When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? Travel industry: 1999. I have managed this agency since its fruition as O'Connor Travel Centre in 2001 (owned by the local airline O’Connor Airlines), then changed to Travel O’Connor in 2008 (when it was bought by the de Bruin group) and then I acquired the agency in 2013, at which point it became Tailor Made Travel Mt Gambier. What sparked your decision to join the industry? I had been at university for 5 years and after obtaining my first role after graduating, soon decided this was not my ‘forever job’. I have always said that travelling brings out the best version of me, so I decided to pursue a career in something that I genuinely loved. What are your favourite holiday memories or destinations? There are too many to list, but I have travelled with all sorts including my loved ones, total strangers, industry colleagues and more recently clients – all of which I have loved creating lifelong memories and friendships with. Africa holds a very special place for me; I love Iceland and anywhere that offers great food and unique experiences (so safe to say there are not too many places I don’t like). Personal travel tip: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Travel is not a tangible product, so be present and enjoy each moment, interaction and experience as they arise…. The memories you make are worth it. I also encourage people not to city-hop as we miss out on all the golden nuggets in between.
When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? I joined the travel industry in 1998, and Tailor Made Travel in November 2022. What sparked your decision to join the industry? I wanted to join the travel industry after a family trip to the USA when I realised how many amazing memories can be made What are your favourite holiday memories or destinations? So many favourites, too many to list! But anywhere with my family and top destinations would have to be Croatia, Africa, Vietnam and anywhere in Europe! Personal travel tip: Have small denominations of cash handy for places that you have to tip and invest in a good neck pillow for those long flights!
When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? I joined the travel industry in 2009. Moved from a domestic tourism role into travel advising in 2012. Consulted from 2012 to 2021 until my son was born. Rejoined the industry with Leah at Tailor Made Travel in 2025 and have enjoyed every minute. What sparked your decision to join the industry? I have always loved travelling and I tend to get sidetracked very easily when I am immersed in a new place. I also need things to be organised and planned in order, so it was the perfect fit. What is your favourite holiday memories or destinations? I have travelled to the UK, Europe, UAE, India, Malaysia, Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, USA, Canada and New Zealand. My favourite holiday memory would have to be getting exclusive access to the burial chambers of Shah Jahan and his wife, which sit below the replicas on display for the public. Only accessible three days of the year, to very limited number of people. It was incredible. Personal travel tip: Pack a power board, then you only need one adapter for all your devices.
When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? May 2023! What sparked your decision to join the industry? I’ve always loved travel. After finishing my first big trip around Europe, I came home feeling a bit lost and unsure of what was next. That’s when I saw a position advertised at this amazing travel agency – and I went for it! I’ve never looked back and truly love what I do every day. What is your favourite holiday memories or destinations? My favourite travel memory is also my favourite destination: Salzburg, Austria!. During our Contiki trip, we visited a local schnapps farm where we were served a delicious meal and had the chance to explore the cellar where the owner makes his own schnapps. Just a stunning town to walk around, very picturesque and I just cannot wait to go back! Personal travel tip: If you are visiting Southeast Asia, or any areas where you're unsure about the food. Drink a can of Coke every day! Dentist may disagree, but I’ve never had an upset stomach!
When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? I joined both Tailor Made Travel and the Travel Industry in March 2025! What sparked your decision to join the industry? Travel is something I love and an industry I have always wanted to get into and - plus who doesn’t want talk about travel all day? What is your favourite holiday memories or destinations? One of my favourite holiday destinations is Croatia, I love the laid-back lifestyle and of course the sun and sea.
When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? I joined Tailor Made Travel in March 2024. What is your favourite holiday memories or destinations? My favourite holiday memory was spending Christmas in Chamonix, in the Frech Alps, when I was 20 years old - It was like being in a winter wonderland fairytale. Personal travel tip: Pack smart by packing light, nothing worse than lugging a heavy case around while you travel!
When did you join the travel industry or Tailor Made Travel (or both)? Here’s my Tailor Made Travel Timeline! May 2017 - Part time Travel Executive (Completely new to the industry). Feb 2018 - Became a Full Time Junior Consultant. March 2020 - Departed in March 2020 (Covid). May 2024 - Back at Tailor Made Travel! This time as a part time Travel Executive / Admin. What sparked your decision to join the industry? I have always had a passion for travel and when the opportunity popped up to gain a job under Leah & Carla – I knew I had to give it a go. To have the opportunity to rejoin the Tailor Made Travel team 4 years after Covid, it was a no brainer. I love being part of the process of seeing someone’s travel dreams become reality. Although I am only here a couple of days a week, to be in the office with such an amazing team and interacting with all our lovely clients, feels like a blessing! We have lots of laughs and everyone has each other’s backs. What is your favourite holiday memories or destinations? Disneyland in Los Angeles with my family – visited when I was 11 years old and it truly felt like the happiest place on Earth! I can remember it all like it was yesterday (although I did get left behind – I wouldn’t mind forgetting that part). Personal travel tip: Try on outfits before you go so you can reduce the time of wardrobe meltdowns whilst abroad! Also, stay open-minded. Travel can be unpredictable – so to try to make the most of any moment. And of course, eat all the amazing food!
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Tailor Made Travel Mt Gambier