Travel Managers - Michelle Edmead

About 10 years ago, after moving from Perth to sunny Port Hedland, I discovered the wonderful, unpredictable, crazy world of aviation. Beginning as a reservations officer booking passengers on local flights around the north west of Australia, I steadily moved through Port Hedland International airport until I was 2IC of Ground Handling. I was involved in all aspects including check in, loading and unloading of aircraft, load control and marshalling. I thought there was nothing better than to touch the nose of an aircraft you had prepared for flight! I was an aeroplane addict - hook, line and sinker!! The best part was being able to make a difference in people’s lives by trying to make the start or end of their journey as stress free and enjoyable as possible. After a few years I was offered the chance to try my hand at the other end of the travel spectrum….Travel Agent! I had never thought of it before, but thought, why not? What a difference! Instead of helping people in one small part of their journey, I was able to help in the whole experience. And I loved it. The more I learned, the more I wanted to help people, and the more I wanted to travel myself, and so began my own adventures. Both myself and my family have been lucky enough to travel to many parts of the world, including UK and Europe, USA and New Zealand. We have also travelled extensively through Tasmania, South Australia and the Barossa, and Western Australia. Our favourite place is Bali, and have been there enough to nearly be called a local……nearly? Might need to work on my language skills more first…. After moving back to Perth in late 2011 and working at Perth Airport, I decided to set up my own business and became a Personal TravelManager. With their support, I am able to work one on one, give more customer focused service, and still be there for my family at all times. I have not looked back since……. (I even managed to get my name on a plane).