Aaron Ainsworth

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Travel Advisor

    Specialties

    Adventure

    All-Inclusive Holiday

    Business Travel

    Cruise

    Culture & Heritage

    14 more+

    14 more+

    There are many different reasons to travel, whether it be a love of food, a quest for new experiences… Or to see a world-famous sporting event. As an avid sports fan, Aaron excels at arranging group travel to special events, just one of his areas of specialisation in a job he loves.

    “I believe that being a travel planner is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling careers you can have,” says Aaron. “You are truly a key factor in changing people’s lives for the better through the transformative powers of travel.”

    It’s well worth sitting down to swap travel stories with Aaron – his trove of tales is filled with captivating bucket list experiences.

    “My most life-changing travel moment was trekking with gorillas in Rwanda. It’s an experience that will completely remove you from your day-to-day. Visiting with these giant beasts in their natural habitat changed my perspective on the world.”

    Being the sports nut that he is, it’s no surprise that another of Aaron’s favourite travel memories is seeing the MotoGP at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He also rates a recent snowboarding trip to Queenstown among his top travel experiences.

    “The scenery in Queenstown is unforgettable. Riding the mountain with the Remarkables as your backdrop is truly stunning, but the views are just as breathtaking from in town.”      

    When asked to choose a favourite travel destination, Aaron says he can’t go past the incredible food, history and culture of Turkey.

    “One of my top travel moments was enjoying a delicious seafood dinner on board a gulet (traditional Turkish sailing vessel) in the south of Turkey out of Bodrum. It was one of those unbelievable travel moments that highlight many elements in one experience – history, location, food and culture. These are the moments that drive people to travel.”

    Aaron’s clients are constantly thrilled with the once-in-a-lifetime moments that he weaves into their itineraries, whether it’s a hot air balloon ride over the mystical temples of Bagan, Myanmar, an inside tip on where to get the best views from the Great Wall of China or which quaint French towns to visit when hiking in Queyras National Park.               

    As well as specialising in sports travel and bucket list adventures, Aaron is an expert on African, European and South American escapes, and can also offer in-depth recommendations for our own beautiful backyard. Stop by Reis & Turner Travel Associates to talk travel with Aaron – he’s bound to have a tale that will inspire your next adventure.

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    EXPERIENCE

    17 Years

    COUNTRIES VISITED

    52 Countries

    Get to know me

    What are your favourite destinations to visit and why?

    Africa for the wildlife and people that make this a truly special place - after all, it is the birthplace of human civilisation. Europe is such a remarkable example of ancient and modern history fused perfectly together. Then there’s Southeast Asia - foodies, prepare to be blown away! Thai and Vietnamese food, for starters... just incredible.

    What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?

    In November 2023, I booked a very good client of mine on a Silversea trip to Antarctica for January 2024. This was a huge bucket list trip for him and one that I was very proud to arrange. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive. To be a big part of this life-changing experience was very rewarding. 

    Why do you love travel? Tell us what it means to you?

    Travel is something I love because it's not only my career but it's also my favourite thing to do. I'm very lucky to be able to work in travel. In my opinion, travel is the best industry by far! 

    How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

    I believe being a clear and effective communicator is key to providing ‘over and above’ service to my clients. I ensure they are part of the process from start to finish in planning out their trips no matter how big or small. Checking all the finer details so everything runs smoothly is also another critical area that I believe makes all the difference. 

    Aaron's Speciality Destinations

    A World of Experience

    Aaron's client testimonial

    We have been using Aaron Ainsworth as our travel agent for over six years and have always valued his professional and very personal approach. He is always happy to accommodate our ideas into proper travel details. No request is too much trouble for Aaron. He communicates regularly so we always know exactly where we need to be to catch a plane, connect with a tour leader or a transfer driver. We are always confident that our documentation is correct. We recommend him to any travellers.

    – Robyn Sainsbery

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    OUR OFFICE

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates is set on the gorgeously green Bougainville Street in Manuka, ACT. With bespoke luxury travel planning ingrained in our way of life, we ensure that every hand-picked journey is equally special and seamless. With over ten decades of industry expertise across our team of six advisors, we're truly as passionate about your travel plans as you are.

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    MEET THE TEAM

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates

    Vanessa Schmitzer

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Specialties

    Business Travel

    +19

    +19

    Catrin Taylor

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Specialties

    Adventure

    All-Inclusive Holiday

    +7

    +7

    Aaron Ainsworth

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Specialties

    Adventure

    +17

    +17

    Justin Petrass

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Specialties

    Adventure

    Business Travel

    +10

    +10

    Melanie Harlow

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Specialties

    Business Travel

    Family Holiday

    +2

    +2

    Pintip Suthayakhom

    Schmitzer & James Travel Associates
    Manuka, ACT

    Specialties

    Ocean Cruise

    Small Group

    +2

    +2

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