Our Team

Ben is an experienced travel professional and passionate globetrotter, now based in Sydney since early 2025. Since joining the family business in July 2020, Ben has played a pivotal role in evolving what was Globetrotters Travel & Cruise - one of Queensland's longest-standing agencies - into the nationally focused and forward-thinking Global Travel Co.

Ben manages the Toowoomba office remotely while overseeing the company's strategic growth, brand evolution and digital innovation. With the agency originally founded in 1949 and serving travellers for over 75 years, Ben's leadership is firmly rooted in both heritage and vision.

In November 2024, Ben was elected to the Board of Travellers Choice, Australia's leading network of independent travel agents, named Australia's Most Outstanding Travel Agency Network at the NTIAs for four consecutive years. His appointment reflects a growing influence on the national travel landscape and a commitment to championing the success of Australian travel agencies.

Ben is extensively travelled across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, with standout experiences in Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, the USA's Rocky Mountaineer, Tasmania, the Maldives, China and the Pacific Islands. His cruise portfolio includes Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Virgin Voyages and Carnival, providing valuable insight across a range of travel styles and clientele.

In late 2024, Ben enjoyed two memorable trips - a scenic return to Northern Italy and a magical family holiday to Disneyland California. His long-term goal is to step foot on all seven continents, with Antarctica top of the list.

Ben's approach to travel planning is shaped by his passion for quality coffee, architecture, rail journeys, the performing arts and immersive cultural experiences. With an Associate Degree in Spatial Science (Urban and Regional Planning), he brings a unique perspective to destinations and travel design, curating experiences that are meaningful, creative and highly personalised.

Under his leadership:

1. Global Travel Co (formerly Globetrotters) was nominated for Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency – Single Location at the 2023 and 2024 NTIAs, proudly reaching finalist status in 2023
2. Ben was nominated for Most Outstanding Travel Agency Manager in 2024, in recognition of his leadership, innovation and service to the industry

Paul is the owner of Global Travel Co, bringing over 25 years of travel industry experience and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. Paul has been part of the Globetrotters legacy since 2015, taking over the agency's ownership in July 2020.

Prior to joining the Globetrotters family, Paul held key roles with well-known brands including Harvey World Travel, Jetset and McCafferty's Travel, and served more than two decades with Inglewood Shire Council. His breadth of experience spans retail travel, group coordination, customer service and office management.

Paul's knowledge of both domestic and international travel is extensive, having organised group tours to the UK and Ireland, Vietnam, Europe and around Australia, and personally travelled throughout Europe, North America, Asia and the Pacific. He is well-versed in flights, rail, cruises, insurance, visas and itinerary design.

Now semi-retired, Paul works Friday's and Saturday's, continuing to provide trusted support to the team and assisting long-standing clients who value his warm, personalised approach. In a strategic and mentoring capacity, he remains closely involved in guiding Global Travel Co's evolving direction.

With more than 50 years in the travel industry, Heidi is the heart and history of Global Village Travel. Having worked across airlines, wholesalers and travel education, she brings unmatched expertise and a deep understanding of what makes a journey truly memorable.

Her own travels span Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and Botswana, along with river and ocean cruises across the world. Heidi has a passion for crafting personalised itineraries – especially to Europe, Africa and South America – and always seeks out “highlight stays” such as châteaux, villas and historic hotels.

Known for her warmth, intuition and exceptional attention to detail, Heidi continues to support her long-standing clients while guiding Global Travel Co into its next chapter.

Karen is a seasoned travel professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Her passion for travel and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences make her a trusted and valued advisor for clients seeking seamless and enriching journeys.

Karen has travelled extensively across Europe, Asia, North America, Canada and Australia. Some of her favourite destinations include Canada and Alaska, Italy, the UK and Ireland, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Tasmania. She is also an avid cruiser, having explored the world aboard Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as river cruises in Europe and Asia and expedition cruises in The Kimberley.

