Founder & CEO

Jake Chiem

Jake is a highly accomplished and experienced figure in the travel industry, currently serving as the founder and CEO of The Travelcation Group. Over the last few years, under his leadership and with the support of a team of very experienced professionals, the company has expanded into new regions and developed a reputation for providing bespoke, personalised travel booking experiences.

With a career spanning two decades, Jake has held various roles in the industry, including retail, corporate travel, wholesale, and tour operation. He has managed multiple successful travel agencies and received numerous awards, including Best Travel Advisor, Best Travel Manager of the Year, and Best National Sales Manager. He was even recognized by Travel Weekly magazine as the sixth most successful travel agent of the year.

Throughout his career, Jake has travelled extensively and experienced a diverse range of accommodations and activities, from staying in a Ger tent in Mongolia to relaxing in 5-star overwater bungalows in Tahiti. He has flown in all travel classes, cruised the Mediterranean, learned Tai Chi at the Shaolin Temple in China, and gone on safari in Africa. Some of his favourite travel experiences include seeing Broadway shows in New York, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, participating in a water festival in Bangkok, cycling through Paris, enjoying delicious seafood in Nha Trang, and scuba diving in the pristine waters of Fiji.

Jake’s ultimate goal is to help his clients realise their travel dreams. With his extensive experience in both the domestic and international markets, he is committed to making the trip-planning process as easy and stress-free as possible for every traveller who picks up the phone to call The Travelcation Group.

Co-founder

Damon Low

Damon is the co-founder of The Travelcation Group and is responsible for creating the company’s distinctive branding and visual identity. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, he is passionate about his work and enjoys every aspect of it.

Damon’s first overseas trip was to Japan, where he fell in love with the country and its culture. He studied Japanese in school, and his teacher took him to Tokyo, which opened his eyes to a whole new world beyond Sydney, Australia. This trip sparked his passion for travel, and he has since visited numerous destinations worldwide.

Damon has climbed the stairs of Notre Dame in Paris, explored the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, made rice paper in Vietnam, hiked the Great Wall of China, wandered the streets of Budapest, savoured pizza in Italy, visited the archaeological ruins of Tulum in Mexico, and tried his luck in Las Vegas.

From his first trip to Japan, Damon never imagined that his travel experiences would one day become part of his job. As a co-founder of The Travelcation Group, he can now share his passion for travel with others and help them plan their own dream trips.

General Manager

Karen Murray

Karen is a highly experienced travel professional with 27 years of Australian travel industry experience, currently serving as General Manager of the Travelcation Group and owner of Magenta Travel.
She has established herself as an expert at itinerary planning, has developed a reputation for crafting well-planned and unforgettable travel experiences as well as maintaining her long term client relationships.

Since beginning her career in the travel industry in 1996, Karen has worked with a major domestic wholesaler, managed teams in retail and wholesale call travel centres, worked on customer helplines, managed the Queensland Travel Centre in Adelaide, was an assistant manager at Phil Hoffman Travel, and has been, since 2007, a successful self-employed work-from-home travel professional. In 2022, Karen has also extended her skillset to business mentoring, working for the ASE Group with participants of the Self Employment Assistance Program. Karen mentored adults entering self-employment for the first time and helped them develop business plans and client strategies.

Karen’s passion for travel stems from her childhood memories of family holidays to the Whitsundays, New Zealand, North Stradbroke Island and Caloundra. Her time spent as an exchange student in French Canada at the young age of 17 was a life-changing experience that instilled in her the belief that travel can greatly enhance one’s mindset and change their life. This experience led Karen to abandon her political university degree and pursue a career in the travel industry.

Karen’s expertise in itinerary planning includes fully organised independent self-drive trips, cruising, iconic long-distance train journeys, and special luxury getaways. Karen’s love and considerable product knowledge of her home country is evident in her work. She is always eager to help her clients discover the beauty of Australia and New Zealand and create unforgettable memories.

Product Manager

Tahnee Inverno

Product Manager for Australia, The Pacific and Bali

Tahnee is a highly skilled and experienced professional travel advisor and product manager based in Perth, Western Australia, with over 12 years of experience in the travel industry. Since 2009, she has dedicated her career to providing exceptional travel experiences to her clients. As a product manager, she ensures that the company has the best hotels, tours, and activities to offer to its customers.

Tahnee’s passion for travel is rooted in her love for different cultures, lifestyles, and unique experiences. Her extensive travels have taken her to numerous destinations around the world, including Europe, Canada, South East Asia, Indonesia, New Zealand, UAE, Hong Kong, and Macau. She has stayed in a wide range of accommodations, from beach bungalows to luxury private villas, Shangri las and Ritz Carltons, chateaus, and tree houses, which has given her a broad understanding of different travel needs and preferences.

