Travel industry share special travel moments with their mums
As we grow, we learn a lot from the mothers in our lives. And if we’re lucky, we get to share some incredible experiences around the world with them too.
So to celebrate Mother’s Day, some of The Travel Corporation’s staff members have shared some of their most treasured travel memories, as well as the wisdom learned from their mothers.
Alexandra O’Connor, Managing Director, Insight Vacations
“My Mum is infinitely practical so what I’ve learned travelling with her is that you’ll go a long way with a good pair of walking shoes, a raincoat and local currency for a glass of wine.
Mum can bargain the hind legs off a donkey – Turkish carpet salesmen end up paying her for their wares so any negotiating skills I have come from her.
“We’ve done plenty of amazing trips as a family but my favourites were the trips to Europe while I was living in London. Whether trawling through antique jewellery stores in Prague or enjoying a white Christmas in Austria, travelling with Mum is like having the best bits of home with you wherever you go.”
Katrina Barry, Managing Director, Contiki
“Take it easy – I always used to try and do too much in a day and my Mum would often get tired by the pace – so travelling with her has helped me learn to do less in a day, slow down, take more rests, and this has meant more relaxing holidays and more smelling of the roses!
“My mum is also big on planning, organisation, detail and safety. Even before being in the travel industry and realising the impact on people when bad things happen and you don’t have insurance, my Mum always impressed upon me the importance of travel insurance – so from my very first trip overseas when I was 18, I have always being covered.
“Her cautious approach has saved not only her and Dad thousands of $ and hassle over the year, but me too!”
Fiona Dalton, Managing Director, Uniworld
“I am quite sure I inherited my love for travel from my Mum. She is a great inspiration to me – having recently celebrated her 80th birthday and still managing at least 2-3 international trips a year with Dad.
“She’s never one to shirk a journey, and particularly not a journey to a new destination. Already this year they’ve sailed to Bali and later have booked to experience our beautiful River Queen on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers in Europe.
“Mum’s best asset is that she’ll strike up a conversation with literally anyone while she’s travelling –she’s interested in everyone’s story and it’s the people that bring a destination to life for her. I think that’s a great lesson , despite how embarrassing her grandchildren find it.
“For to her, the people are everything and she gives so much of herself in return. It makes travelling with Mum truly a gift.”
Neil Rodgers, Managing Director, Adventure World
“Growing up in Belfast I had a yearning to leave behind overcast grey skies and city life in favour of blue skies and adventure. I believe my mother had the same dream as my inspiration came from reading her old National Geographic magazines.
“She always encouraged and supported me to pursue my travel ambitions which has lead me across seven continents and settling in Australia.
“The trips I remember most are the ones we have done together in South America, Alaska and Africa. June will see us take an epic road trip together exploring Oregon.”
Tina McIntosh, General Manager, Busabout
“I’ve travelled the world with my best friend who also happens to be my mum. We share a passion for travel and we’ve been fortunate enough to share unforgettable adventures throughout Europe, India and Asia together.
“I lived in London for many years so Mum and I would plan an annual trip so we could spend quality time together and it was also an opportunity to show Mum snippets of my life ex-pat lifestyle of working hard during the week and then jetting off somewhere fabulous for the weekend.
“I love seeing the world through Mum’s eyes because she’s up for trying anything once and she’s open to pushing herself out of her comfort zone whilst maintaining her sense of humour at the same time. There are so many highlights to recall but being trackside at the Monaco Grand Prix and spending New Year’s Eve at the Maharaja’s Palace in Rajasthan would be up there with the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared.
“I hope that one day I can create more unforgettable travel memories with my own daughter and have the opportunity to see the world through her eyes.”
Vanessa Stavrou, Head of Marketing, Contiki
“I took my mum to Peru on a 5 day trek to Machu Pichu last year in April. And we definitely roughed it! Camping each night along the Salkantay trek. By the end of day 1 we had climbed to about 4600 m above sea level – no small feat!
“Memories are created from experiences, and taking mum on this holiday with me gave me the opportunity to create so many memories from one unforgettable experience. But above all I feel truly blessed to have a mum as strong as mine.
“A few weeks before we left for our trip she injured her knee and learnt she needed surgery… but nothing was going to stop my mum from coming with me, so she got a Cortisone shot, strapped it up and we set off on our adventure. It was tough but her resilience, determination and strength is what I truly admire!
“I hope when I become a mum I’m as inspirational as her. Through the pain and rough conditions she persevered and the rewards were great! My favourite photo is this one when she made it all the way to the top of Waynapicchu Mountain and back, considered the steepest mountain to climb at Machu Picchu!”
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!