My career in the travel industry happened quite by accident about six years ago.

I had worked in hotel management, real estate, retirement living as well as owning my own café, so I bring a lot of customer service-people skills with me into the travel industry.

So far some of my favourite destinations are New Zealand, Italy and Ireland. The best piece of advice I have for my clients is, travel with an open mind.

I started my career in travel in November, 1999 and was drawn to this industry because of the excitement of planning people's dream getaways and the opportunity to travel the world myself.

I organise some really exciting, dream itineraries for people.

I definitely loved Egypt and New York was also an amazing visit. I lived in Edinburgh for almost two years so that also holds a special place in my heart.

I have been a travel consultant for 23 years. 

My job is my passion. I love to travel. I also love to help create special memories for my clients.  I try to put myself in their shoes when I am organising their holiday.

I have visited 46 countries, but there are plenty more countries on that bucket list to visit and explore.  I have also done many cruises and have escorted groups from the local area over the years.

Standouts destinations include Greece, Argentina and the United States. 

I'm born and bred in Taree, I went to Taree West public school and Chatham High School.

I was a beauty therapist for 20 years and had my own businesses for eight of those years.

I love singing and musical theatre, I enjoy swimming and the great outdoors and of course, travelling. I started in travel in 2006 after booking a holiday for my 10th wedding anniversary.

This was the start of a new adventure and the past 13 years have been amazing.

I love Santorini in Greece and Sedona  in the US.

Most travel professionals will agree that you really have to love your job to be involved in the travel industry and the staff at the new Helloworld Taree agency certainly fit the bill.

According to Helloworld Travel Taree manager Donna McHugh, when the opportunity to open as a fully branded Helloworld store arose earlier in the year owners Robyn and James Flanagan jumped at the opportunity.

“We opened as a fully branded Helloworld Travel store on January 7, 2019 in the same premises as the previous travel-related tenant and are over the moon to have employed all three staff; Sharyn, Kristy and Suzie,” Donna said.

“Robyn and James Flanagan, the owners of the store, also own Wauchope Travel and Robyn has been in the travel industry for over 30 years.

“The decision was made to open Helloworld Travel in Taree as we already knew the staff and felt that they were too experienced and professional to let go when their previous employer gave them notice.

“Robyn felt there were many similarities between the local people in Taree and our customers in Wauchope, so we were confident that we would love our customers here too. The opportunity to bring the Helloworld Travel franchise to Taree was also irresistible.”

The staff at Helloworld Travel Taree “can book anything, anywhere in the world”, according to Donna. “Our relationship with wholesalers and suppliers has been built over many years and with the Helloworld Travel relationship in the mix as well, we can always rely on getting the best results,” she said.