05/02/2025
You might have noticed we haven't been 'here' in Facebook land for a little while. While it's mainly because I've been flat out planning amazing adventures for you, it's also because I've been working on some big changes.
I've always had my own travel/page for Jayes Travel - and I've recently rebranded to Michelle Barker at Embark travel. It just seems a bit silly to be posting on both pages - so why don't you come across and follow me here!
Now you might be thinking, Embark Travel? Whats that all about?
Just under 2years ago, I found myself asking: What do I envision for the next chapter of my career? After more than 20 years in the travel industry, what’s next for me?
Let me be clear: I absolutely love creating unforgettable travel experiences for you. But I realized it was time for a change—a chance to build something truly unique and reflective of my own vision. Thus began the search for the perfect name. After six months of brainstorming (and plenty of laughs over some less-than-stellar ideas), a very creative friend suggested "EMBARK" — a clever nod to my initials, Michelle Barker (M. Barker, M.Bark). And just like that, the concept came to life.
Fast-forward to now, and I’m thrilled to announce this new chapter. Recently, I celebrated 18 wonderful years as the owner of Jayes Travel, a business I have poured my heart into. While Jayes Travel has a rich legacy in Newcastle—a legacy I’ve been honoured to uphold—it’s now time to step out and create something entirely my own from the ground up.
So, what’s changing? For now, very little except the name! I remain committed to crafting your dream holidays and have exciting plans in the pipeline, including more curated small-group tours that offer unforgettable adventures. Here are a few key points and answers to some queries you may have.
FAQ / Things to expect:
Is Jayes Travel disappearing?
Not yet, and there are no immediate plans to phase it out. I still have access to my [email protected] email address and the Jayes Travel bank accounts you may have saved on file. If you email the old address or send monies to the old account, I’ll still find it. I still own 100% Jayes Travel as a company and a business. On a legal level, the ABN is the same for Jayes Travel and Embark Travel and I am the sole director of the company.
How do I contact you?
You can still reach me at my Jayes Travel email, but my new email is [email protected]. My phone number (0402335919) stays the same.
What about the office?
My lease on the current space in Hunter Street Mall is until May 2025. After that, I’ll be moving to a smaller space nearby. There will still be an office to visit me in!
Will you be in Newcastle less?
Great question! I’m excited to embrace more flexibility with my location after 20 years tied to a physical office. This new chapter allows me to explore working in ways that fit today’s connected world. One of the biggest lessons from the past few years is that I can truly work from anywhere—and still provide the same exceptional service you’ve come to expect.
That said, I’m committed to ensuring you always have the option for a face-to-face appointment whenever possible. I genuinely love connecting in person and catching up properly! In the meantime, I’ll continue to make things easy and convenient through phone or electronic communication when needed. Here’s to a more flexible future while staying just as accessible to you!
Do you have a new appointment link? Yes! For an initial holiday consult, please book a time at - https://calendly.com/michelle-embark-travel/travel-planning . Can’t see a time and date that works? Please reach out by phone or email as I have further times available for phone consults.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. If you have any queries about the changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. Here’s to EMBARKing on this exciting journey together!
Michelle xx
