TravelManagers - Michelle Desmarchelier - Personal Travel Manager

05/04/2024

Bit of a miserable day to venture into the city, but a great opportunity to inspect and enjoy a hosted lunch aboard Celebrity Edge before she sets sail from Sydney for the last time this season.

A beautiful ship accommodating 2960 guests, but with a much smaller "feel", intimate dining options and some of the loveliest cabins and largest suites I've seen.

She's off to cruise the Inside Passage with some great availability for the remainder of this year, and is also coming back to Australia for 2024/25 season, offering some great shorter sailing itineraries.

Need to know more?
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/
💙💚💛🧡

16/03/2024

Hi everyone!

In a few short weeks my co-driver Meg (another travel industry friend!) and I will be participating in our fourth Sh*tbox Rally - this year driving from Adelaide to Perth via Yulara raising funds for Cancer Council. So far across all 4 rallies we've raised a collective $85k and we're optimistically hoping to hit $100k in total by the end of this rally before we hang up our dusty rally clothes for good and return to being normal middle-aged mothers & businesswomen!!

If you are in a position to donate a few (tax deductible) coins to our fundraising we'd really appreciate your support.

If you know of any businesses/companies/friends who may be looking to donate to a good cause before the EOFY then please also share our story & fundraising link.

https://autumn2024.sh*tboxrally.com.au/fuelled-by-gin/donate

If you're intrigued enough to follow our shenanigans and support us from the sidelines, please jump over to like our team's page https://www.facebook.com/fuelledbygin

Cheers & happy travels
Michelle (yes, that's me dressed as cow in the picture!!)

It's time for Sh*tbox Rally #4 for Meg & Michelle, this time we're driving from Adelaide to Perth in Autumn 2024. We've had Gordon the Ford, Mona the Corona and we're super excited to introduce you to............. HA! Not telling just yet, you'll have to keep checking to find out!!!!

26/02/2024

Today I was lucky enough to be hosted by Viking Cruises to view the beautiful Orion whilst she was in Sydney.

All Viking ships are identical in layout with 3 pools & not one waterslide to be seen, no casinos, no children under 18, no formal nights, no photograph package, no sales.... instead complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks served with lunch & dinner (and reasonable drinks packages to purchase), all verandah staterooms & suites, specialty dining included and only 930 passengers - considered the 'Thinking Person's Cruise Line' for those who travel to explore, to learn, to understand.

Viking are my preferred partner when it comes to River, Ocean and Expedition Cruises, I am the first to admit, cruising isn't my first choice of holiday, but am thinking this is a cruise line that could lure me onboard with the incredible itineraries on offer.

Need to know more?
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/
💙💚💛🧡

29/01/2024

Hello & welcome to 2024.

I'm back from our family holiday to the UK & France, where we spent a month living in each other's pockets 24/7 and creating more amazing memories and strengthening our family ties.

Today the post-holiday blues are hitting hard, the jetlag is finally wearing off, the kids are back at school on Thursday and my eyes are prickly with tears that our holiday has come to an end.

Looking back at our photos and some of the incredible things we did together as a family, it all seems very surreal, it took us (me!) a year to plan and find the perfect holiday combination to cover everyone's wishes, we started with a very long wishlist but slowed our itinerary right down to factor in some rest days for everyone, and to truly soak in every experience, for example, we wanted to feel like we were 'living in Paris' and we achieved that!.

There were days when other people followed the crowd, our family turned the other way and found smaller, unique places to enjoy instead. It's hard to actually pinpoint a 'highlight' as every day was different with it's own special moment, but a stand out for me was experiencing travel through my family's eyes, places we'd seen in pictures, they were able to enjoy in real time, I'm so proud of our kids, trying new things, living the local life and loving every moment.

Everywhere was BUSY no matter that it was 'off-season', there are so many people from different walks of life travelling and creating their own memories. For me, this was a trip down memory lane, and for my family it was a taste of the world beyond our own backyard and passing on my love of the UK & France to them.

I can't wait to start planning our next adventure, but for now it's back to work to start planning yours... what's on your 2024 wishlist?

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

22/12/2023

& just like that it's the LAST official working day of 2023 for me!

