Category Archives: Family

Karen Merricks named #1 on 2025 Women in Travel Power List

Karen Women In Travel Power List

Last night Karen Merricks, as named #1 on the 2025 Women in Travel Power List at an awards dinner held in Sydney. Karen Merricks has never been about traditional ideas of success – she’s helped reshape them! When she and her husband Roy started MTA over 25 years ago, it came from something many women

Virgin Australia updates carry on luggage allowance

Luggage With Mta Tags

Virgin Australia ups carry-on allowance to 8 kg — here’s what you need to know Heads up, travellers: Virgin Australia is changing its carry-on baggage rules. From 2 February 2026, the standard carry-on allowance will become 8 kg. Why the change? Virgin says the update is about simplifying things, improving safety, reducing boarding delays and

More than 160 MTA High Achievers recognised across five cities

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30 September 2025: MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ has celebrated the outstanding achievements of more than 161 of its top performing advisors, hosting a series of exclusive High Achievers’ lunches across five Australian cities over the past month. The High Achievers’ lunches are a key part of MTA’s ongoing commitment to recognising excellence within its

Celebrating 25 years of MTA-Mobile Travel Agents

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MTA – Mobile Travel Agents celebrates 25th anniversary today: Founders Karen & Roy Merricks interview Once dismissed as “hobbyists”, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents has proven the doubters spectacularly wrong. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary (today, to be precise), a significant number of its advisors are earning well into the six figures, with

Adventure awaits: the thrill of expedition cruising

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Adventure awaits: the thrill of expedition cruising For the intrepid traveller, expedition cruising offers the ultimate adventure. Unlike traditional cruises, which focus on popular destinations and onboard entertainment, expedition cruises take you to remote and untouched corners of the world. From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the rugged coastlines of the Arctic, these cruises

Chart your course: picking the perfect cruise itinerary

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Introduction: the importance of choosing the right cruise itinerary Choosing the right cruise itinerary can make all the difference in your travel experience. With so many destinations and routes available, it’s essential to find one that matches your interests and travel style. Whether you’re seeking a sun-soaked Caribbean escape, a cultural immersion in the Mediterranean,

Pack like a pro: essentials for your first cruise

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Preparing for your first cruise Packing for your first cruise can be both exciting and daunting. With limited space in your cabin and a variety of activities on board and ashore, it’s important to pack smartly. Whether you’re cruising through the tropics or exploring the fjords, having the right essentials will ensure you’re prepared for

Sustainable Cruising: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Adventures

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Sustainability is becoming a priority in the cruise industry, with more options for eco-conscious travellers than ever before. Our new e-book, “Sustainable Cruising: How to Travel Responsibly by River, Ocean, Luxury, and Expedition Cruises”, covers everything you need to know about cruising responsibly.   What’s Inside the E-book? Understanding the Environmental Impact of Cruising Learn

CLIA 2024: Green waves: the rise of sustainable cruising

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The growing demand for sustainable cruising As awareness of environmental issues grows, more travellers are seeking ways to reduce their impact on the planet. This shift in consumer behaviour has led to a significant rise in sustainable cruising, where eco-friendly practices are at the forefront of the travel experience. Cruise lines are responding to this

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents celebrate record number of high achievers

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MTA – Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) recently had the pleasure of hosting a series of High Achiever’s celebrations across Australia in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.  This year, the company celebrated a record number of over 200 High Achievers, recognising the exceptional performance of their expert Travel Advisors. “These celebrations are a reflection of