Karen Merricks has never been about traditional ideas of success – she’s helped reshape them! When she and her husband Roy started MTA over 25 years ago, it came from something many women will understand: wanting to put family first and step away from the pressure of a busy retail travel store.

A quarter of a century later, Karen and Roy have sold MTA to Helloworld, but the company’s purpose hasn’t shifted. Long before working from home was mainstream, Karen created a way for women to build a thriving travel career from anywhere. In an industry where caring responsibilities still fall predominantly to women, she built a model that offered real freedom, flexibility and a chance to earn fair money. It changed lives then, and it’s still doing that today.

Even as MTA has grown, the mission hasn’t wavered: to put people first and support advisors – especially women – to build a business that fits the life they want.

Karen took a simple idea and turned it into a success story that’s empowered thousands. And now, her name sits proudly alongside some of the biggest names in travel on this year’s Power List – recognition that couldn’t be more deserved.

Congratulations, Karen! 👏👏👏

https://travelweekly.com.au/the-2025-women-in-travel-power-list-is-here/

Heads up, travellers: Virgin Australia is changing its carry-on baggage rules. From 2 February 2026, the standard carry-on allowance will become 8 kg.

Why the change?

Virgin says the update is about simplifying things, improving safety, reducing boarding delays and making better use of overhead space.

What the new baggage rules look like

Here’s the breakdown under the refreshed policy.

Economy Class

• One main carry-on bag, up to 8 kg

• Plus one small personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front

Premium / Velocity / Business / Economy X

• Two carry-on bags, with a combined total of up to 14 kg

• One piece may weigh up to 8 kg

• Plus one personal item, same under-seat rules as above

Infant & other allowances

• A collapsible stroller counts as one standard carry-on item (must fit size limits: 56 × 36 × 23 cm)

• Adults travelling with infants can bring one extra small personal item (say, a nappy bag)

• And yes — guests with infants can still check in up to three infant items free of charge.

Size (dimensions) for personal items

• Maximum dimensions: 45 cm × 33 cm × 20 cm (must fit under the seat in front)

When & how this applies

• The new rules apply to all travel on or after 2 February 2026.

Alison has been recognised in the Most Outstanding Mobile/Home Based Travel Advisor category – a highly competitive award that shines a spotlight on the very best in the Australian travel industry.

Speaking about the honour, Alison said:“Being named a finalist is such an incredible acknowledgement. It reflects not just my passion and commitment to creating unforgettable journeys, but also the unwavering support of my wonderful clients – I couldn’t have achieved this without them.”

The NTIAs celebrate excellence and dedication across all sectors of the travel industry.

Congratulations Alison on this well-deserved recognition and we wish you every success for the award night to be held in Brisbane in October.

This incredible recognition comes hot on the heels of Donna’s success at the 2024 NTIAs, where she was named Most Outstanding Mobile/Home-Based Advisor. Two major industry accolades in just a few short months.

Virtuoso Travel Week is held every year in Las Vegas and is widely regarded as the event for luxury travel, drawing thousands of advisors, suppliers and industry leaders from every corner of the globe. To be recognised on that stage is an extraordinary achievement.

Donna shared that the award is as much about the people around her as it is about her own work:

“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised on such a respected international stage. Being part of the MTA family has given me the support, flexibility and global network to deliver the very best experiences for my clients – and I couldn’t be more thrilled to receive this award.”

Our Co-Founder, Roy Merricks, couldn’t be prouder:

“Donna is an outstanding advisor whose dedication to her clients and commitment to excellence embodies everything we value at MTA. This award reinforces the global respect for our advisors and the impact they’re making in the luxury travel space.”

At MTA, we believe in giving our advisors the freedom, tools and community to shine – and Donna’s success is a perfect example of what’s possible when passion meets support.

Congratulations Donna – we’re so proud to have you as part of the MTA family!

Marking 25 years of empowering Australia’s top independent travel advisors, this year’s ‘Milestones and Momentum’ event, promises to be one of MTA’s biggest yet. Delivering a mix of professional growth, community spirit and cutting-edge thought leadership, with the support of major sponsor Business Events Adelaide, designed to inspire, educate and equip advisors for the next era of travel.

