Donna Occhipinti - Personal Travel Manager

Donna Occhipinti - Personal Travel Manager Professional leisure travel consultant. New enquiry, no DM's please. Please make contact via email.

In what has been a confusing time for our industry once more I'd like to thank my clients for their patience and underst...
23/03/2026

In what has been a confusing time for our industry once more I'd like to thank my clients for their patience and understanding while I work through amending itineraries to avoid the Middle East.

While we don't know how long the unrest will continue or what this might mean for future travel what I do know is the following:

As it stands the 3 main carriers who use the UAE and Doha as their hub have suspended most of their flights.
When an airline suspends flights they must provide flexible rebooking and refund options.
Emirates has currently extended their refund and change policy for departures up until 15/4/26
Qatar has currently extended their refund and change policy for departure up until 30/4/26
Etihad has currently extended their refund and change policy for departures up until 15/4/26
These airlines have also announced a partial re-opening of selected routes using safe corridors and an expansion of their limited commercial flight schedule.

If your travel dates fit into the current time frames we can apply for a refund and purchase an alternative flight option.
If they don't currently fit into these dates we can still look at and book a "Plan B" however if your travel dates are never included in the waiver dates given then you'd carry the cancellation penalty of whichever option you did not proceed with.

We also know that with rising oil prices, many airlines are actively increasing fares either through added surcharges or adjustments to base fares to offset fuel costs.
These changes are often implemented with little or no notice. so fares quoted are subject to change until payment is made and tickets are issued.

Lastly, I know that people are absolutely still travelling and will continue to do so as long as it is safe and that I'm still here in your corner to help navigate through any changes & amendments that need to be made.

Thanks again for your patience and I’ll keep you updated as I know more!

12/03/2026

Our short but sweet getaway to Queenstown, NZ has come to an end but my love for New Zealand has only just begun!! 🇳🇿

The main reason for the trip was of course to catch up with my boy who’s been living in Queenstown for almost a year, but it was also really nice to relax & see so much of this absolutely stunning destination! 🏔️

My folks had just finished a 2 week coach tour of both the north and south islands so met us for a few days of R & R, to explore a little more together & to see their Grandson living his best life! 🥰

While Sam was working we did leisurely roadtrips to the quaint Arrowtown & Glenorchy, had a delicious lunch at Ayrburn winery, wandered the town centre and enjoyed the views & luge rides at the famous Skyline Gondola but the highlights were without a doubt our day out to Milford Sound with hundreds of waterfalls cascading in all their glory and a helicopter ride over the mountains including landing on the top of the Remarkables. 🚁

Just a 3 hour flight from Melbourne, Queenstown should be on everyone’s list. It offers so many adrenaline filled activities, slow road trips, incredible food and wine and the most spectacular scenery…..it would be a safe assumption that we’ll be back someday soon!! ✈️

HAVE YOU EVER MISSED A FLIGHT??? ✈️In all of my travels I’ve only ever missed one flight and wouldn’t you know it, I’d s...
06/03/2026

HAVE YOU EVER MISSED A FLIGHT??? ✈️

In all of my travels I’ve only ever missed one flight and wouldn’t you know it, I’d stayed at the Parkroyal Melbourne airport the night prior! 🫣

I never sleep well before an early flight so staying at the airport is a great idea (unless you’re with your sister 👯, play up 🥂& sleep in 😴….10/10 do not recommend $😝$) and adding this to your itinerary is just another service I can offer.

We’re off to Queenstown NZ tomorrow for a short break to visit our man child and I absolutely won’t be repeating that this time! 😂

I’ll still be working with clients affected by the current unrest while I’m away & for any emergencies you can contact me via email or via WhatsApp on +61419444430.

See you soon my boy ❤️

Dear Clients,We are aware of the recent developments in the Middle East and the resulting impact on airspace and commerc...
01/03/2026

Dear Clients,

We are aware of the recent developments in the Middle East and the resulting impact on airspace and commercial flight operations in parts of the region. We understand this ongoing situation might be causing concern, especially among travellers flying to or via this region. We’d like to reassure you that we are actively monitoring this fluid situation, and staying closely informed as events unfold.

If you are travelling within the next 72 hours, I will be in direct contact with you should your booking be impacted or if any action is required.

If your travel is scheduled beyond the next 72 hours, I kindly ask for your patience while we prioritise assisting clients with imminent departures. We will continue to monitor developments and will reach out if the situation changes in a way that affects your travel plans.

In the meantime, I recommend reviewing DFAT’s SmartTraveller website for the most up-to-date official travel advice. This will provide the latest government guidance to help you make informed decisions regarding your travel.

Thank you for your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you if you have any immediate concerns.

Donna

It was great to catch up with Michelle, my rep from Albatross Tours for a quick product update and refresh of the tours ...
19/02/2026

It was great to catch up with Michelle, my rep from Albatross Tours for a quick product update and refresh of the tours they offer this morning. ☕️

Longer stays in each place means you get to unpack less & explore more and smaller groups means everything is more personal! ☺️

Pre registration for travel in 2027 is now open & all remaining tours in 2026 are Guaranteed departures.

They have so many beautiful tours that suit first time travellers or for those who are looking to get you off the beaten track! 🛤️

Contact me to learn more about this really beautiful company!

Would you like to meet Wendy Wu & her team of travel experts in person for insider inspiration, a first look at new tour...
13/02/2026

Would you like to meet Wendy Wu & her team of travel experts in person for insider inspiration, a first look at new tours & destinations, Q & A time plus special event-only offers?

While her name is of course synonymous with touring through China, Wendy Wu tours also have fabulous all inclusive itineraries all over the Far East, South East & Central Asia (Their 5 Stans tour has my name all over it!!), the Indian Subcontinent and so many countries throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America!! 🌍

Join me on Tuesday 17th of February at Rydges Geelong,
Myers St & Gheringhap St, Geelong.

Places are limited so if you would like to attend this event please let me know as soon as possible.
Ph: 0419444430
(Or ask me about the online event later in Feb)

After 3 nights on Hamilton Island we boarded the one hour luxury catamaran transfer to the truly magnificent InterContin...
12/02/2026

After 3 nights on Hamilton Island we boarded the one hour luxury catamaran transfer to the truly magnificent InterContinental Hayman Island. 🛥️

Visiting this most iconic Australian destination has always been a dream of mine so to be able to experience it, even for only one night has been incredible. 🙌

Where Hamilton Island is a busier, more accessible hub with diverse accommodation, shopping & dining options to suit every demographic, Hayman island offers exclusive, tranquil luxury with one world class resort for ultimate relaxation, romance and a truly exceptional experience from beginning to end. 🏝️

Spread over 3 wings, the room types differ in size and facilities but the quality & attention to detail never changes. The property, the service, the setting, every element exceeded my expectations. 🥂

Experiencing these 2 islands firsthand has been invaluable. There is no better way to sell a destination than by immersing yourself in it, understanding the rooms, the atmosphere, the guest journey, and those small details that make a stay truly memorable. 🌴

If you’re looking for an island escape please don’t overlook the Whitsundays, it’s like Fiji & Hawaii rolled into one destination but only 3 hours from home, no passport, no jet lag, no currency exchange or roaming required and I’m already looking forward to coming back, hopefully one day soon! 🙏

Another full day here on Hamilton Island yesterday, up before the sun to do a few hours of work before joining a 3 hour ...
11/02/2026

Another full day here on Hamilton Island yesterday, up before the sun to do a few hours of work before joining a 3 hour site inspection of a number of the properties on the island.

The main mode of transport here is via golf buggies and only when you keep zipping from one side to the other do you realise just how big the island is and how many accommodation options are available here.

From the self contained Palm Bungalows offering an economical option for couples and families alike or the newly renovated Reef View Hotel, a large high rise resort, all with sea views and central to so many facilities to the new Sundays hotel with a real cool retro, Palm Springs sort of vibe which is another great option for singles, couples, families and groups to enjoy.

Then it was off to Beach Club, a gorgeous adults only resort with a quiet, calm & inviting atmosphere with an infinity pool right on the beachfront before visiting the pièce de résistance, Qualia, an absolute oasis of beauty and luxury in the heart of the Whitsundays.
With award winning restaurants, unique architecture, elevated service, secluded beaches & spectacular views, it’s a unique experience.

Seeing all of these accommodations plus the added benefit of us having stayed at the Yacht Club Villas, one of the many Holiday Home properties on the island has really helped me to get a much better sense of what is on offer to better recommend the right option to suit each client, I certainly can’t wait to come back and personally enjoy a few more of the fantastic offerings!

The work & play continues on Hamilton Island! ☀️Yesterday started with an early morning to knock out a few hours of work...
10/02/2026

The work & play continues on Hamilton Island! ☀️

Yesterday started with an early morning to knock out a few hours of work. One of the biggest pro’s of being a TravelManager is definitely that we can work anywhere and bouncing off my fellow agents is always fun and productive. 💻

At midday a few of us got the ferry over to Dent Island, the home of Hamilton Island golf course and restaurant to meet up with the golfers in the group. Here we experienced one of the best meals I’ve had in years! 🍤Incredible service, delicious food and amazing views, it doesn’t get much better! 😋

The day was topped off with a beautiful sunset cruise hosted by the Hamilton Island sales team. Being treated to an experience that most of my clients would love to include in their itinerary was a great way to top off an already lovely day. 🌅

I’m really starting to question why I’ve waited so long to return to this island paradise!!

There might be very blurred lines between whether this little getaway is business or pleasure but either way, I’m certai...
08/02/2026

There might be very blurred lines between whether this little getaway is business or pleasure but either way, I’m certain my friends and fellow TravelManagers & I are going to enjoy a few days of work and play on Hamilton & Haymen Islands. ☀️

It’s been almost 15 years since I last visited the Hamo so I’m very much looking forward to the next few days in this iconic Aussie slice of paradise 🌴

I always ask my clients for as much information about what is important to them so I can get a real feel for what they'r...
28/01/2026

I always ask my clients for as much information about what is important to them so I can get a real feel for what they're looking for and I do try to do everything I can to meet those wants & needs but something tells me I might have trouble with this one!! 😂

"Tuscany is my ‘must-do’ while in Italy. I want to stay in a tiny villa in small inland village, visit markets, do a cooking class, eat prosciutto cheese and olives in the sun while I drink wine that tastes like it was made from the tears of an Italian angel – all this is of course a non-negotiable and I will know if the wine has in fact not been made from tears 😉 "

Gosh I love my clients, wish me luck!! 😝

Getting on board this "back to 2016" trend and what a year it was! 🙌2016 was one of the absolute best for my family! It ...
23/01/2026

Getting on board this "back to 2016" trend and what a year it was! 🙌

2016 was one of the absolute best for my family!
It was the year we took our epic 2 month adventure to Europe where we explored so many incredible destinations and we even met up with my folks for part of the trip when we cruised the Greek islands and explored our roots in Malta and Italy together. 🇲🇹🇮🇹

Time has passed but the memories have never faded, we still talk about this trip often and I think it will forever be our favorite family holiday 🥰

And then to top the year off our beautiful girl Lola joined our family and my doggies won the premiership!! ❤️🤍💙

Now ten years later this year is panning out somewhat like 2016 did with another 8 week trip to Europe planned although this one will look a little different without teenagers in tow and although there are no new puppies in my future I can only hope the Western Bulldogs come through for me again!! 🤞🏻

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Ocean Grove, VIC
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