About Us
We place great importance upon the needs of all our clients, and take a unique customer-based approach to business. It’s really no wonder we’ve managed to retain such a winning reputation throughout Ballarat and district, with our competitive rates, knowledgeable staff and imaginative itineraries.
11 July 1983 First opened as Alan Valpied Travel
1 February 1988 Joined the Harvey World Travel franchise network
1 March 2014 Name change to Ballarat Travel and Cruise
1 July 2019 Joined the italktravel & cruise franchise network
At italktravel & cruise, we believe in the special, magical, unique travel experience.
We are local, yet national and proud members of the Independent Travel Group, Australia’s largest group of independent travel experts. We are innovative and united by our italktravel ‘talk to us’ identity which embodies the essence of the great service and the expertise in all aspects of travel, which we provide to you as your local travel experts.
Always personal and tailored, never predictable or simply ‘off the shelf’.
Alan Valpied
Owner/Manager
With over 47 years of experience in the travel industry, 36 years of which he has owned and managed this agency, Alan has visited over 70 countries. As the former International Director of his Rotary Club, Alan has guided his agency to numerous industry awards and has served on national franchise committees.
My Dream Holiday is: Driving around English towns and villages
Ship Inspection / Sailed on: Ocean – P&O, Princess. River – Scenic, Uniworld and Victoria (Yangtze).
I am passionate about: Giving my clients good reason to return to book their next holiday with my agency.
My most memorable Travel Experience: Seeing children’s smiling faces when handing them items of charity in various countries.
When I hear the word “Travel” I think: Learning other cultures and realising how good our living standards are here in Australia.
How will you help make your clients next travel experience unforgettable: Offering to organise those little extras that can mean a great deal to them.
Ann Bridgewater
Your Travel Advisor
Raised on a farm, Ann decided at a young age to embark on a UK working holiday before eventually returning to Australia. Ann has won many individual industry awards and is extremely well travelled. She has developed a huge following of clients from both urban and rural communities over the past 23 years.
My Dream Holiday is: African safari
Ship Inspection / Sailed on: River Cruises – Scenic in Europe and Asia
I am passionate about: Travelling to new destinations
My most memorable Travel Experience: St Patrick’s Day in Dublin
When I hear the word “Travel” I think: Fun, culture, experiences
How will you help make your clients next travel experience unforgettable: As always, ensure all travel arrangements are perfectly in place.
Marita Cougle
Your Travel Advisor
Marita commenced work in this agency in 2003 after completing many private trips in Australia and overseas. Marita has travelled to over 70 countries to all continents, so has a wealth of knowledge to fall back on when creating interesting itineraries for her many loyal customers.
My Dream Holiday is: A Scenic Eclipse Arctic Cruise.
Ship Inspection / Sailed on: Ocean – Quark (Antarctica), Viking (Scandinavia), Regent Seven Seas (South Pacific), Princess (Europe, Alaska, Caribbean, South Pacific), Celebrity (Tahiti, Hawaii), Blue Lagoon (Fiji). River (Europe) – Scenic, Avalon.
I am passionate about: Passing on my love of travelling to all my clients.
My most memorable Travel Experience: Quark Expedition Cruise to Antarctica.
When I hear the word “Travel” I think: New places to visit, people, experiences, fun, adventure, relaxation.
How will you help make your clients next travel experience unforgettable: Using my vast travel experiences to offer my clients exciting options they hadn’t thought of doing.
Tim Hickingbotham
Your Travel Advisor
A former Travelex foreign exchange guru, Tim joined the staff in 2012 and has since travelled extensively, constantly adding to his expanding knowledge and expertise.
My Dream Holiday is: To take my family on an African Safari.
Ship Inspection / Sailed on: Inspections – Regent, Royal Caribbean, P&O, Silversea. Sailed on Carnival Spirit.
I am passionate about: Doing my best to ensure my clients have hassle free travel experiences.
My most memorable Travel Experience: River Cruising in Europe.
When I hear the word “Travel” I think: Exploring and learning about different places and people.
How will you help make your clients next travel experience unforgettable: Match my clients’ ideas with the best itinerary options from our large range of quality suppliers.