Shop stories: Explore Travel Associates in Elsternwick Village

For more than 25 years, Travel Associates has been a trusted name in the Elsternwick Village precinct, crafting tailor-made luxury holidays that go far beyond your average travel agency experience.

Situated in one of Melbourne’s most vibrant shopping precincts, this boutique travel agency has built a reputation for personalised service, deep destination expertise, and a team of advisers who live and breathe travel.

At the heart of the business is luxury travel adviser Abbie Gatherum, who brings a modern flair and deep destination knowledge to every booking. For her, travel isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about creating experiences that leave lasting impressions.

End-to-end holiday planning

At Travel Associates, the team prides itself on offering a complete, end-to-end holiday planning service. This means everything — from international flights and accommodation to airport transfers, booked activities, and fully personalised daily itineraries — is organised for you.

This full-service approach removes the stress and time-consuming research that often comes with planning a getaway, especially for those with demanding schedules. The travel agency has a strong focus on cruises and high-end holiday experiences, where the finer details can make all the difference.

The agency’s ability to plan seamless, start-to-finish travel experiences is what sets it apart in the industry.

“It’s overwhelming having to look for the best options,” Ms Gatherum said.

“There’s so much research and so much time that it takes to book a trip. And we do that for people so they don’t have to sit down and find the time in their busy lives to put together a holiday.

“One thing we really aim for is to book something that is so seamless that our clients don’t even know what we’ve done.”

Personalised travel bookings

Unlike larger travel operators, Travel Associates takes a deeply personal approach to travel planning. The team makes a point of getting to know every client on an individual level, ensuring their travel experiences are tailored to their specific preferences and interests.

From food lovers and art enthusiasts to adventure-seekers and wellness travellers, the agency creates bespoke itineraries that reflect each client’s style.

“We’re not cookie-cutter travel specialists. We tailor every single thing to our clients, and what they need and want on their trips,” Ms Gatherum said.

This personalised service extends beyond the booking process. Clients are invited into the store to sit down and have meaningful conversations about what they want from their travels.

“We have a really close relationship with our clients,” Ms Gatherum said.

“It’s not just walk in, book a flight and leave. People come in, we have a coffee together, and we’ll spend that time getting to know that client and what they want from their holiday.”

A team with extensive and specialist travel experience

One of the defining features of Travel Associates in Elsternwick Village is the exceptional depth of knowledge within the team. Many of the consultants have been with the agency for more than 25 years, offering a rare level of consistency and experience in the ever-changing world of travel.

This expertise translates to meaningful benefits for clients. For example, some consultants are specialists in destinations such as Japan and wider Asia, offering insider tips and access to exclusive deals and rates that most travellers wouldn’t know about.

“We have a lot of that knowledge and we’ve been doing this for a long time, so we’re able to apply that to the trips and the specific needs of people,” Ms Gatherum said.

The team’s diversity also helps them cater to the specific needs of the local community. One consultant, who is Russian, often works with Russian-speaking clients. Others understand the needs of the local Jewish community, carefully planning trips that avoid travel on Friday nights and ensuring kosher meals are available throughout their journeys.

As one of the younger advisers on the team, Ms Gatherum brings a focus on sustainable and adventure-based travel. With a passion for responsible tourism, she can guide clients toward eco-friendly travel options and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

“Because we’ve been around for so long, we’ve formed a lot of relationships with people and brands based overseas,” Ms Gatherum said.

“We’ve got a really great relationship with Belmond (hotel group), and they’re based in multiple locations around the world… so we can get exclusive offers with them that our clients can enjoy.”

Choose Travel Associates for your next holiday

Whether you’re booking a luxury holiday, a cruise, an immersive cultural experience, or an eco-conscious adventure, Travel Associates in Elsternwick Village is your one-stop destination for exceptional travel planning.

With decades of experience, a dedicated and diverse team, and a truly personalised approach, the travel agency offers something you simply can’t get elsewhere: peace of mind.

By taking the time to understand your vision — and handling every aspect of your holiday —Travel Associates ensures your next getaway is seamless, stylish, and tailored just for you.

Visit the store

Travel Associates Elsternwick

Level 1, 444 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick

Phone: (03) 9532 4622