Tahnee has had a diverse career in the travel industry, ranging from managing an award-winning retail travel store for five years to running her own mobile travel agency. She has also worked for online agencies in ticketing, corporate travel, and customer support. Tahnee’s vast experience has equipped her with the skills to understand and meet the needs of her clients while offering a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

As a product manager, Tahnee ensures that all the products the company offers are safe and accredited, giving customers peace of mind when booking with an agent. In today’s world, travel has undergone significant changes, and Tahnee recognises the importance of providing a seamless and secure experience to her clients.

Product Manager

Aleisha Bray

Product Manager for New Zealand, Asia and Europe

Sales Manager

Elena Vartazarian

Elena believes that travel is more than just a checklist of places to visit. To her, it’s about fully immersing oneself in a destination and experiencing it with all senses. This means indulging in local cultures, languages, food, and interacting with locals to gain a deeper understanding of a place.

She developed a passion for travel early on, having traveled extensively with her family and on a student budget. Later on, she enjoyed luxurious holidays with her husband, and now shares the joy of travel with her two sons. Elena was born in Iran and raised in Australia, and has explored various countries in Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, USA, Canada, and recently, Armenia and the surrounding regions.

Elena has had many remarkable travel experiences, including cheering on the Socceroos at the 2018 World Cup in Sochi, walking the streets of Yerevan with Armenians during the Velvet Revolution, and observing turtles nesting in Borneo. She has traveled through various modes of transportation, including cycling, buses, trains, cruises, and driving, which enables her to recommend the best options for any traveler.

Elena has worked in the travel industry for more than 15 years, specialising in leisure and corporate travel. She currently focuses on family holidays with kids and has learned that different life stages require different travel styles. Whether it’s domestic or international travel, Asia or Europe, or organised tours or self-drive holidays, Elena can help plan the perfect trip. She invites travellers to share their travel dreams and allows her to create the best imaginable trip for them.

Travel Expert

Sascha McRae

Sascha discovered a deep passion for exploration at an early age. From embarking on solo trips as a curious 8-year-old to relocating to Galway, Ireland, in search of thrilling adventures at 17, it was evident that Sascha’s destiny was intertwined with the world of travel.

Having grown up in Canada, Sascha’s youthful years were filled with enchantment while living in the captivating city of Galway. Spending a total of five years there, the rugged landscapes of the west coast and the cozy thatched cottages adorned with warm peat fires along the Connemara Coast left an indelible mark on Sascha’s heart.

Sascha also found a deep connection with Spain, having enjoyed the sun-drenched charm of Marbella and explored the vibrant regions surrounding it. A stint in the northern Basque country further fueled Sascha’s passion for the diverse cultures and traditions of Spain.

With close family residing in a Moroccan village for the past 25 years, Sascha has had the privilege of using it as a base for countless Moroccan adventures. Witnessing the evolution and growth of local communities over the years has been a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Having explored North America, Europe, North Africa, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and various destinations within Australia, Sascha’s extensive travels have broadened their understanding of diverse cultures and customs.

For the past 15 years, Sascha has found immense joy and fulfillment as a travel agent. Their mission is to assist individuals in discovering the culinary delights, musical rhythms, and unique customs of the world, whether it be in their own backyard or in far-flung destinations. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to providing seamless and stress-free experiences, Sascha is dedicated to transforming clients’ dreams into unforgettable realities.

With Sascha as your trusted travel professional, you can expect personalised itineraries that capture the essence of your desired adventure, turning it into a seamless and stress-free dream waiting to come true.

Travel Expert

Raffaella Gatto

Raffaella is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable travel professional who thrives on sharing her passion for exploration with her clients. From a young age, she developed a deep appreciation for the wonders of the world and a curiosity to discover new cultures and experiences.

Growing up in a multicultural environment, Raffaella was exposed to diverse traditions and perspectives, which sparked her desire to embark on her own global adventures. Her love for the industry led her to pursue a career in travel, where she could turn her personal passion into a profession.

With years of experience in the field, Raffaella has cultivated a wealth of knowledge about various destinations around the globe. From popular tourist hotspots to hidden gems off the beaten path, she is well-versed in curating unique and memorable travel experiences tailored to her client’s preferences.

Raffaella takes great pride in her role as a travel consultant, as it allows her to play a pivotal part in creating lifelong memories for her clients. She understands the importance of personalized attention and strives to exceed expectations by crafting meticulously planned itineraries that cater to every detail and desire.

Whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous hiking expedition, or an immersive cultural tour, Raffaella’s expertise and dedication ensure that each trip is carefully designed to meet and surpass her clients’ expectations. Her goal is to provide exceptional service, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is seamless and memorable.