Widely recognised as one of the most influential voices in Australian financial services, Grant Hackett will share lessons from his corporate leadership journey, including his current role as CEO of Generation Development, a trusted investment service. Drawing on decades of experience in business strategy, innovation and high performance, Grant will challenge attendees to think beyond the day to day and lead with vision and clarity. His background as a triple Olympic medallist offers a powerful, yet secondary, lens on resilience and goal setting.

Joining him is Emma Harris, a London based speaker, brand leader and founder of culture consultancy Glow London. With a career that spans executive roles in travel at Eurostar and Virgin Atlantic, Emma is known for her no-fluff approach to building bold brands and authentic workplace cultures, bringing a global perspective and unfiltered insights to her sessions.

Complementing the keynote sessions is a curated breakout program featuring:

• Pascale Helyar-Moray – award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Grow My Money, a world-first platform converting shopping into savings. With a background in financial services and leadership roles at firms like JPMorgan and BT Financial Group, she’s also an advocate for gender equality
• Olivia Arezzolo – Australia’s leading sleep expert and bestselling author of Bear, Lion, Wolf, Olivia is regularly featured on major TV shows as an expert and works with leading wellness and lifestyle brands. She shares practical strategies for improving health, energy and performance through better sleep
• Nicole O’Sullivan – Director of Birds Eye View Consulting and a leading coach for travel professionals. With more than 20 years’ experience, Nicole specialises in psychology backed sales strategies that help advisors connect with clients, grow their business, and sell with confidence

Karen Merricks, Co-Founder of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents, expressed how excited the team is to welcome speakers of this calibre to this year’s 25^th anniversary conference.

“Grant and Emma bring fresh, forward-thinking perspectives with insights that we know will resonate with the ambitions and challenges our advisors are navigating right now”, said Merricks.

“Our advisors are at the heart of everything we do, they’re experienced, independent and deeply committed to their clients. This year’s program reflects that, it’s about celebrating how far we’ve come over the last 25 years while continuing to invest in the tools, inspiration and support advisors need to thrive in a changing travel landscape.”

The ‘Milestones and Momentum’ conference will showcase Adelaide and its surrounds, bringing together 420 advisors and industry partners for a five-day program packed with keynote sessions and 14 breakout experiences – from historic walking tours to wine tasting experiences and even an Adelaide Oval roof climb for those daring. The program kicks off with three days of pre-conference training, covering everything from AI to marketing, sales and business best practice, a dedicated initiative that reflects MTA’s continued focus on professional development and advisor success.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to engage in this year’s CSR initiative, Cooking for a Cause with OzHarvest. The energy continues into the evening with spectacular gala events and opportunities to celebrate, network and reflect on 25 years of MTA magic.

For more on the more information on full speaker program and conference agenda, visit: mtatravel.eventsair.com/mta-national-conference-2025.

ENDS

“Our platinum agents – there are now over 90 of them – are earning really big incomes.”

When reflecting on the birth and rise of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents, Merricks looks back like one would on the growth of a family – with much pride.

“It’s been a quarter of a century, but it seems like yesterday when we launched,” she remarks.

“We set out to have a company that values people and family… and I feel we’ve created that – a business that upholds family values and a company full of the most amazing people.”

It’s a family affair

At the 2024 MTA – Mobile Travel Agents national conference in Fiji, I was struck by the genuine warmth and camaraderie within the organisation – it felt like one big travel family. It’s an atmosphere I expect will endure.

“We really love being together and catching up. I am so proud of MTA and the people we have around us,” Karen explains.

“All of our head office team, our brilliant advisors and our supplier connections.”

With Merricks experiencing a difficult few months late last year on a personal level (Karen lost her beloved sister to bowel cancer in 2024), she stresses how important it is to “hold those we love close and cherish our time together”.

“I don’t feel business should be any different,” Merricks says.

“It’s about caring support and enjoying the ups and downs of life.”

MTA for mums

Merricks, together with husband and business partner Roy, started MTA as a way to help women – especially those with children – undertake a more fulfilling journey in the travel industry. They also wanted to support women in rejoining the workforce. And it stemmed from Karen’s own experiences.

“Flexible hours was a big issue. You don’t want to miss out on kids’ events, like Christmas plays and sports carnivals,” Karen says.

“So I needed access remotely to my own GDS system, not through the office where I had to keep calling to go and do my work, which was a half-hour drive for me just to go and book a domestic ticket. That just wasn’t workable.

“I wanted to be able to work from a home office; do my work when I wanted… and then be able to get the kids and work again in the evening because it suited me to do that.

“So we talked about it at length. And then Roy, said, ‘well, ifyouwant it, everyone wants it’.”

It turns out a lot of travel professionals actually did. But it wasn’t simple, as Roy puts it, “because none of the systems were there”.

“Only about a third of travel agents even had an email!” Roy explains, about the lack of digital systems that we now take for granted.

After doing their homework on remote set-ups already in existence in places like the US, they were ready to go on 18 February 2000.

True to its family-oriented ethos, even the Merricks’ children Ben and Sara got involved in the business from the start – especially on the digital side of things.

“It was controversial, but once we launched, we just knew it was going to work,” Karen says.

Unless you call earning big money controversial, it’s hardly contentious any more.

“And these guys [members] are happy because they have freedom, they have flexibility; they work around their families.”

Long may that happiness continue. Happy birthday MTA – Mobile Travel Agents!

First published on KarryOn – Mark Harada

The ETA is a digital visa-waiver system, similar to the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), designed primarily for tourism and business travel and does not replace a standard visa. Starting 8 January 2025, travellers from most non-European countries will need an ETA to enter the UK unless they hold an eVisa. This includes citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, citizens of most European nations will require an ETA from 2 April 2025.

Australians can apply for the ETA now via the UK Government website or the UK ETA app, available for Apple and Android devices.

The ETA application costs £10 (approximately A$20) and can be completed online by:

• Providing passport and contact details
• Uploading a valid digital photo
• Answering a short set of questions
• Paying the £10 fee with a credit or debit card

More info on the UK Gov website

For the intrepid traveller, expedition cruising offers the ultimate adventure. Unlike traditional cruises, which focus on popular destinations and onboard entertainment, expedition cruises take you to remote and untouched corners of the world. From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the rugged coastlines of the Arctic, these cruises are designed for those who crave exploration and a deeper connection with nature. In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes expedition cruising so thrilling and why it’s the perfect choice for adventurers.

What is expedition cruising?

Expedition cruising is a unique form of travel that combines the comforts of a cruise with the excitement of exploring remote destinations. These cruises typically operate on smaller ships, allowing access to areas that larger vessels cannot reach. The focus is on immersing passengers in the natural environment, with activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching. Expedition cruises often include a team of experts, such as marine biologists and naturalists, who provide insights into the ecosystems and cultures encountered along the way.

Whether you’re navigating the icy waters of Antarctica or exploring the rainforests of the Amazon, expedition cruising offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the world up close.

Destinations: where will expedition cruising take you?

One of the most exciting aspects of expedition cruising is the variety of destinations available. These cruises are designed to take you off the beaten path, offering access to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations.

• Antarctica: Journey to the bottom of the world and witness breathtaking ice formations, penguin colonies, and seals in their natural habitat.
• Arctic: Explore the polar bear’s domain as you navigate the icy waters of the Arctic, with opportunities to see whales, seals, and stunning glacial landscapes.
• Galápagos Islands: Discover the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, where you can snorkel with sea lions, hike volcanic landscapes, and observe giant tortoises in their natural environment.
• Amazon River: Cruise through the heart of the Amazon rainforest, encountering exotic wildlife, indigenous communities, and the lush biodiversity of this incredible ecosystem.

Each destination offers a unique experience, with the chance to explore some of the most unspoiled environments on Earth.

The onboard experience: comfort meets adventure

While expedition cruises are all about adventure, they don’t compromise on comfort. These cruises typically feature smaller, more intimate ships with luxurious amenities. After a day of exploration, you can return to your ship and enjoy gourmet dining, comfortable cabins, and expert-led lectures that deepen your understanding of the destinations you’re visiting.