Specialising in personalised itineraries tailored to each client's travel style and interests, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and global insight to every booking. Whether planning a luxury escape or a budget-friendly getaway, her extensive supplier network and destination expertise ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

With a sharp eye for detail and a genuine passion for helping people explore the world, Karen is your go-to expert for everything from tropical escapes to cultural adventures and romantic getaways. Let her experience guide your next journey to somewhere extraordinary.

Emilie is a dynamic travel advisor with a deep passion for designing meaningful, worry-free holidays. With 15 years of experience in the fast-paced IT sector across the Philippines and Singapore, Emilie has transitioned her analytical precision and problem-solving skills into a flourishing career in travel planning.

Her journey into the travel industry began with New York-based agency Fora Travel, where she trained as a travel advisor before joining Global Travel Co. Emilie holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (Cebu, Philippines), a Master of Data Science (James Cook University) and is currently completing her Certificate III in Travel at TAFE.

Emilie's clients value her warm, thoughtful approach and ability to tailor each itinerary, whether it's a spontaneous weekend escape or a meticulously planned bucket-list adventure. Her global perspective, combined with her tech background and passion for cultural discovery, allows her to create holidays that are as effortless as they are unforgettable. If you're after a travel planner who blends insight, precision and care, Emilie is ready to help turn your dream trip into a reality. 

Mikaela is an enthusiastic and dedicated Junior Travel Assistant at Global Travel Co, currently studying her Certificate III in Travel while gaining valuable industry experience in a casual support role. Working Saturdays in the Toowoomba office, Mikaela contributes to client service, itinerary research, administrative support while learning the ins and outs of professional travel planning.

Though early in her career, Mikaela is already well travelled, having embarked on several incredible journeys to New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland, France and the USA. These experiences have shaped her love for global cultures, landscapes and the joy of discovering new destinations— a passion she now channels into her development as a future travel consultant.

With a strong interest in destinations, travel systems and customer care, Mikaela is soaking up knowledge at every opportunity - from supplier trainings to team shadowing and practical bookings. Her warm nature, strong work ethic and genuine enthusiasm for travel make her a valuable part of the Global Travel Co team.

Bree brings creativity, modern thinking and a vibrant energy to Global Travel Co. As our travel assistant and visual designer, she blends strong administrative and graphic design experience with a genuine love of travel. Well-travelled across the USA (including Hawaii) and Europe, she is fluent in Italian and passionate about cultural experiences, food and helping clients feel inspired and supported.

A professional opera singer, Bree holds a Master of Music Performance (Opera) from the Queensland Conservatorium and currently performs full-time with the Opera Australia Chorus. Her background spans government engagement, and for-purpose sector roles, giving her a unique mix of artistry, professionalism and detail-driven organisation.

Bree is also Ben’s partner and a key part of the Balmain team, contributing both behind the scenes and directly to client care and creative direction.

Katrina brings a rare combination of warmth, operational precision and genuine wanderlust to the Balmain team. With more than 20 years of experience in client relationships, events and project management, she has built her career around one core belief: outstanding results come from strong, trusting relationships. It is an approach that feels right at home in a boutique travel agency built on exactly that.

A seasoned traveller, Katrina has explored more than 25 countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond. She has travelled extensively throughout Asia, including multiple trips to Thailand and Malaysia, as well as journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia. Her experiences range from backpacking adventures in her younger years to planning and undertaking a 12-week family journey through Europe and the United States with her children. Her travels have also taken her to Mexico, Croatia, Hungary, Germany and many other destinations, giving her a genuine understanding of what different travellers need.

Katrina supports the team across client care, office operations, marketing and events. She brings the same attention to detail, organisation and follow-through that have defined her career. She is currently completing the Travellers Choice ProStart training program as she works towards becoming a travel planner.

A proud Inner West local and natural connector, Katrina is the kind of person who follows up on every detail, helping ensure nothing falls through the cracks before, during or after your trip.