y travel melbourne

The Gold List - 2023

Y Travel Pty Ltd

Y Travel Pty Ltd Melbourne Photography: N/A

Y Travel, formerly Trans World Travel, has had a presence in the market of over forty years. The company exists at the intersection between passion and intention, where clients are empowered to explore the world in a way that is both curated and considered. Y Travel complements their clients’ vision with their own – to transform the collective travel mentality into a slower and more sustainable paradigm where possible, and do so by working with likeminded partners.

Y Travel has some of the longest and most travelled and experienced advisors in the business. The agency’s commitment to staff training and development ensures that its team possesses exceptional knowledge and expertise. They regularly welcome trade partners into their office for regular updates and hosts in-house business workshops.

As esteemed members of the Virtuoso Network and 17 luxury hotel brands’ memberships, Y Travel gains access to exclusive benefits and privileged experiences for their clients as well as insights into destinations less travelled. These connections enable them to secure the finest accommodation, expert guides, and unique activities for their clients, elevating their travel experiences to unparalleled heights.

Y Travel possesses an unwavering dedication to going above and beyond for their clients. Each team member believes in a genuine personalised approach; taking the time to understand each client’s individual preferences, passions, and interests. Armed with this knowledge, each travel advisor meticulously tailors each itinerary, ensuring that every moment of the journey is thoughtfully designed to exceed expectations.

At the heart of the agency’s mission is a dedication to a style of luxury travel that encompasses more than material comforts – one that involves enriching the soul. Y Travel specialises in high-end experiential and transformational travel, curating journeys that inspire personal growth, wellness and cultural appreciation. Transformative experiences range from immersive wellness retreats to cultural exchanges with local communities and opportunities for clients to engage in sustainable initiatives that positively impact the destinations they visit.

Y Travel’s exceptional track record, ongoing commitment to staff development, strong industry relationships, dedication to personalised service, and unique focus on experiential travel all contribute to our well-deserved recognition as a premier agency in the luxury travel industry. 

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Trans World Travel and Y Travel join forces

Two Melbourne-based independent companies have come together with a dynamic new offering for the world of travel.

Yvonne Verstandig of the newly established Y Travel, will be joined by Rob and Karen Mackie of Trans World Travel, a Virtuoso member. Y Travel’s focus is on helping clients discover their travel passions through a unique curatory process – all aimed at expanding people’s experiences and knowledge.

The new venture will also benefit from strategic and business advice from Yvonne’s husband, Allan, who is a Senior Consultant with chartered accounting firm HLB Mann Judd.

“Being in business for 41 years, we now welcome Yvonne to lead us into the next stage of the resurgence for our beloved industry,” said Rob Mackie.

“Yvonne needs no introduction to our industry; she was one of three Co-Founders of Executive Edge Travel and brings to us a wealth of knowledge, experience, passion and creative energy, helping evolve our company for the next challenging and thrilling chapter.”

Yvonne says after looking up to Rob as an icon in luxury travel, she is excited to join him, Karen and their Trans World family.

“I strongly believe in the power of travel, be it locally or abroad. I know first-hand the enrichment it can bring to our lives. Our clients are so eager to explore again, and I cannot wait to introduce them to a more considered purpose to travel. I am ready and eager to embark on this new venture with the team and cannot wait to deliver this new vision.” said Yvonne.

Yvonne has used the time during the pandemic to reassess and define new opportunities after 20 years building and growing Executive Edge Travel with Gary Reichenberg, Sally Bird and the Edge team.

For any inquiries contact Rob Mackie [email protected] or Yvonne Verstandig [email protected]

IMAGE: Y Travel L-R Allan Verstandig, Karen Mackie, Yvonne Verstandig and Rob Mackie

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Major blow for holidaymakers as Virgin reveals the reason why it's suspending direct flights from major Australian city to Bali

• Changes add many hours to journey times  
• Connecting flights go through other cities 
• READ MORE: Virgin Australia - major change coming to flights means you may never have to leave your pet at home again

Virgin Australia has suspended direct flights from Adelaide to Bali after a delay in the delivery of 10 new Boeing MAX planes.

Holidaymakers can still get from Adelaide to Bali with Virgin, but their travel time will now blow out to about 14 hours with passengers having to stop over in  Brisbane , Sydney  or Melbourne  and transfer to a connecting flight. 

There is already a seasonal direct flight suspension in place until June 9, but this will continue as the airline waits for new planes. 

Affected passengers will be contacted by Virgin or their travel agent to provide alternative arrangements or 'a full refund', Virgin Australia said.

'The continued suspension of this route is necessary to manage impacts to our international and domestic schedule as a result of the delayed delivery of new aircraft,' a Virgin Australia spokeswoman told the Advertiser .

'We acknowledge this decision will be disappointing for some guests and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.

'Guests who wish to discuss alternative arrangements available to them … are encouraged to reach out to the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 136 789.'

South Australians can still get direct flights to Bali through other airlines.

The latest blow to travellers in the state comes after Batik Air Malaysia pulled out of Adelaide Airport two months ago.

The carrier suspended flights to and from Kuala Lumpur in February due to higher costs.

In March, Adelaide Airport's managing director Brenton Cox said he hoped to attract more airlines offering direct flights from Adelaide to major international cities.

'At the moment only two thirds of people travelling (internationally) to and from Adelaide can go directly,' he told the Advertiser .

'A third of those people are having to go through another Australian capital city, predominantly Sydney and Melbourne.

'And that, quite frankly, is a loss of our market share.'

Mr Cox said the airport puts significant packages up to attract airlines and will continue to do so.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Virgin Australia for further comment.  

READ MORE:  Virgin passenger $800 out-of-pocket after turning up on time for his flight only to find 'literally not one person'