Annette Morrissey Round The World Travel Specialist

Annette Morrissey

+44 (0)1273 917 129

Background

I've had almost 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, always specialising in holidays to Australia and New Zealand with worldwide stopovers.

I'm a born and bred Londoner with lots of my family now living in New Zealand, hence the numerous visits! My last being for a 3-month career break. I fell in love with Australia the first time I visited in 1995 and have visited almost every year since.

Apart from travelling, I love music and going to live gigs. I enjoy the cinema and fancy restaurants, all of which keep me poor but happy!

Originally from

London

Where did you spend your "student days"?

Brighton Polytechnic...now Brighton University (that shows my age!)

Travel industry experience

I first met Haydn (MD of Travel Nation) almost 20 years ago when I started as a trainee travel consultant at Bridge The World. I stayed there for 9 years, going on to help launch the luxury Australia & New Zealand specialist, Bridge & Wickers in 2005. It's here that I learned to appreciate the joy of business class flights and luxury hotels! After 8 years, Bridge & Wickers became part of The Ultimate Travel Company and I stayed on whilst the transition was completed. When I found out that Travel Nation was looking to launch tailor-made holidays to Australia & New Zealand, I jumped at the opportunity of joining this specialist team.

Recent reviews of Annette

Annette has visited:

Australia
Cambodia
Canada
Cook Islands
Fiji
French Polynesia
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
Maldives
New Zealand
Saint Lucia
Singapore
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
United States
Vietnam

Last trip:

Cook Islands

Next trip:

South Africa

About Annette

When I’m, not at work or travelling, I’m…

At home, probably planning my next holiday.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

The Maldives - I didn't believe anywhere could top Tahiti for turquoise water and luxury overwater accommodation... I was wrong

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

iPad, phone, camera, credit card...and chargers!

When staying in a hotel room for more than one night do you a) unpack your bags or b) live from your rucksack?

No rucksack for me, I am strictly a suitcase gal... but I wouldn't unpack for just one night!

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?

Melbourne - great city, amazing food and wine, and close to the beach.

What was your first great travel experience?

Day one in Sydney for the first time, walking through the Botanic Gardens and getting my first view of the Sydney Opera House on a clear blue, sunny day.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Sydney, Waiheke Island (Auckland) and the Whitsunday Islands.

What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island. Absolute luxury, the biggest wow factor, and an incredible place to visit – Kangaroo Island is called Australia’s Galapagos for a good reason.

Which is your favourite beach, where is it and why?

Doubtless Bay, Northland, NZ - usually deserted and absolutely stunning. It's also where my sister got married, so it holds a lot of happy memories for me.

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ while travelling?

Economy class!

Where/what would you really like to visit?

The Kimberley region of Western Australia. Despite sending lots of clients there on amazing trips and adventures cruises, it’s pretty much the last piece of Australia I’ve not seen, and it looks incredible.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

New York.

What do you miss most from home while you are away?

My own bed.

Annette Morrissey