About Us
My name is Heidi, the heart and soul behind the company, and I am dedicated to delivering not only an itinerary that leaves you with great memories, but unforgettable travel experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. I am incredibly passionate about travel – the experiences it can give you, the lessons it teaches you and how transformative it can be. Since 1972, I’ve worked and grown
up in the travel industry – it’s safe to say that travel is in my blood. My professional experience extends beyond consulting as a travel agent, which I’ve loved doing for over 40 years. I’ve also worked for wholesalers, airlines and lectured a travel course at TAFE NSW. Thanks to both my career and extensive personal travels, I have a unique set of skills and knowledge that I love using to organise and deliver bespoke experiences tailored to each client’s individual travel needs and goals. I’ve travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as well as visiting the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and Botswana – and I’ve cruised the Danube, Rhein, Rhone/Saone, Norway, Arctic Circle, Iceland, Greenland, NSW coast to Tasmania and Mexican Riviera. Some of my favourite destinations to create itineraries and small group tours for are Europe, Botswana and South America. When I travel, I love to try different styles of accommodation and always include a ‘highlight stay’ – from Pousadas in Portugal and Paradores in Spain to châteaux in France and villas in Italy. One of my personal favourite destinations is Canal du Midi, in the south of France near Carcassonne, where my family has a couple of homes. In 2025, after more than 30 years owning and leading the business, I made the decision to sell Global Village Travel to Paul and Ben Apsey of Global Travel Co. Paul has been part of the Travellers Choice family since joining Globetrotters Travel & Cruise in 2016, and Ben since July 2020. Ben is also now also serving on the Travellers Choice Board of Directors. Their values, professionalism and passion for independent travel made them the right people to carry Global Village Travel into its next chapter. While I’ve officially passed on the ownership, I remain actively involved for the transition period and continue to support my long-standing clients. With the support of the broader Global Travel Co team, I know the agency is in excellent hands – and still proudly serving the Balmain community. Along with all the above, as proud members of Travellers Choice, Australia’s leading independent travel group, I’m confident that Global Village Travel can create and deliver an incredible experience for all your travel dreams – whatever they may be. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or continue to browse and book using our website. I can’t wait to connect with you and be a part of your travel ‘team’ moving forward. Heidi – Global Travel Village
👋Meet the Owners - Paul & Ben Apsey
Global Travel Co | Owners of Global Village Travel
In July 2025, Global Village Travel entered a new chapter with the sale of the business by long-time owner Heidi to Paul and Ben Apsey, owners of Global Travel Co – a boutique, independently owned travel agency based in Toowoomba, Queensland.
✈️ Paul Apsey – Based in Toowoomba
Paul has worked in the travel industry since the late 1990s, with experience across McCafferty’s Travel, Jetset Travel and Harvey World Travel (Helloworld). He joined Globetrotters Travel & Cruise in 2016 and is known for his approachable style, strong product knowledge and ability to build long-standing client relationships. Paul has personally travelled through Europe, the UK, Southeast Asia, North America and the South Pacific, and continues to support the business from Toowoomba.
🌏 Ben Apsey – Based in Balmain
Ben leads Global Village Travel from the new Balmain office, bringing fresh energy and a forward-thinking mindset. He entered the industry in 2020 following a diverse career across hospitality, politics and the arts, and was elected to the Travellers Choice Board of Directors in 2024. His travels span Europe and the UK, the USA, Qatar, China, much of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, with a strong passion for rail journeys, family adventures and cultural discovery.
🤝 A Shared Focus
Paul and Ben are both deeply customer-focused, specialising in custom itineraries designed around each traveller’s interests, pace and budget. From luxury Europe trips and complex family holidays to cruises, rail journeys and small group tours, they are committed to honouring Heidi’s legacy while keeping travel personal, independent and meaningful.