Our family is off on a long-awaited adventure overseas, something we've been planning for most of the year with input from everyone to ensure we ALL have something to look forward to. I can't wait to share our journey with everyone, but will keep you all guessing for just a bit longer.... will it be ❄️⛄️ or☀️🏝??

As is always the case when I travel, I will still be available for my clients who are currently travelling or heading away over December & January. I will also be checking my emails regularly to assist with any new requests, there may just be delays in my replies.

Whether you're travelling over Christmas and into the New Year or staying close to home, stay safe and enjoy every single moment making more memories.

I'm very excited to see what 2024 has in store for all of us, who's already planning their next adventure 🙋🏻‍♀️

Take care
Michelle x

18/12/2023

Today I am celebrating NINE years in partnership with TravelManagers Australia.

This year thanks to my very loyal clients and your 'revenge travel' post-Covid I have had my busiest and best year ever with bookings as far ahead as 2025!!

When I decided in January this year to return full-time to focus on my business, I never anticipated just how hungry for new adventures everyone is and every day I am so grateful for my phone ringing, my emails pinging and the new relationships I'm building thanks to the many referrals I'm receiving from those who've stuck by me since Day 1.

I'm almost ready to wrap up 2023 as our family is heading off on a long-awaited and if I say so myself a very well-deserved BIG adventure (watch this space for updates!..) but I'm always available to assist with your travel plans no matter where in the world I am, which is the beauty of being 100% mobile. There's no time like today to start planning for tomorrow so let's make a time to talk travel.

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

10/11/2023

I know I don't usually post 'deals' or sales, but this one is pretty special.. Exclusive savings on some pretty incredible journeys.

If you're thinking about Switzerland, Scandinavia, Spain & Portugal, South Africa, UK, Ireland, France or Italy for 2024, then we need to talk.

* limited travel dates, limited time offer.

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

06/11/2023

Shhhhh don't tell your boss I told you, but I can help you turn 27 annual leave days into 53 days in 2024/25 just like magic (get in now before your colleagues beat you to it!). Go from "I don't have enough annual leave for that".. to your colleagues asking if you still work there...

📌 Book 4 annual leave days (22-25 January) and get a NINE-day break over Australia Day: Saturday 20 January to Sunday 28 January

📌 Book 4 annual leave days (2-5 April) and get a TEN-day break over Easter: Friday 29 March to Sunday 7 April

📌 Book 4 annual leave days (22-24 April and 26 April) for NINE days off over the ANZAC Day weekend: Saturday 20 April to Sunday 28 April

📌 Book 4 annual leave days (11-14 June) for NINE days off over King’s Birthday: Saturday 8 June to Sunday 16 June

📌 Book 4 annual days (8-11 October) for NINE days off over Labour Day weekend: Saturday 5 October to Sunday 13 October

📌 Book 7 annual leave days (23, 24, 27, 30, 31 December and 2 & 3 January) to get a SIXTEEN-day Christmas/New Year break: Saturday 21 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025

Still wondering what you can do with all that time off thanks to this wonderful annual leave hack? You know what to do...

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

02/11/2023

Who remembers the good old days of the Getaway Travel Expo? Where you'd set aside a whole day and visit as many tour operators and travel supplier stands that you possibly could and sit in on some incredible travel talks to learn about destinations & supplier 'expo' offers?!

I'm really excited to advise that TravelManagers Australia is bringing back the Travel Expo, virtually!!!!

SAVE THE DATE/S, this is one event you won’t want to miss! Running over TWO days

Tues 14th & Weds 15th November.

Click the link below to register for any of the short 30 minute sessions and hear from our preferred suppliers and their TravelManager's exclusive Black Friday offers. (remember to pop my name in the 'who is your personal travel manager' box).

https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/2023-virtual-travel-expo/

DON'T MISS OUT! Sign up for 1 or all 17 presentations

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

26/10/2023

Boring Travel Insurance post... I will nag you until I see your policy documentation, because I've had clients travel without it, I've had clients 'find a cheaper policy online' which is cheaper for a reason as they weren't actually fully covered & I've had clients assume their credit card will automatically provide insurance cover..

My preferred insurer is Cover-More Travel Insurance, I choose to work with Cover-More because I know they deliver the best outcomes for my clients when they need it most.

Are you travelling soon?
Have you booked your insurance? click here for a quote and to have your policy issued online 👇🏻
secure.covermore.com.au/agent/home.aspx?AlphaCode=AAN3302

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel - simple!

