Empowering Solo Adventurers: The Story Behind Travel with Me

Hey there, fellow wanderers! It’s Annette, and I’m here to share the heart warming journey that led me to create Travel with Me – a space where solo travellers truly thrive. ️✨

Picture this: A world where solo travel isn’t just about embarking on a journey; it’s about embracing a sense of freedom, connection, and endless possibilities. That’s the vision that sparked my passion and ignited the idea behind our solo travel haven.

Why did I start this venture, you ask? Let me take you on a little journey through my motivations:

1. Building Confidence: Solo travel is a breathtaking adventure, but it can also be intimidating. I wanted to be that guiding light, empowering solo travellers with the confidence to explore the world fearlessly.

2. Finding Kindred Spirits: There’s something magical about meeting fellow wanderers who share your passions and dreams. I envisioned a place where like-minded souls could connect, laugh, and create memories that last a lifetime.

3. Making Solo Travel Accessible: Sometimes, wanderlust strikes when you’re flying solo. I wanted to provide a doorway to incredible travel experiences, even if you’re journeying alone. ✈️

4. Unveiling Hidden Gems: Exploring the world is about more than just seeing famous landmarks. It’s about diving into the heart and soul of a destination. I wanted to introduce solo travelers to unique travel opportunities that reveal the true essence of a place.

5. Safety in Numbers: Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. I envisioned a safe haven where you can embark on adventures, make memories, and form lasting friendships, all within a supportive and secure environment.

So here we are, a community of intrepid souls ready to embark on new horizons, ready to create unforgettable memories together.

If you’ve ever dreamed of solo travel filled with laughter, camaraderie, and that indescribable sense of discovery, you’re in the right place. Let’s set forth on a journey that’s not just about the destination – it’s about the beautiful souls we meet along the way.

Welcome to a world where solo isn’t solitary; it’s a symphony of shared experiences. ❤️

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Travel Accredited

We are full members of AFTA (Australian Federation of Travel Agents) and fully accredited with ATAS (Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme).Travel with Me is both a Quality Tourism and Sustainable Tourism accredited business.

Local Experts

Travel with Me are a full service travel agency and a local tour operator specializing in escorted travel for Solo Travelers

Agri-Tourism in the Southern Forests Region

Our Vine to Wine and Paddock to Plate Agri-Food tours bring farm tours to a whole new level

Our Team

Meet Our Professional and Enthusiastic Team

annette holding her dog

Annette Porter

Managing Director & Tour Escort

Greetings! I’m Annette Porter, and I confess, I have an insatiable addiction to Travel! My realization dawned during the early 90s when I ventured out of Australia and didn’t return until six years later. Back then, I found myself immersed in guiding tours for the vibrant 18 to 35-year-olds, traversing through Europe’s enchanting landscapes, even extending to the realms of Russia and Scandinavia. This was the inception of my boundless passion for exploring new horizons. As fate would have it, upon my return in 1996, I embarked on a fresh path as a Travel Consultant, dedicated to helping others fulfil their travel dreams.

Over numerous years, I’ve skilfully managed several Travel Agencies, escorting intimate groups of wanderers on adventures both overseas and within our local borders. But then, without warning, life took an unforeseen turn, thrusting us into an unfamiliar realm—the era of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Yet, surrender wasn’t in my vocabulary. While my team diligently fought for our clients’ rights amid the chaos of cancellations, I pivoted to focus on local opportunities, determined to continue offering our clients remarkable getaways, now solely within Western Australia (WA).

Little did we anticipate that our connection to the world would be severed for a staggering two years, isolating us within the breathtaking embrace of WA. I must admit, I am forever indebted to this remarkable corner of the world. If ever confined, WA is the paradise I’d choose. In these trying times, Travel with Me remained unwavering, escorting small groups through the landscapes of WA, rekindling our passion for this astounding region. We’ve even established a Facebook group dedicated to showcasing the marvels of WA. If you share a love for Western Australia, I invite you to join our group and spread the affection. Click here to be part of the Travel with Me in Western Australia Group.

Amid these turbulent times, a silver lining emerged—the discovery of the Southern Forests region. The image captures a moment with Max, an enthusiastic Truffle dog, during our inaugural truffle hunt in Manjimup, winter of 2021. The tour unfolded into a tapestry of remarkable experiences, so distinct and remarkable that we’ve curated an array of seasonal experiences for all to relish. Just navigate to the Southern Forest Experiences section on our homepage for a glimpse of the options. Our Gems tours hold a special place, offering an intimately curated journey, fully inclusive, and brimming with unique encounters that remain beyond the reach of independent exploration. (note that group sizes are capped at 12 to 14 participants).

If your wanderlust extends beyond WA’s boundaries, I encourage you to explore the many options under Destinations and Our Trip Types.

Undoubtedly, the world has undergone a transformation, yet our unyielding desire to embrace novelty and immerse ourselves in new encounters remains unchanged.

️ Let the adventures begin! ️

Tina Flower

Senior Travel Consultant

Originally from the UK, I have always had a passion for travel. Started with an 8-year career in the airline industry before deciding to try a new adventure and backpack around Australia for a year.  Whilst travelling I met my husband in the beautiful Kimberley where we made our home for the next 7 years and welcomed our first daughter. I continued to work in the tourism industry with the bonus of experiencing everything the unique Kimberley and Top end offers. Its raw, untouched beauty, its numerous unique pockets waiting to be discovered, the people, the rich red dirt and the stars that are so close you feel you can reach out and touch them.  This is still one of my favourite places in the world.

