Rachel Willemsen
Travel Associates Victoria Point
Victoria Point, QLD
Cruise Specialist
Travel Advisor
Specialties
Cruise
Culture & Heritage
Food & Wine
History
Ocean Cruise
3 more+
3 more+
For Rachel, her role as a professional travel planner at Travel Associates Victoria Point is “not just a job”. “It’s such a big part of my life,” she says. “Getting to create dream holidays and be part of the whole journey with my clients makes my heart sing.”
With 27 countries under her belt, over 7 years’ experience booking dream holidays, a Certificate III in Travel and Diploma of Management; Rachel is not only passionate but also very experienced and knowledgeable about all things travel. She also speaks fluent Dutch and lived in the Netherlands for almost 4 years, which she finds can come in handy for her clients too. From luxury cruising to safaris, beach holidays and self-guided journeys, Rachel can make it your best holiday yet.
What is she most passionate about? “Europe, and especially Germany. I feel that it is undersold as an amazing destination – and not just for river cruising, but also for all the amazing gems off the beaten track.”
All over the globe, Rachel is full of sage advice to share. “Something I have learnt is that it is easy to get confused in a new city. Always grab a business card with the hotel's address in all languages. This way if you are lost you will always make your way back home.”
And if you’re off to Portugal: “A visit to Pasteis de Belém in Lisbon is a must, they have the most amazing Porteguese Tarts and one is just not enough. Combine it with visiting the Cathedral, you won't regret it.”
Rachel’s favourite destination of all however is Volterra, situated in the beautiful Tuscan region of Italy where rolling hills meet vineyards and character-laden villas. “It is a beautiful walled city tucked away in the Tuscan Hills. It has everything – Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and WWII history. From hand-made Alabaster items to amazing pastries and gelato, this is a hidden gem in the heart of Tuscany.”
She’ll also never forget the first time she laid eyes on Rome. “The history that surrounds you at every moment was beyond anything I expected. Walking on stones that were laid in Roman Times and still have the marks from chariots left me in awe. What a place.”
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EXPERIENCE
14 Years
COUNTRIES VISITED
31 Countries
Get to know me
What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?
I had clients who were after a one-of-a-kind Barcelona experience that you couldn't get on a group tour. I got in touch with my favourite guide there, and she was able to create a bespoke tour for them, including all the highlights of Sagrada Familia and La Rambla's.
What is your number one travel tip?
Always travel with "Fisherman's Friends Original". They are extra strong lozenges and really work to fight off feeling run-down after a long-haul flight. I quite often gift a packet to my clients before their trip and they all come back saying how amazing they are.
What are your favourite destinations and why?
Europe - I cannot get enough of it. Every time we are back, I get to explore more and more. My family and I are often over to visit our family and friends in Holland, Italy & Poland and the more we travel, the more people we get to meet and share our experiences with.
How do you go above and beyond for your clients?
Many clients come to me with a list of cities to visit, and it's my job to craft the very best journey for them. I help them understand travel times, avoid wasted days, and ensure the right pacing. My own travels allow me to share firsthand insights, ensuring every itinerary flows perfectly.
Rachel's Speciality Destinations
A World of Experience
Rachel's client testimonial
We always used to do our own travel arrangements but never again. We met Rachel from Travel Associates by sheer chance and were impressed by her knowledge and clear passion for travel. Rachel is our go-to for everything, from a simple flight booking to the Whitsundays to a multi-stage, 5-month trip. Our needs are foremost in her mind and she goes way beyond what could be expected. We would never go anywhere else for travel advice and bookings.
– Rae-Anne Diehm



OUR OFFICE
Travel Associates Victoria Point
Located on the corner of Bunker Road and High Street, Travel Associates Victoria Point will ensure that your next journey is memorable in every way possible, starting with bespoke luxury travel planning tailored just for you. We focus on the details of every itinerary, showcasing the extraordinary, one of a kind journeys that set us apart.