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

20/10/2023

It's been a while since I posted and I'm not even sure how we've found ourselves almost at the end of October, which means November will fly by and it will be December before we can blink.

Just this week I've finalised trips to Hawaii, a boys trip to the football in the UK, family holidays to Disneyland, European River Cruises and a quick get away to Bali. UK & Europe remains ridiculously busy and I've loved seeing everyone's social media posts (even funnier when some clients ended up in the background of another clients happy snap!!).. I love it even more when those same happy faces smiling back at me have worked with a travel manager to plan those travels.

Feedback from clients really makes me proud of what I do. Planning travel should be hassle-free, it should be managed professionally and efficiently, yes I realise you can book your own holidays, but I truly believe my role as your Personal Travel Manager adds extra peace of mind and value to your hard earned investment. Do you deserve a personal travel manager?

💙💚💛🧡
🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

09/09/2023

"The 800km trek of the immense wildebeest herd is the largest mammal migration on earth. The timing of the migration coincides with greening of nutritious grasses on the short-grass plains during the wet season. These areas are safer because predators can be easily spotted making it an ideal place for calving. However, the plains dry and the wildebeest are forced to move in search of greener pastures.."

Video footage courtesy of my VERY lucky clients experiencing the migration first-hand...

Who else wishes they were in Africa right now 🙋🏻‍♀️

08/09/2023

Hot off the press, it's 7am in the Serengeti, my lovely clients have woken to this view from their luxury camp and they're about to embark on a full days game viewing. I've never wanted to be anywhere else right now, alas a video will have to do, I miss the smells and sounds of Africa so much

07/08/2023

Love handing documents over to clients and being able to spend time working through every component from start to finish, as well as helping with " HELP what should I be packing" for 4 weeks in Africa with 15kg luggage limit due to charter flight restrictions.

04/08/2023

I love receiving pictures and emails from clients enjoying themselves and proudly representing our TravelManagers brand with the little extras I give in their travel documents.

Keep enjoying your holiday Pauline, can't wait for more pictures

💙💚💛🧡

🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

01/08/2023

As the world reopens with a vengeance after being closed for so long we're sometimes finding that not everything is up to scratch and expectations are not being met. Experiences are busy, there are lengthy queues, it's HOT (I can't help that one!) and sometimes hotels are simply not prepared for the onslaught of travellers due to staff shortages and capacity issues.

You can rest assured that when you engage me to manage your travels, I choose to only work with our trusted TravelManagers Australia approved and preferred supplier partners, or supplier partners I've worked with for many years who've been busy vetting and checking their product to ensure the best experience for our clients.

I will encourage you to book a 'skip the line' day tour, I'll help you plan your days so that you can see all the sites and have some time built in to actually sit still and enjoy your surroundings, and in the event I'm ever asked to work with a hotel I don't know, I will turn inside out to make sure what we see is what you'll get.

Do you deserve a full-service Personal Travel Manager?

🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
☕The first coffee is on me.
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

27/07/2023

Facebook reminded me that it's been a while since I've checked in here, that's because I made a decision this year to not advertise 'deals' or specials, or spam you with unnecessary content and to instead focus on the value of working with a professional when it comes to your travel planning.

It has certainly been the busiest European summer season I've ever encountered in my 30+ years in travel. I've had a huge number of clients travelling with so many moving parts to keep on top of, including reconfirming flights, transfers, trains & rebooking due to train strikes, dealing with accommodation double-bookings and calming passengers when bags have gone missing.

If you're after the cheapest flight to somewhere, or if you've found a fantastic tour or hotel rate that can't be beaten and you're happy to manage your own travels, (even when things go wrong), then that's great, but if you value service over all else and would like the peace of mind knowing that whilst you're travelling every single component of your itinerary has been checked, reconfirmed and then triple-checked, and that I'm available 24/7 in an emergency, then our values are aligned and we should make a time to talk about your travel plans now

🗣Let's meet and talk travel! ☕The first coffee is on me.
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

16/06/2023

This week has been busy busy busy, booking Fiji for a family's first holiday, Vietnam for a special birthday, UK & Italy for some parents to show their kids their heritage, a girls group cruise for some time away from the kids, Borneo & Palau for some WW11 history, Japan, Japan and Japan, (I'm not KIDDING I thought I was stuck in a weird Japanese loop on Wednesday) and today my most loyal clients have decided to head away for Christmas and I was able to find them the perfect river cruise to tick every box ✅✅

It may be manic, but I absolutely love hearing my phone ring and seeing all the web enquiries coming through. I am responding to quotes and enquiries as fast as I can, so if you're still itching to travel in 2023 and beyond, now is the time to start that conversation with me! What are you waiting for, where to next?

Happy Friday!

🗣Let's meet and talk travel! The first coffee is on me.
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

15/06/2023

Oh hi there....
Hands up who wants to know about some HOT Antarctica offers & itineraries that have just landed in my inbox from my preferred Polar travel specialists 🙋🏻‍♀️

🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

31/05/2023

It's Wednesday (again!) and the last day of Autumn!! The weeks are flying by and my mid-year sales report is looking very healthy after 3 years of decline which is very exciting for me and also my lovely clients who are spreading their wings far and wide after being cooped up for so long!

I was chatting to a lady yesterday who was determined to hold off on booking anything for her end of year travels until airfares start reducing.... I had some bad news for her, as I don't think that's happening any time soon.

Some data released today shows that airfare prices in some instances are surging over 50% to what they were pre-pandemic. The reason for this is airlines KNOW people are itching to travel and they also have 3 years worth of loses to recover, supply v demand!

"Analysts expect the cost of an International flight to remain high as seat capacity increases and demand for travel begins to ease"

Sadly, it's a case of "you snooze you lose", so if you've got plans to travel in the second half of this year, don't hold off on booking to wait & see as you may find yourself paying more than what you're seeing today.

Thanks to everyone for your support so far this year, can't wait to see what the second half of 2023 has in store.

I'd love to help you with your travel plans 🙏🏻

🗣Let's meet and talk travel!
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

16/05/2023

I'm very excited to announce that I've signed up to TravelManager Australia's brand new app & document builder.

This investment in my business will give my clients secure access to ALL of your travel documentation, daily itinerary & other planning tools at the click of a button at no additional cost to you, you'll even be able to add your own personal documents into your travel bag yourself 🤓

It'll be just like having me in your pocket, only less chatty and way more convenient.

Below is a sample of your app cover page.

✈️ Personal, the way travel should be
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

11/05/2023

Checking in to see how everyone is going? We're almost in the middle of May and I'm not quite sure how we got here!!

I know things have been a bit quiet here on my business page recently whilst I've been focussing on managing the influx of travel bookings for the rest of this year and into 2024 (I also have bookings for 2025 which is just amazing!).

It's safe to say business is booming and I'm loving that after 3 years of darkness that everyone has recaptured the love of travel and looking to venture far & wide!

If you are planning any travel from June onwards, please don't delay, let's set up a time to meet and talk travel. If it's a quick getaway or a more indepth itinerary, I'm here to help.

You should also please familiarise yourself with my schedule of fees so there are no surprises when we do catch up, details can be found by clicking through to this link:- https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/.../michelle.../

✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

25/04/2023

Happy Wednesday, but doesn't it feel like Monday?

The kids have just gone back to school after what seems like the loooooongest 2 week term break. The dog had her monthly wash this morning and Greg her groomer asked me 'how was your Easter'? I had to stop and think, as I can't actually remember what we did, Easter feels like a million years ago!

We may have had a quiet holiday at home, but I've enjoyed virtually following everyone's travels via Facebook, and boy there are a LOT of you travelling!!!. Even after nearly 9 years in business when I see friends & family travelling, I can't help myself and wonder 'oh, they're on holiday, wonder who they booked with'?

I know some people like to 'go it alone' and manage their own travels, but did you know you can still plan what you'd like to do, choose where you'd like to stay and then ask me to book it for you (I love a good spreadsheet)! By entrusting me to book your travels, not only are you supporting my business, it means I wear the risk and manage the logistics on the ground so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that every component has been triple-checked and reconfirmed, all suppliers have been vetted and insurances checked also, so you know you're in safe hands!

Just like I trust and pay Greg to wash my dog properly, and engage every other professional service provider to maintain parts of my life that I'm certainly no expert at, you should trust a Personal Travel Manager to manage your holiday, it won't cost you any more other than your peace of mind.

