Darren Kelk - Personal Travel Manager

19/01/2026

Travelling to the United Kingdom in 2026? Important heads-up especially to Dual Citizens 🇬🇧✈️

From 25 February 2026, new UK entry requirements come into effect and may impact some Australian travellers.
Key things to be aware of:
• British or Irish dual citizens (including by descent) must enter the UK on a British or Irish passport, or hold a Certificate of Entitlement
• Travelling on an Australian passport alone may not be sufficient for dual citizens, even if a UK or Irish passport has never been held
• The current UK government fee for a Certificate of Entitlement is £589
• From the same date, most Australian travellers will also require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short stays
• ETA requirements apply to adults and children
• Airlines can refuse boarding if entry requirements are not met
This information is a general heads-up only. Entry requirements depend on individual circumstances, and travellers should check directly with official sources such as UK Visas and Immigration, the British Embassy, and Smartraveller.
If you’re planning travel to the UK in 2026, it’s worth reviewing this early to avoid last-minute issues.
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Australian Government travel advice for United Kingdom. Learn more about local safety, laws and health risks.

14/07/2025

For anyone who has travelled to France - this is gold!! Enjoy!!😉

24/06/2025

For those travelling via the Middle East, this email was sent to those on my newsletter today so positing here for your info.

06/06/2025

Jetstar have launched a 3 day sale - if looking for a winter getaway jump onto their website and book book book.

08/05/2025

I Went to Bali… My Dog Moved In With His Stylist 🐾✂️

While I was jetting off to Bali for sunshine, massages, and a strict regime of medicinal cocktails, Dexter was having his own mini holiday.

No, not a kennel. Not a pet hotel. He literally moved in with his stylist. And of course, he got a fresh cut while he was there. Because if you’re going to house-sit a schnauzer, you may as well send him home looking sharper than the person collecting him.

What else did he get up to? I can only imagine. He was bunking in with a crew of schnauzers all under 5, but 11-year-old Dexter held his own — still keeping up with the young pups, much like his dad on a dance floor after 9pm... but then aching for days afterwards.

By the time he got home, he’d traded puppy parties for his pensioner perks — slower strolls, softer cushions, and absolute silence.

So here’s the takeaway: Book the trip. Your dog will be just fine. Possibly more social, slightly sore, and looking better groomed than you.

🐾 What about you?

What do you do with your fur baby when you travel? Do you feel guilty? Set up a pet cam? Or do they end up having a better holiday than you?
Tell me below — I’d love to hear your stories!

06/05/2025

All good things must come to an end, which means time to plan my next adventure. Bali was amazing and staying at Padma Resort Legian was awesome. Definitely recommend the club lounge, the adults only infinity pool, of course happy hour with amazing cocktails. Highlight of the trip - day trip to Nusa Penida, and the endless supplies of massages. The Aussie Brazilian BBQ also a hit. Tip: download Grab to order taxis/bikes just like uber but for Asia.

23/04/2025

💬 What’s Your “Not in a Million Years” Travel Choice? 🤮✈️

So, this keeps happening...
Every time I send out a cruise deal, I get the same reply from one particular client: just one bold emoji statement — 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮(I am happy they feel safe to express their opinion lol)

It cracks me up everytime, but it also got me thinking...

What’s something you would NEVER do when it comes to travel?
Like, even if the trip was free. Nope. Not happening. 🚫

For me? It's camping.
Unless it’s glamping with fluffy robes, fairy lights, and a real bed — count me out.

Drop your travel deal-breaker below 👇 Let’s hear your biggest travel ick!

21/04/2025

✈️ Travelling to Thailand from 1 May - Read this before you fly!

Starting 1 May 2025, Thailand is going digital with its entry process! All foreign travellers will now need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours of arriving.

📝 This new digital system replaces the old paper TM6 form – no more scribbling on the plane!

👉 Visa requirements? No major changes – short-term tourism and business stays are still visa-free for many nationalities, with a 30-day exemption for others.

📲 Message me if you’ve got a winter escape to Thailand on your radar! 🌴🍜

19/04/2025

It’s Been a While… But I’m Back (For a Good Reason!)

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted here — not because I’ve disappeared, but because for the last 11 years, my incredible team (Andrea, Jed, and myself) have been flat out doing what we do best: looking after our clients’ travel like it’s our own.

And in an ever-changing world of uncertainty, I’ve realised it’s time to speak up again.

You won’t see me posting last-minute deals to Bali or clickbait fares. That’s not my style. I’m not here to sell you holidays — I’m here to help you Dream Big, Travel Smart.

My role? To make travel easy, seamless, and above all, risk free.
I see the issues before they become problems. I navigate the fine print so you don’t have to. I fix the headaches before they even appear.

So from now on, I’ll be sharing helpful posts — not just about destinations, but about what to watch out for, how to protect your investment, and how to travel confidently no matter what’s happening in the world.

Because when you book with me, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re booking peace of mind, from whoa to go.

Let’s stay connected — and travel wisely.