With Raffaella as your trusted travel consultant, you can expect a seamless and unforgettable travel experience. Her passion, knowledge, and commitment to excellence will guide you towards creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel Expert

Karen McCreanor

Karen McCreanor is a highly experienced professional with a remarkable 14-year career in the travel industry. Her diverse expertise spans various roles, including travel consultant, airfare specialist, check-in attendant, and customer service representative at Perth International. With a deep understanding of the travel landscape, Karen has also ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing her own successful travel agency.

Throughout her extensive career, Karen has gained valuable insights and cultivated a passion for exploring the world. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to an impressive 42 countries, allowing her to immerse herself in a wide range of cultures and experiences. Among her favourite cities are New York, Rome, and Barcelona, which she appreciates for their vibrant atmosphere and rich history.

Karen’s travel experiences have fostered a love for discovering local cuisines and dining at authentic restaurants. When visiting new destinations, she delights in exploring the streets, landmarks, and cultural offerings, which enable her to gain a deeper appreciation of each city’s unique character.
One of Karen’s particular areas of expertise lies in the realm of cruise travel. Her extensive knowledge and firsthand experience have made her an invaluable resource for clients seeking exceptional cruise vacations. Having embarked on 13 cruises herself, Karen is intimately familiar with the intricacies of the cruise industry, enabling her to offer expert advice and tailor-made recommendations to her clients.

With her comprehensive understanding of the travel industry, coupled with her passion for exploration and customer service excellence, Karen McCreanor is an indispensable asset to any travel organization or client seeking a trusted advisor for their travel needs. Her wealth of experience and genuine enthusiasm for providing exceptional travel experiences make her a highly sought-after professional in the field.

Travel Expert

Treacy Scott

Treacy is a seasoned travel expert with extensive knowledge of New Zealand and worldwide destinations. Her career in the travel industry started during her high school days, where she pursued a course in Travel & Tourism. She kickstarted her career in an Information Centre, where she booked activities, accommodations, and transportation for travellers visiting New Zealand. Through work trips, she had the privilege of exploring the South Island and indulging in exciting activities like Sky Dives, Bungy Jumps, Canyon Swings, Milford & Doubtful Sound Cruises, Glacier Ice Cave Walks, and Helicopter Snow Landings, among others.

Treacy’s specialty is in crafting tailor-made New Zealand itineraries that showcase the country’s most popular tourist attractions and hidden gems. She has lived in Perth, Western Australia, for the last 9 years, where she has broadened her expertise to encompass worldwide travel. Treacy has explored numerous destinations across Australia, from the stunning coastlines to the Dunsborough and Margaret River Wineries. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to travel overseas, with visits to the United Kingdom, Paris, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, the Greek Islands, Dubai, Rarotonga, and Fiji.

Treacy takes pleasure in creating personalized travel experiences that her clients will cherish for years to come. She works meticulously to ensure that every aspect of a holiday is tailored to meet her client’s needs, making each journey an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Inbound Travel Expert

Saskia van den Heuvel

Saskia has been enamoured with travelling, different cultures, and languages since she was a child. Her fascination with world maps and her goal to visit every country in the world led her to study International Tourism Management. Saskia was fortunate to travel all over Europe while growing up in the Netherlands, but after obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she decided to move to Australia to explore a new part of the world and chase love.

As a travel expert for Travelcation, Saskia is excited to share her passion and knowledge with like-minded people and help turn their dreams into reality. Her favourite destinations include South Africa, Cuba, and of course, her home country of the Netherlands. Saskia is happy to provide insider tips on where to eat, sleep, and explore in these countries and many more.

Due to the pandemic, Saskia has returned to the Netherlands to be closer to her family and friends. However, she continues to work remotely for Travelcation and is dedicated to sharing her passion and knowledge with travellers, helping them plan their dream holidays.

Travel Expert

Julie Revett

Julie is a professional travel planner who is dedicated to finding the best holiday deals and making the process of planning a vacation stress-free and fun. With 20 years of travel experience, Julie has explored a wide range of domestic and international destinations including Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Mauritius, Fiji, New Zealand, Paris, England, Scotland, USA, and Canada. She has also sailed on several cruises.

Julie’s clients trust her to listen to their needs and provide tailored recommendations based on her first-hand knowledge of various destinations. Her priority is to ensure her clients are satisfied with their travel experiences. Many of her clients come from referrals from friends, colleagues, or family who have enjoyed their holiday planning experience with Julie.

Julie is passionate about travel and is committed to providing the highest level of personal service, reliability, and enthusiasm to her clients. When it comes to booking the perfect holiday, Julie is the go-to professional to ensure that you get the most out of your travel experience.

Travel Expert

Nicholas Kennedy

Travel Expert

Jayne Rodgers

Coming Soon

Travel Expert

Gaylene Nichols

Embarking on a journey can be much more than simply moving from one place to another; it’s about exploring, experiencing, and embracing the world’s wonders. This belief is personified in Gaylene, whose life revolves around the pursuit of discovery. Her extensive travels, passion, and insights make her the ideal partner for crafting your dream vacation.

Gaylene’s fervour for travel first found its spark amidst the alluring contrasts of Vietnam. She explored its length, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the historical depths of Saigon, via the authentic experience of a sleeper bus. Her deep appreciation and understanding of Vietnamese culture and landscapes position her uniquely to advise those seeking to uncover this Asian jewel.
Her adventures didn’t stop in Asia. Gaylene’s heart also belongs to the vast, blue oceans. She’s sailed with P&O across the shimmering waters of the South Pacific, beholding the majestic beauty of its islands. New Zealand’s rugged landscapes and rich Maori culture captivated her, as did the Mediterranean’s sapphire waters, stretching from the cosmopolitan vibrance of London to the timeless allure of Venice.

Though she’s brushed her fingers across the tapestry of the USA, Europe remains a highlight in Gaylene’s travel diary. The enchanting Rhine River Castle cruise stands out. This journey, dotted with medieval castles, quaint hamlets, and framed by Europe’s old-world charm, crescendoed with a week-long immersion in Amsterdam, with its historical landmarks and lively streets.
Gaylene passionately endorses two shore excursions for those intrigued by the Rhine’s magic. For the physically spirited, Speyer’s monastery hike awaits, leading to a wine-tasting session that captures the essence of the region. And for those with a daring palate, Weinessiggut Doktorenhof offers a distinctive vinegar-tasting experience, a delightful surprise for the adventurous traveller.
Gaylene’s travel compass is always pointing towards the next grand experience. Canada’s untouched wilderness and Alaska’s icy splendours beckon her. And as the festive season nears, she envisions herself amidst the sparkling Christmas markets skirting the Danube, where tradition meets festivity.

Gaylene’s travels are not just stamps on a passport; they are stories, experiences, and lessons. This vast reservoir of firsthand experiences equips her to curate and tailor-make journeys for our clientele with a personal touch. Whether it’s an adrenaline-fueled adventure, a romantic escapade, or a deep cultural immersion you seek, Gaylene is the key to turning your travel dreams into tangible memories.

Admin & Finance

Rachel Johnson

Coming Soon

Product Assistant

Cristopher Arceo

Coming Soon

Product Assistant

Princess Almoradie

Coming Soon

Travel Expert

Tara Sullivan

Tara is a passionate traveler who has always had a love for exploration and adventure. After finishing her Arts Degree, Tara realized her passion for travel and decided to pursue a career in the travel industry.

For Tara, travel is not about checking off destinations or jobs but rather about the experiences, memories, and anticipation that come with planning a trip. She believes that the excitement of travel starts from the moment you decide to go somewhere and loves being a part of that process for others.

Living in such a beautiful country, Tara knows that Australia has so much to offer, from its stunning coastline to its rich and ancient Indigenous culture. She is also excited to explore our neighbor, New Zealand, just across the Pacific.

Tara recently hiked the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, where she slept under the stars in a swag. The experience left her feeling a strong sense of gratitude and connection to the universe. For Tara, the ability to use her knowledge and passion for travel to create these experiences for others is what makes her job so fulfilling.

Tour Guide

Renee Tilbrook

Renee is a passionate and experienced travel professional with a strong affinity for exploration and creating memorable experiences for her clients. Originally hailing from the picturesque Southern hills of Adelaide, near the renowned McLaren Vale wine region, Renee possesses a deep appreciation for the culinary arts and all things related to food and wine. While gastronomic delights have always been a motivating factor in her travels, it is the rich historical landmarks, captivating myths, and immersive cultural encounters that truly captivate her.

With a desire to turn her love for travel into a profession, Renee embarked on a career as a travel agent. Over time, she diversified her expertise within the industry, venturing into roles such as a tour guide, hotel guest services, and local host. While her travels have taken her to numerous destinations worldwide, it is the opportunity to bring people together and share the magic of Australia that brings her the greatest joy.

While Renee boasts extensive knowledge of most Australian cities, she remains perpetually curious, constantly seeking out new local cafes, restaurants, and experiences to indulge in. She believes that there is always more to learn and discover, and she eagerly looks forward to sharing her wealth of local knowledge while embracing the thrill of the unknown with her clients.

With Renee as your guide, you can trust that her passion for travel, dedication to providing exceptional service, and commitment to sharing the wonders of Australia will create an unforgettable and enriching journey for all those who embark on it.