Michelle Chrimes MTA Travel

31/03/2026

Recent headlines suggesting Australians should cancel travel plans for the next six months simply don’t reflect what’s actually happening in the aviation sector.

Airlines are operating. Routes are adapting. And travel to Europe remains very much possible.

One key message for travellers right now: Do not panic-cancel your trip.

If you cancel first, you may lose your rights to refunds or rebooking options. Instead, wait for your airline to make any changes or cancellations. If you’re travelling soon, here are some practical steps:

✔️ Download your airline’s app and check your booking before heading to the airport
✔️Subscribe to Smartraveller
✔️ If you are currently in the Middle East and wish to return home, register with DFAT
✔️ If your trip is coming up in the next few months, speak to your ATIA Accredited travel agent or tour operator about alternative routes

The travel industry has navigated disruptions before, and it continues to adapt quickly.

If you have concerns about upcoming travel, speak to a professional travel advisor who can guide you through the options.

05/03/2026

09/01/2026

Important Information for Dual Citizens travelling to the UK from 25th February 2026.

If you are a British or Irish Citizen of the UK, there are new requirements to enter the UK after the 25th February 2026.

All dual citizens will no longer be required/be able to enter with a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) and must enter with either a valid UK Passport or Certificate of Entitlement.

Therefore if you do not have a current UK Passport and are planning to enter the UK from the 25th February 2026, you will need to obtain a new passport, or pay the much higher fee for the Certificate of Entitlement, which is currently GBP589.00 as of the date of this post 09jan26.

UK Passports can only be issued by the British High Commission in the UK and documents need to be sent by mail so it can be a long process.

Please do not leave it until the last minute as you will be denied boarding a flight if you do not have the relevant documents.

For more information, please refer to the link below.

UK ETA for Dual Citizens

What dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship (or right of abode) need to do to travel to the UK.

23/04/2025

Who loves to Cruise? 🛳🛟⚓️

$1.00 Deposit??!!!! Where?

Princess Cruises, that's where. It does expire on the 08may25 though, so the clock is ticking.

Please send me though any requests to [email protected]

15/03/2025

If you’re planning to visit the Trevi Fountain, you might notice things work a little differently now.

To protect this iconic monument and improve the visitor experience, a new system is in place.

The fountain is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last entry at 8:30 PM. However, on Mondays and Fridays, it opens later at 12:00 PM due to maintenance.

Access is now controlled, with only 400 people allowed at a time, so you might need to wait your turn.

There’s also a new route: visitors must enter through the central staircase and exit via Via dei Crociferi on the left side. And yes, there are new rules to follow—no sitting on the fountain’s edge, no food, drinks, or smoking near the water, and coins must be tossed in the designated area only.

These changes aim to keep the Trevi Fountain beautiful and accessible for everyone. If you’ve visited under the new system, let us know how it went!

13/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BJtbAasyA/?mibextid=WC7FNe

MTA is proud to have our ATIA accreditation renewed for another year. We're proudly displaying the ATIA Tick—your assurance of trust, integrity, and industry excellence. This accreditation reflects our commitment to the highest standards in travel, giving you the confidence to book with peace of mind.

17/05/2024

Just a heads up, Australian Passports are going up by 15% on the 1st July 2024, so if your passport is up for renewal or you need a new one, now is the time to do it!
Also, there will be the new fast-track system for passport applications. From July, applications can be processed within five business days for a $100 fee. This is an appealing option for travellers wanting greater certainty over when they will receive their passport but who don’t need a two-day turnaround, which currently costs $252.