• Expert guides: Onboard experts, including naturalists, historians, and marine biologists, provide valuable insights into the regions you explore.
• Flexible itineraries: Expedition cruises often have flexible itineraries, allowing for spontaneous changes based on weather conditions or wildlife sightings.
• Adventure activities: From kayaking and snorkelling to guided hikes and Zodiac excursions, these cruises offer a range of activities that immerse you in the natural environment.

Expedition cruising is the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, offering an unforgettable travel experience.

Conclusion: why choose expedition cruising?

Expedition cruising is more than just a holiday; it’s a journey of discovery. For those who seek to explore the world’s most remote and extraordinary places, there’s no better way to travel. With a focus on sustainability, education, and adventure, expedition cruising offers a unique and enriching experience that will stay with you long after the voyage is over.

Call to Action: Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Contact MTA Travel Advisors today to book your expedition cruise and start planning your journey to the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

Choosing the right cruise itinerary can make all the difference in your travel experience. With so many destinations and routes available, it’s essential to find one that matches your interests and travel style. Whether you’re seeking a sun-soaked Caribbean escape, a cultural immersion in the Mediterranean, or an adventurous journey through Alaska, there’s a perfect cruise for everyone. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the ideal itinerary for your dream holiday.

Understanding cruise itineraries

A cruise itinerary is essentially the route that your cruise ship will take, including the ports of call and the duration of your stay at each destination. When choosing an itinerary, it’s important to consider what type of experience you’re looking for. Are you interested in exploring multiple cities and cultures, or do you prefer spending more time at sea, relaxing and enjoying the ship’s amenities?

Cruise itineraries vary greatly, from short weekend getaways to extended journeys that span several weeks. Understanding your travel preferences and what you want to get out of your cruise will help you choose the perfect itinerary.

Top cruise destinations and itineraries

There’s a cruise itinerary for every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment. Here are some of the most popular cruise destinations and the itineraries that showcase them:

• Caribbean: A classic choice for sun-seekers, Caribbean cruises offer a mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant cultures, and exciting shore excursions. Popular itineraries include the Eastern Caribbean (St. Thomas, St. Maarten), Western Caribbean (Jamaica, Cozumel), and Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Barbados).
• Mediterranean: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Europe with a Mediterranean cruise. Explore ancient ruins in Greece, enjoy the cuisine of Italy, or relax on the stunning beaches of Spain. Popular itineraries include Western Mediterranean (Barcelona, Rome) and Eastern Mediterranean (Athens, Istanbul).
• Alaska: For nature lovers, an Alaskan cruise offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventure. Itineraries typically include stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, with opportunities for whale watching, hiking, and exploring glaciers.
• Norwegian Fjords: Experience the dramatic landscapes of Norway’s fjords with a cruise through this stunning region. Popular itineraries include stops in Bergen, Geiranger, and Flam, offering spectacular views and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Each destination offers a unique experience, so consider what appeals to you most when choosing your itinerary.

Factors to consider when choosing an itinerary

When selecting a cruise itinerary, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right one for your needs:

• Travel dates: Consider the time of year you’ll be travelling, as this can affect the weather, crowds, and availability of certain destinations.
• Cruise duration: How long do you want to be away? Shorter cruises are great for a quick getaway, while longer cruises allow for more in-depth exploration.
• Ports of call: Look at the ports included in the itinerary and think about what activities and experiences you want to have at each destination.
• Onboard experience: Consider the type of cruise ship and the onboard amenities offered. Some itineraries focus more on the destination, while others offer plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s facilities.

By taking these factors into account, you can choose an itinerary that perfectly matches your travel preferences.

Conclusion: make the most of your cruise holiday

Choosing the right cruise itinerary is key to having an unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re exploring the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean or the historic cities of the Mediterranean, the right itinerary will ensure you get the most out of your cruise experience.

Call to Action: Ready to chart your course? Contact MTA Travel Advisors today to book your dream cruise and start planning your perfect itinerary.