If you have travel plans for the rest of the year or beyond, now is the time to make contact, let's set up a time to meet and talk travel.

🗣Let's meet and talk travel
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
☎️ 1300 763 591
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

31/03/2023

Did you know you can purchase day tours through me, even if you've decided to go it alone and manage the rest of your holiday yourself?

I work in partnership with Viator Tours who have access to the world's largest selection of high-quality experiences with the best price guarantee. With day tours in high demand, you can avoid the queues and enjoy the sights, simply click on the link below to unlock a world of possibilities at your destination, book securely online and I will be notified of your bookings, so can keep an eye on things from my desk.

https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00007970&uid=U00269620&mcid=58086

Find and book city tours, helicopter tours, day trips, show tickets, sightseeing day tours, popular activities and things to do in hundreds of destinations worldwide

31/03/2023

CONGRATULATIONS we made it to Friday!

I've had another busy week of travel logistics... I've learnt a LOT about rail bookings & travel passes this week (Europe I hope you're ready for the influx of clients, I'm not sure I'll rest until everyone's back from their European summer holidays!).

I've also finalised three more honeymoons and have loved being involved in the planning process together with my happy couples, reassuring brides that I KNOW what they're after & working with the grooms to get the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and a few special surprises thrown in 🤫

I've also just hit 'send' for a booking for mid-2025, using a credit from 2020 - this is the second last credit for this particular client proving that patience does pay off! What a fabulous way to end the week for my clients and myself, knowing that I have bookings already locked in two years from now.

If you have travel plans for the rest of the year or beyond, now is the time to make contact, let's set up a time to meet and talk travel, I'll shout the first coffee.

🗣Let's meet and talk travel
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
☎️ 1300 763 591
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

21/03/2023

I'm working on two honeymoon quotes at the moment.

I love that with both quotes the grooms are taking the lead in setting up the most amazing honeymoons, knowing that the bride-to-be is totally focussed on the actual 'day'!

If either bride is reading this, please know that you're in very safe hands and your honeymoons are going to be AMAZING 🏖

If you're planning a wedding or honeymoon and looking for a unique gift idea, talk to me about setting up a honeymoon registry, or if you're after some fabulous honeymoon inspiration let's talk and tick that off your to-do list.

🗣Let's meet and talk travel
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
☎️ 1300 763 591
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

17/03/2023

How many sandwiches did you buy this week?😲

Many of my clients have set up a travel funding file with me, sending a set amount each payday to safely sit in TravelManager's trust account, building up over time towards that much awaited holiday. I'm happy to chat more about setting one up for you too.

🗣Let's meet and talk travel
✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

15/03/2023

I'll be offline tomorrow attending TravelManagers NSW State Meeting, spending time with my colleagues and the team from our National Partnership Office as well as our preferred supplier partners. This is my first state meeting in 2 years, I'll feel like the newbie again

10/03/2023

Todays challenge was finding the perfect Tuscan Villa to end an incredible 6-week journey through Europe for a large family.

No easy feat given the brief... 'I want the boys to have an authentic Italian experience' and being peak season with very specific dates, I almost had a tantrum yesterday, but I put a call out to my amazing network of fellow personal travel managers for HELP and was directed to an incredible supplier, who still couldn't find the perfect villa..... BUT instead she recommended a CASTLE that's been linked to the one family since 1644. We've booked transfers from the train station, 2 apartments within the castle, a cooking course, tickets to a musical event taking place at the same time within the castle grounds, you cannot get more authentic than that I don't think..

What a way to end the week, makes me so proud to partner with TravelManagers Australia, to have 465 other brains to pick and to also have the flexibility to look beyond the usual suppliers to find that special something for my clients.

More than just a travel agent, I am your personal travel manager.

✈️ You deserve a personal travel manager.
📧 [email protected]
💻www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/MichelleDesmarchelier/

09/03/2023

I love new enquiries that are generated from client referrals, I find word of mouth recommendations are so much more reliable and valuable.

Everyone loves to read a review, so if you haven't already done so, please jump over to the reviews tab here and share your travel booking experience with the rest of the world.

You deserve a personal travel manager and so do your friends and family!

📧[email protected]
☎️1300 763 591
🗣️ Let’s meet and talk travel