General News
12 November, 2024
Local could nab state award
Whether it’s an interstate trip or an adventurous overseas holiday, memorable travel experiences don’t start when you reach your destination — they begin at home.
That’s the mantra Amanda Ratcliffe, a Maryborough-based personal travel manager, lives by.
A familiar face for local voyagers, she worked at High Street’s Mary-borough Travel & Cruise (Harvey World Travel formerly) for nearly a decade until the pandemic hit.
Shortly after she started servicing clients independently, as a member of Australia’s largest network of home-based travel experts.
Now, she could receive a significant honour from the company — being named Victoria’s New Top Travel Manager.
The award, which Ms Ratcliffe has been shortlisted for is a demonstration of excellence in the field.
“It was a complete shock when I found out I was a finalist,” Ms Ratcliffe said.
“I never expected it because it’s a really big achievement but it’s also pretty exciting.
“All the hard work and the long hours I’ve put in have paid off.”
For her, the working day is truly long, easily morphing into regular late nights.
Ms Ratcliffe currently holds two jobs.
She works at a local real estate agency until about 3 pm most days, and half an hour later after reaching home, she clocks in as a travel manager.
“I start at around 3.30 pm and work all the way to 11 o’clock or midnight,” Ms Ratcliffe said.
“It’s been really busy lately but I just love it. For most people, relaxing involves reading a book or watching TV but for me it is pulling apart travel itineraries.
“I thrive on it, it’s exciting to be able to create bespoke plans for my clients.”
This ability to speak to her clients individual needs could very well have earned Ms Ratcliffe the finalist spot.
“Putting together bespoke itineraries requires you to have certain knowledge and that’s my speciality,” she said.
“Since I have a family of my own, I’m very good with family-related travel too. I’ve also personally done a lot of ‘off the beaten track’ type of experiences so bringing that firsthand insight is really invaluable for people.
“Another thing that sets me apart from the rest is that as a home agent I [don’t] have to fit into a 9 am to
5 pm schedule and clients love the flexibility that comes with that.”
With over 25 years of expertise backing her, Ms Ratcliffe has a range of tips and tricks for residents to keep in mind before they start packing up their suitcases.
And number one on the list is: don’t do it alone.
“I can’t put a value on having a chat with a personal travel manager,” Ms Ratcliffe said.
“When people are doing it themselves there’s a lot they won’t be aware of like the weather, best time to visit, and must see spots — there’s just so much.
“It can be really stressful and as travel managers we can alleviate that while ensuring our clients get the most out of their trip.”
The winner of the TravelManagers 2024 Top New Personal Travel Manager — VIC will be announced next week on November 18.