About Us
The increase in popularity of cruises for Australians has been enormous, so much so that some of the world's best ships regularly enjoy a summer season in the southern waters. