Kirsty McKenzie | Personal Travel Manager - Normanhurst, NSW

I have always liked Tony Robbins quote “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin”.

From having been born in Longreach QLD, home of Qantas Airways, travelling was in my blood.

My passion started from an early age of travelling far and wide across Australia with the family motto “see and experience your own country first”.

Then at 20 years of age I embarked on my first extensive overseas odyssey.

Destinations I travelled during this time – UK, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Monaco, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic (lived in Prague for 6 months), Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Greece (including Cyclades and Crete) and USA.

I lived in London (off and on) for 4 years and then headed off for an extensive 2 1/2 year independent trip throughout Africa:

Starting in Gibraltar, I caught a ferry to Spanish North Africa then by land to Morocco. Further countries visited included Mauritania and Western Sahara, Senegal , Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda (where I lived for 2 months), Ethiopia (where I lived for 3 months). Other countries visited were Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe (where I lived for 9 months), Swaziland, Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa (where I lived for 4 months).

Whilst working in the Travel Industry from 1996, I have covered the USA (including Alaska, Hawaii), Canada, South America (Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina), Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize), Cuba , Pacific (Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Tonga), New Zealand, Indonesia (Bali, Lombok), Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg), Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mauritius, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Portugal, Qatar, France (Corsica), Italy (Sardinia & Sicily),Vatican City, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro.

Many of these destinations I have returned to several times.

Travel Industry companies for which I have worked are as follows:

Kompass Holidays, Qantas and St Ives Travel and now TravelManagers.

Being a mother of two, I am fully aware of the needs of small children and teenagers within family travel arrangements.

My latest experiences –

In March 2023, I embarked on a journey that transcended the ordinary – a 37-day Small Private Group Cherry Blossom Tour through the enchanting landscapes of Japan and South Korea. My tailored adventure was crafted to immerse travellers in the breathtaking beauty of nature’s artistry, with Peach, Plum, and Cherry Blossoms leading the symphony of colours that painted the landscapes in hues of white, pink, and vibrant red.

Our journey started in Tokyo, the dynamic and lively capital of Japan, an unparalleled metropolis in its own league. Following four days of immersive exploration in Tokyo, we embarked on a picturesque cruise aboard the Diamond Princess, navigating from Yokohama to Yokohama. Along the way, we were treated to the captivating beauty of Hakone, the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji, the historic charm of Kochi, the poignant history of Hiroshima, and vibrant Kanazawa, the cultural richness of Kyoto, and the bustling energy of Busan and Nagasaki.

One of the highlights of our Japanese leg was the Sakura Traditional Spring Festival in Takayama. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms as we immersed ourselves in the traditions and festivities of this annual celebration. Our exploration continued with a visit to the renowned glass museum in Toyama, traversing the Alpine Route, and witnessing the playful Nagano Snow Monkeys in their onsen added unique dimensions to our adventure.

Our exploration of Japan reached its finale in Kyoto and Osaka, where we delved into the city’s rich culture and uncovered historical treasures such as Osaka Castle, Umeda Building, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and more.

Transitioning to the second leg of our adventure, we set our sights on South Korea. Our tailored ten-day small group tour awaited, showcasing the seamless blend of Chinese and Japanese influences that make South Korea a unique gem in Asia.

Our journey through South Korea unfolded with visits to Seoul, a bustling metropolis where modernity coexists with tradition. Jeonju, renowned for its culinary delights, offered a delectable experience for our group. Yeosu, a coastal city, enchanted us with its scenic beauty, while Busan, Gyeongju, and Sokcho unveiled a tapestry of historical wonders and natural landscapes.

The experience was not just about sightseeing but about stepping out of one’s comfort zone and immersing oneself in the vibrant tapestry of a new Asia. South Korea, with its rich history, dynamic cities, and warm hospitality, left an indelible mark on our group, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In August 2023, I had the privilege of participating in the TravelManagers conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. Following the conference, my journey extended to Auckland, where I embarked on a thorough exploration of the North Island’s wonders. From the captivating landscapes of Hamilton and Waitomo Cave to the fantasties of Hobbiton, geothermal marvels of Rotorua, and the cultural richness of Wellington, my New Zealand adventure unfolded, embracing destinations like Napier, Lake Taupo, Hamner Springs, and Kaikoura.

In September, my travels led me to Rome, from where I ventured to Bari and based myself in Puglia. Exploring charming towns like Lecce, Gallipoli, Matera, Locorotondo, Santa Maria, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare and Fasano, I then flew to Dubrovnik, Croatia. A unique experience awaited as I chartered a gulet, a large sailing boat, great for families or close friends, cruising the Dalmatian Coast for seven days, exploring islands and coastal gems. Arriving in Split, I visited the stunning natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Rovinj, and Zagreb before meeting and escorting my small group on a 14-day journey around Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro. This adventure included a seven-day Dalmatian Island Hopping cruise on a small ship, unveiling the beauty of the Adriatic.

The journey continued as I flew to Calgary, Canada, for a four-day family reunion, followed by five days in the scenic Whistler, before returning home, closing the chapter on a series of unforgettable experiences.

Now is the time to start planning and booking your dream holiday, to avoid disappointment and missing out.

Let me create a perfect, personalised and memorable holiday for you, contact me today by either email or phone.

Enjoy the Journey!

Where I've Travelled

I have travelled to over 96 countries, travelled to 6 continents and lived in 3 continents.

After multi- domestic travel throughout Australia and New Zealand, at 20 years of age I embarked on my 1st extensive overseas travel.

Destinations I travelled during this time – England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France (Corsica 2022), Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic (lived in Prague for 6 months), Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy (Sardinia & Sicily 2022), Greece and USA.

I lived in London (off and on) for 4 years.

To many of these destinations I have been back several times, then I embarked on an extensive (2 1/2years) independent trip throughout Africa:

Starting in Gibraltar I ferried to Spanish North Africa then by land to Morocco. Further countries visited included Mauritania and Western Sahara, Senegal , Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda (where I lived for 2 months), Ethiopia (where I lived for 3 months). Further countries visited were Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe (where I lived for 9 months), Swaziland, Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa (where I lived for 4 months).

Whilst working in the Travel Industry from 1996, I have travelled to USA (including Alaska, Hawaii), Canada, South America (Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina), Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize), Cuba , Pacific (Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Tonga), Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg), Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mauritius, Oman, Singapore, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, The United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Qatar, Vatican City, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro.