https://agents.mtatravel.com.au/eoshea

Emily O'Shea - MTA Travel Agent, Newcastle and Hunter Region, Newcastle (2026)

02/11/2026

✈️ 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧 — 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘!

If you’re thinking about travelling in 2027, now is a fantastic time to plan ahead. Early Bird airfares have dropped across multiple airlines, with great pricing to Japan, Vietnam, China and beyond.

And to make it even better…
🌏 𝗚 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄, with big discounts on small‑group tours across Asia. It’s the perfect moment to pair a sale airfare with an incredible adventure.

There are also more amazing wholesalers yet to release their Black Friday and Early Bird sales, including some of the biggest names in touring. If you’d like to be added to my notification list so I can email you the moment your preferred supplier launches their sale, please reach out.

I can help you:
✨ Find the best Early Bird fares
✨ Match you with the right G Adventures or Intrepid trip
✨ Secure exclusive agent‑only deals
✨ Build a seamless itinerary from flights to tours

Travel is one of the most valuable experiences you can invest in, whether you’re young, or just young at heart!

If you’re ready to explore 2027, book through me and let’s make it unforgettable.

29/10/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗸𝗶 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 — 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟲𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 ✈️🌍

Contiki has just launched GO WANDER, the most significant evolution in its 64‑year history, introducing 8 new Travel Worlds, 76 new and reimagined trips, expanded destinations (including Fiji and the Maldives), and a refreshed digital experience designed to give young travellers more choice, flexibility and inspiration.

This rebrand is built around how young people actually want to travel today, with trips organised by interests, budgets, travel styles, and personal identity, not just geography.

The new Travel Worlds include:

Local – immersive small‑group experiences
Originals – the iconic Contiki classics
Highlights – bucket‑list must‑see itineraries
Lite – lower pricing, stripped‑back, high‑value trips
Outdoors – active, adventure‑led journeys
Islands – tropical escapes from Greece to Indonesia
Festivals – exclusive access to global cultural & music events
Luxe – elevated, premium travel for those wanting more

This is a major shift in youth travel — and one I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗸𝗶 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁, 𝗜 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲
There are only a small number of Contiki Legends in Australia — specialists who live and breathe youth travel.
I’m one of them.
This means my clients get:
✨ Exclusive discounts not available online
✨ Expert matching into the right Travel World
✨ Guidance on the best trip for personality, goals & budget
✨ Support before, during and after travel
✨ A trusted advisor who understands youth travel deeply

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 — 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹
Contiki’s research shows young travellers see travel as part of their identity — a way to build confidence, resilience, independence, global awareness, and career‑ready skills.

Travel teaches you how to:
navigate unfamiliar environments
communicate across cultures
solve problems
adapt quickly
build lifelong friendships
grow personally and professionally

These are skills that shape futures.

If you (or your young adult!) are dreaming of Europe, Japan, the USA, festivals, islands or adventure travel — Contiki’s new GO WANDER platform has something for every personality and budget.

✨ Message me to chat trips, options, and exclusive savings.
Travel is life‑changing, and I love helping young travellers start their journey.

22/10/2026

✈️ WHY I DON’T BOOK THROUGH BOOKING COM — AND WHY MY CLIENTS DESERVE BETTER

There’s been a lot of discussion in Europe recently about Booking com's ongoing issues with fake listings, impersonation scams, unclear advertising practices, and traveller safety concerns.
Regulators have raised serious questions about how the platform verifies accommodation and protects consumers, and for many travellers, that’s understandably unsettling.

When a platform handles the majority of Europe’s hotel bookings, even small gaps in verification can have big consequences. Travellers have reported arriving at properties that don’t exist, receiving fraudulent payment requests, or unknowingly choosing hotels boosted by paid ads rather than genuine relevance.

For Australians planning trips to Europe (or anywhere, really), it’s a reminder that
DIY booking isn’t always the safest or best‑value option.

🌍 WHY BOOKING WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR MAKES A DIFFERENCE
I’ve always been clear: I don’t book through Booking com, and I encourage my clients to use safer, more reputable channels if they prefer to book independently.
But the real advantage comes from booking through a professional.

As a travel advisor, I work across:
Wholesalers
Hotel groups and direct contracts
Virtuoso
Expedia TAAP (the agent‑only portal)
Verified global suppliers

This means you get:
Legitimate, vetted accommodation
Transparent pricing
Exclusive inclusions and upgrades
Real support before, during, and after travel
A human advocate if anything goes wrong

Travel isn’t just about clicking “reserve”. It’s about confidence, clarity, and knowing someone is in your corner.

