Uluru - image courtesy Tourism Australia

Hi! I am Nicole Close and I own Travitect LLC, a boutique travel consulting practice that specializes in the many facets of Australia and New Zealand tourism. 

Visit https://travitect.com/AustraliaNZ

ABOUT ME:

GROWING UP AUSTRALIAN ~ Like most Australians, I was raised on Vegemite toast and lamb chops. While I grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne, my family was always traveling somewhere on weekends and vacations. Mostly we would explore coastal and rural Victoria but sometimes we ventured further.  I have fond childhood memories of seeing kangaroos & koalas in the wild, watching fairy penguins emerge from the ocean, visiting the Sydney Opera house, and enjoying all that the Australian culture & climate offer. It was through these early adventures that my penchant for travel began and, oh, the places I would go...

MY AUSTRALIAN TRAVELS ~ During my life, I have traveled extensively throughout Australia. I took an entire gap year to explore the country and since then I have lived, studied, and worked in various Australian cities and explored their surrounds. I have snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, ridden camels in Alice Springs, witnessed the changing hues of Uluru, experienced Aboriginal life, and swam in waterholes you would never expect to find in the Outback. I found a platypus in the wild, sat where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the ocean, saw dingoes on the beach, and wrestled a crocodile (kidding, I haven’t wrestled a crocodile...yet).  Chances are if there is a place you want to see in Australia, I have been there or, even better, lived there. 

MY NEW ZEALAND TRAVELS ~ I have also traveled throughout New Zealand. I have enjoyed the city of Auckland and experienced Maori culture and the hot springs of Rotorua. I have based myself in Queenstown to experience the stunning fiords of Milford Sound and traveled across the south island to appreciate the unique heritage of Christchurch.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY ~ In addition to traveling much of Australia and NZ, I have also traveled to over 30 countries and more than half of the United States. I understand what it is like to be a visitor in a foreign country and what makes for an incredible journey. While I love to see the icons of a country, city, or state, I most enjoy an authentic and immersive experience where I really get to understand the culture through the people, food, and local attractions. Often, this kind of experience can only be shared by a native of the locale.  It is a real connection to the destination that I strive for when planning itineraries for my clients. I want my clients to come home having not only checked their bucket list for visiting Australia and/or New Zealand, but having filled it with experiences that are authentic.  

TRAVEL INDUSTRY BACKGROUND ~ With a Masters in Psychology, my professional career began as a counselor. While I loved working with and helping people, I longed to share my love and experience of travel with others, so I pivoted and completed certification in Travel and Tourism in Australia. Shortly thereafter, I landed a job as Director of Group Travel for an agency in Chicago, where I spent many years planning travel around the world, including Australia and NZ. 

FOUNDING TRAVITECT ~ Travitect grew from a desire to blend my heritage and life’s experience of travel with my travel industry experience to create a travel company that primarily focuses on Australia and New Zealand tourism. My mission is to provide you with an extraordinary, personalized experience when selecting a tour or designing your unique itinerary. I take a genuine interest in you and work tirelessly to ensure that the final itinerary is a realistic reflection of your vision. I see to it that the destinations and inclusions meet your pace, travel style and budget. I am obsessed with the details and love to make suggestions throughout the planning process of experiences you can include that will provide you with an authentic and meaningful connection to the destination.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND SPECIALIST ~ As Australia and NZ are my niche, I am very committed to staying up-to-date on products including new and exciting experiences for my clients. I continuously train with Tourism Australia and Tourism NZ. I am qualified as an "Aussie Specialist". I also attend trade shows and other events where I continue learn from the best in the business. 

TYPES OF TRAVEL I BOOK:

Custom Travel | Escorted Packaged Tours | Luxury Travel | Honeymoons & Romantic Travel | Young Adult Tours | Wildlife Safaris | Cruises | Small Ship Expeditions | Rail Tours | Golf Trips | Fishing Trips | Ski Trips

Follow me on Instagram @travitectaustralia where I curate Australia and New Zealand travel images, share personal experiences, and give insights and ideas for authentic & immersive itineraries.