TRAVEL with MARIE

Let’s just say… a stint in ICU wasn’t on my travel bucket list.

A few years ago I spent seven weeks completely paralysed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, followed by months learning to walk again. It was a pretty dramatic reminder that life — and good health — can change in an instant.

Once I was back on my feet (literally), I made myself a promise: stop putting things off and see more of the world while I can.

That first trip turned into many. I became slightly obsessed with Italy (six visits in five years — no regrets), wandered through France and Greece, tasted my way around Vietnam and the USA, and generally decided that life is far too short for “maybe one day.”

Along the way I noticed something: lots of people want to travel… they just don’t want to do it alone.
They want good company, a relaxed pace, and someone friendly keeping an eye on the details.

That’s where this next chapter begins.

After formally studying travel (Certificate III in Travel) and building a loyal community of fellow travellers over the years, I’ve found my natural place as a host — bringing people together for relaxed, social journeys filled with good food, local experiences and plenty of laughter along the way.

I’m currently exploring opportunities to host small, welcoming group trips in partnership with established travel operators — the kind that feel supportive, enjoyable and just active enough to be energising rather than exhausting.

Nothing overly strenuous. Nothing overly serious.
Just wonderful places, lovely people and the comfort of knowing someone’s in your corner.

Because here’s what I learned the hard way:
money comes back, health is precious… but time doesn’t wait.

So if travel has been sitting in the “one day” basket, maybe this is your gentle nudge.

Cheers, Marie
(pronounced like calamari — yes, really)

What they’re saying

  • A couple sitting at a restaurant table with scenic views, each with a plate of food and glasses of white wine. The meals include breaded cutlets, fries, and salad. A smartphone, salt, and pepper shakers are on the table.

    Her attention to detail and suggestions made our trip special

    I wanted to go to Tasmania to participate in the Run the Bridge Fun Run in Hobart with a week’s holiday and travelling afterwards.  I asked My Travel Planner Marie Kimber to help organise the holiday for me.  She asked me lots of questions about what I wanted to get out of the holiday and the areas I wanted to visit   She also asked what type of accommodation I liked and if there were any tours I would like to do.  She came back to me with an itinerary, accommodation and car hire suggestions and pricing within a week. 

    I was extremely happy with the location and accommodation choice she made for the run in Hobart.  She researched the logistics of my run event and chose accommodation to suit. The bus for runners to get to the start of the run was a short walk from our accommodation location.  It was this attention to detail that made the trip so easy and enjoyable.

    The following day we enjoyed a day on Bruny Island with lunch and tastings included it was a full day and very enjoyable. Marie even arranged for the bus to collect us from our accommodation, just so easy and convenient.

    From there we went to Bicheno for 2 nights to a lovely house by the water with all the comforts of home.  On the way there was a winery Marie suggested we stop for lunch.  We did, the food was lovely, the wines delicious and the view was magnificent.

    We then travelled to the Freycinet National Park and stayed in a luxury house in Coles Bay right on the water.  The house was beautiful and extremely comfortable.  Marie suggested walks and tours we could do in the area and booked us onto a cruise to Wineglass Bay that was wonderful.  It included all food and drinks and access to the wheelhouse where we could talk with the captain who was a local and very knowledgeable about the area.  It was a fantastic day.

    It is her attention to detail and the little inclusions and suggestions of cafes or restaurants that she adds in that made the trip so special.

    I highly recommend Marie of My Travel Planner to help you organise your next holiday.  She is very passionate about travel and cares that her clients have the best holiday possible.

    LESLEY CABOT - Hallett Cove SA