🤝 YOUR TRAVEL DESERVES PROFESSIONAL CARE
With the current issues surrounding Booking com, it’s clearer than ever that having a trusted advisor isn’t a luxury, it’s a safeguard.
If you want peace of mind, personalised recommendations, and support from start to finish, booking through an agent is still the smartest way to travel.

✨ Planning a trip? Book through me for trusted suppliers, verified hotels, better value, and genuine support every step of the way.

20/10/2026

🎓 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 — 𝗔 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵‑𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹

The Australian Government has launched TravelSmarts, a new interactive safety tool to help young Australians prepare for overseas travel and honestly, this is something our industry has been missing for years.

When STA Travel closed during COVID, Australia didn’t just lose a travel brand. We lost a whole generation of youth‑travel expertise, guidance and mentorship. Since then, fewer young Australians have been venturing overseas, and many who do rely on social media or friends for advice, often missing critical safety knowledge around local laws, scams, emergency planning and what to do if something goes wrong abroad.

That’s why TravelSmarts matters.

Youth travel is transformative. It builds independence, confidence, resilience and global awareness. It shapes careers, broadens perspectives and teaches life skills no classroom can replicate. Australia needs more young people exploring the world, not fewer.

With over 10 years specialising in student and youth travel, including my years managing STA Travel based on a university campus, I’ve helped thousands of young Australians plan gap years, working holidays, exchanges, Contiki, G Adventures, Intrepid and first‑time overseas adventures.

I’ve seen first-hand how life‑changing these journeys are and how much support young travellers truly need. TravelSmarts is a step forward in rebuilding that support system. And I’m here to continue the role STA once played: helping young Australians travel safely, confidently and meaningfully.

Because the world is still the best classroom they’ll ever find. 🌍✨

If you’d like guidance or want to book youth or student travel, reach out via DM or through my website mtatravel.com.au/eoshea.

11/10/2026

🌏 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋.....

𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑

Travelling with a teenager is a gift you don’t realise the value of until you’re in the middle of it, somewhere between a sunrise over the Great Wall and a late‑night laugh in a hotel lobby.

I’ve just returned from Wendy Wu’s Wonders of China tour with my 14‑year‑old son, and it became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Not because of the destinations (although China is extraordinary), but because of what happens when a parent and child step into a completely new world together.

There’s a window of time, a small one where your teenager still wants you close, still values your presence, still lets you be part of their curiosity. Travel stretches that window open. It gives you shared stories, shared challenges, shared wonder. It builds a bond that everyday life often squeezes out.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜’𝗱 𝗗𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻.

My son was the youngest on the tour, by decades and yet he was embraced from day one. The group spoke to him like an adult. They asked his opinions. They encouraged him. They treated him with respect. And I watched his confidence grow every single day.

He wasn’t “the kid on the tour”. He was a valued part of the group. And that changed him. It reminded me that sometimes the best thing you can do for your teenager is to place them in a world bigger than their own, and let them rise to meet it.

If you’re a parent wondering whether to take your child on an escorted tour: don’t hold back. The right tour can shape them in ways you don’t expect.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 (𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 + 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗼)

Airalo E‑Sim: bypasses the China firewall; full access to apps. My teen used 20GB in 18 days!

AliPay: Set it up before you go; it’s essential.

Wise card + international fee‑free credit card seamless payments everywhere. Link them to your AliPay

Download WeChat: We used it and I found the ring so annoyingly loud even a teenager can hear it!

Expect squat toilets, and take toilet paper (Usually 1 Western Toilet and the rest are squat). In rural China, the sewage systems are not like the big cities, you also don't flush the paper.

Enjoy China EARLY in the morning. Before the crowds, is worth it!

Download key apps before departure: Maps (Google maps, kind of works but really doesn't), translation (Google translate worked fine).

This trip reminded me why I do what I do. Travel isn’t just about seeing the world, it’s about seeing each other differently.

If you’re thinking about travelling with your teen, do it now. The window is small, but the memories last forever.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗠 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: 𝗺𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺.𝗮𝘂/𝗲𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗮

16/09/2026

🌸 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝗺 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆!
This week I’m heading to China with Wendy Wu Tours, and the timing couldn’t be better, their Spring Travel Sale has officially launched, with all group tours on sale and savings of up to $3,500pp.