Through my love of travel, I have sailed the Whitsundays, been married in Bali, hit the nightlife of Bangkok, and lazed away the days on the white beaches of Koh Samui and the Caribbean Islands. I have gambled the strip in Vegas, experienced the Grand Canyon by Helicopter., rubbed shoulders with the stars in Hollywood, attended the Boston tea party, travelled the length of the UK, and explored many parts of Europe by both land and river cruise. I have been lucky enough to tick off one of my career dreams of experiencing the amazing Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer as well as the red centre on our very own Ghan Expedition.

I have been in the travel industry for more than 30 years now of which I have been a part of the Travel with Me team for the past eight.

tina flower

In March 2020 I thought my days of living the travel dream were over. Like many agents, we gave up our office and working from home became the new normal. I took on a second job to pay the bills and keep my people in contact but remained in travel part-time fighting with credits and refunds for our clients. Although it has been a tough 2 years, I am so proud to still be a part of our small team, who have had the foresight to grab the challenge of our changing world and flourish in offering the amazing and unique experiences that could only be found in WA.

I have recently become a first-time grandmother and with the newfound time for family and enjoying the variety my two jobs offer, I have a new appreciation for our state, our country and the amazing world that is out there now ready to be explored again.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing clients return from a holiday of a lifetime and knowing that you were a part of making their dreams come true.

I hope to continue to tick off both yours and my ever-growing bucket list.

Donna Merema

Travel Consultant

Hi, my name is Donna and I am pleased to be back with the team at Travel with Me after a 2 year break. In this time I have had the privilege to be a stay at home Mum (and my kids full time uber driver) and have helped my husband with our own Painting company, however I was missing the thrill of holiday planning for my lovely clients, whether it be holidays for families, couples and solo travellers, each holiday was planned with care and attention to individual needs.

I have visited several States & Territories of our lovely country while working as a travel consultant. In addition, I have travelled to many Asian destinations, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Europe (including skiing in Austria) and seen quite a bit of USA, however, it was during the Pandemic that shut us out from the rest of the world that I had the opportunity to discover our glorious state of Western Australia and experience places I had never been to before and which I will continue to do.

It’s no secret that I love to travel, and this December  I’ll be spending a month in Vancouver, Whistler, Toronto, and New York. I can’t wait to tick off a holiday from my bucket list by spending a white Christmas in Whistler, Canada, with my husband and two sons.

Erin Hickey

Tour Escort

“I’m thrilled to be joining the amazing Annette Porter and her team at Travel with Me – to be an exclusive Host/Travel Escort on some truly fantastic trips Annette has put in place to take Travel with Me members out into our big wide world!

I join you with a very extensive background having travelled nationally and internationally too far and away lands, since I was a young girl. I represented my local Rotary Club as an Exchange Student to the Philippines at 16 years of age, and from that moment I boarded my flight, my love for travelling began! After studies in Tourism, I went on to immerse myself in the other side of Travel; working as a Travel Agent, putting together independent itineraries, to arranging sporting groups and conference groups to many events worldwide. I have worked with Airlines in Sales and Business Development and with Tour Operators putting together unique itineraries to worldwide destinations. I have had the privilege of living and working abroad in India, the UK, and Indonesia. I love languages and studied French right through to Senior High School and also can speak some Bahasa, Tagalog, a little Spanish. I do know how to say ‘Cheers’ ☺in most languages!! My other ‘career’ over the years has been in music. I come from a very musical family, two of my Aunties being recording artists back in the 50’s.

How lucky I am to have managed to combine travel and music beautifully throughout all my working years. I’ve been a Lead vocalist in numerous cover Bands. I play piano/keyboard and have toured with some fabulous artists. One very proud and exciting time was to tour Australia with Suzi Quatro in her band (in the 90s) as her backing vocalist. I can still shout out a good rendition of “Devil Gate Drive”.

AND………….

There’s so much more to share on that subject with you all, when we next tour!

Lynda Collett

Tour Escort

Hello my name is Lynda Collett and Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean has been my home for over 23 years. In 2020 when Australia locked down, Christmas Island opened up to Western Australians and eventually all of Australia and gave me the opportunity to be part of a small team which showed off everything unique and wonderful Christmas Island has to offer.

It has been an absolute privilege and my pleasure to help and guide hundreds of visitors that came and marveled at one of Australia’s hidden gems. It was on Christmas Island that I met Annette Porter when I was one of the leaders for her many tour groups she has escorted to Christmas Island in the past few years. Christmas Island should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list you won’t be disappointed.

I have travelled to over 40 countries but I still can say walking the Camino de Santiago 7yrs ago is still one of my favourite things I have ever done. That same year I met my partner Richard who also has a passion for travel and together we have travelled to so many wonderful countries.

I have spent over a hundred nights sleeping in the African wilderness and in small African villages. Visited over twenty African countries, including Gabon, Namibia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Malawi, Madagascar, Morocco as well as Sudan.

I must have a thing for islands as we have explored many including, The Seychelles, Réunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Zanzibar as well as Sao Tome & Prìncipe. We’ve criss-crossed many of the islands that make up The Azores, Cape Verde, Canary Islands & my very favourite, The Faroe Islands.

There’s no denying my passion for travel but I also have an untiring commitment to ensure my guests are happy, relaxed and enjoying their travel. No matter what wonderful tour I’m escorting, I will do my very best to ensure your holiday runs smoothly and we all return with wonderful memories while ticking off & growing our travel bucket lists.