many to find their calling, but what makes us special? It’s our incredible people and the connections we build every day. 💙 Thank you, Kellie, for reminding us what we’re all about!

29/12/2024

This note is where it all began—a proof of payment from me to Lynn, my bestie, as we took the very first step to bring Connected Travel to life. In 2017, the idea was already born, and I was ready to dive in. I just needed a little help, and Lynn was right there by my side—and she still is to this day! I know, I’m the luckiest friend ever. ❤️

I asked her to start with just a few hours a week—easy enough, right? Well, those 'few hours' turned into full days, and before we knew it, we were all in.

Fast forward seven years, and what started as two friends with a vision has grown into a team of 10, building something bigger than we ever imagined.

This journey has been a rollercoaster—from a piece of paper and a lot of heart to an adventure I’ll never forget. It’s proof that the biggest dreams often start with the smallest steps.

So, if you’ve got a dream that won’t leave you alone, back yourself. Take that leap. You never know where it might take you. ✨

Here’s to brave starts, unexpected journeys, and the people who back you every step of the way.

Are you still thinking about your dream job in travel?! Why wait!? ❤️

28/12/2024

I recently shared how long the world’s longest flight is (19hrs, Singapore Airlines), but it got me thinking how long that actually is! These are just some of the things you could do with that time: ✈️

🎥 Movie Marathon: You could binge-watch an average of 11 rom-coms back-to-back. Or switch it up with a thriller or documentary.

📚 Finish That Book: Remember the one you’ve been “reading” for the past year? Yep, it’s time to finally finish it.

💤 Sleep Like a Baby: Two full sleep cycles = refreshed and ready to go.

✍️ Get Creative: Start journaling your travel bucket list or draft the first chapter of your novel.

🏃‍♀️ Get running: You could finish two full marathons (or an ultra marathon) consecutively.

👋 Konnichiwa: Learn to say hello in over 100 languages.

🤓 Get learning: Upskill yourself and devote a month’s worth of hours to your new business or dream career!

If you had 19 hours to spare right now, how would you use them? Comment below…

27/12/2024

Let’s talk about your big idea: owning your own travel business. Sounds exciting, right? But maybe also a little overwhelming? That’s exactly why I created the Connect to Business Program.

It’s kind of like a bootcamp for your travel startup!

From day one, you get a step-by-step guide to help you launch, manage, and grow a successful travel business (all with expert guidance and a community cheering you on🥳)

I dive into all of the good stuff like:
✔️ Mastering the 12 key elements to start and scale your business
✔️ Hands-on training with powerful tools like GDS Sabre and CRS Tramada (because tech-savvy agents = unstoppable agents)
✔️ Personalised coaching during those crucial first three months: think of it as your business GPS, guiding you through client acquisition, finances, and growth plans.

But the secret sauce? Mentorship 🛠️

Starting something new can feel lonely, overwhelming and have you wishing you never started (it’s not easy!) but for for three months, you’ll have a mentor dedicated to YOUR success, answering questions, helping you dodge pitfalls, and celebrating your wins.

Plus, you’ll have the option to get more support as you keep growing! If you’ve been dreaming of owning your own travel business and need someone to show you how this is it. I’m here to equip you with everything you need to launch and thrive in the ever-evolving travel industry. Let’s do this 💪

Check out the link in my bio or comment “Bootcamp” below, and I’ll send you more information

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas from the Connected Travel family! 🎄

Today, we’re raising a glass of eggnog (or maybe a tropical cocktail or two!) to celebrate YOU, our amazing community of dreamers, go-getters, and travel lovers. 💛

Whether you’re spending the holidays at home with family or exploring a new destination. Or whether you’ve started on the very scary/exciting journey of starting your own travel agency with us, we hope your day is filled with joy, laughter and a little magic! 🎅

2025 is just around the corner (anyone else think that has come very quickly?), and we can’t wait to help you chase your travel dreams, grow your career, and plan even more adventures. 🎁

All our love,
Connected Travel