For clients planning ahead for 2027, this is one of the strongest value windows of the year. Wendy Wu’s fully inclusive touring model (flights, accommodation, meals, guides, sightseeing) continues to be one of the most reliable and seamless ways to explore Asia and beyond.

⭐ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗪𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
Expert national guides
Strong on‑ground support
Immersive itineraries across Asia, India, the Middle East, Europe & Latin America
Exceptional value compared to independent travel
A seamless experience from start to finish

💥 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 $𝟯,𝟱𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗽 — 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
If you’re considering a group tour for 2026 or 2027, this sale offers outstanding value and excellent availability across all destinations.

Planning a trip? Reach out via DM or my website and I will respond when I return full of stories of adventures and a tummy of dumplings! mtatravel.com.au/eoshea

15/08/2026

🌏✨ 𝗜’𝗺 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵!
I’m taking my 14‑year‑old son on the Wonders of China tour with Wendy Wu Tours, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s one of their most iconic itineraries and right now, all 2027 & 2028 tours are on sale across every destination.

If China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East or Africa has been on your radar… this is the moment.

💥 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 $𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗽 — 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲
The best seats always go first.
If you want the strongest value, widest choice of dates and the most availability… lock in your place today.

Offer ends 31 August.

⭐ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗪𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮
As a travel specialist, I book a lot of tours, but Wendy Wu stands out, especially for China:

All‑inclusive touring (flights, hotels, meals, guides, sightseeing)

Expert national guides who bring the culture and history to life

Stress‑free logistics. Perfect when travelling with teens

Exceptional value compared to DIY travel in China

Safety, support & reliability

Immersive itineraries that don’t feel rushed

For my son and I, it means we can simply enjoy the experience without worrying about the details.

🏆 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
✓ Best Price Promise if your Early Bird departure drops in price before final payment, they’ll match it
✓ Flexible deposits
✓ Choose your own airline
✓ Travel disruption protection
✓ 24/7 emergency assistance

Across all destinations:
Japan • China • Southeast Asia • India • Central Asia • Europe • Latin America • Middle East • Africa… and more.

🔐 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁?
Reach out to me directly to book, I’ll handle everything for you.

The best seats go first — don’t wait.

13/08/2026

🇯🇵 A little Japan inspiration from last night!

Last night I attended the Japan Travel Expo in Newcastle, meeting with tourism representatives and travel suppliers from across Japan.

And while Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka will always be incredible, one of the things I loved most was learning more about some of Japan's lesser-known and off-the-beaten-track destinations. 🌿⛩️

Think beautiful regional towns, incredible food, traditional experiences, spectacular scenery and places you may never discover when planning a trip online.

Japan continues to be one of the most popular destinations for my clients, so it was fantastic to come away with new ideas, contacts and insider knowledge to help create even better itineraries.

If Japan is on your travel list for 2026 or 2027, let's chat. Whether it's your first visit or you're ready to venture beyond the usual tourist trail, I'd love to help you plan it. 🇯🇵✈️

Who's dreaming of Japan? And are you Team Tokyo 🏙️ or Team Off-the-Beaten-Track 🌿?

10/08/2026

🌏 The best souvenirs aren't things... they're moments.

The moments where you laugh with your family in a place you've never been.

The conversations with local people.

The unexpected wildlife encounter.

The shared adventure you'll be talking about for years to come.

That's what makes Intrepid Travel so special. Their small group journeys are designed to connect you with destinations, cultures and people in a way that's authentic, responsible and unforgettable.

Whether you're travelling with young children, teenagers or even multiple generations, an Intrepid family adventure is about creating memories that last a lifetime.

Where would your family love to explore next? 🌎👇

If you're ready to start planning your next adventure, send me a message - I'd love to help you find the perfect Intrepid trip.

09/08/2026

🌅 Sunday night thoughts...

As the weekend winds down and Monday starts creeping closer... where would you rather be? ✈️

Would you be...

🏔 Watching the sunset over a California beach?

🍷 Sipping w**e in Tuscany?

🏝 Relaxing on a tropical beach in Fiji?

🚂 Travelling through Scotland by rail?

🚢 Sailing into a new port on a cruise?

Or maybe wandering the streets of Japan, soaking up the sights and incredible food? 🇯🇵

Sometimes, having a trip on the calendar is all the motivation you need to get through Monday!

Tell me in the comments... if you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow morning, where would it be? 🌍👇

Who knows... maybe it's time to stop dreaming and start planning. 😊

Emily O'Shea - MTA Travel Agent

02/11/2026

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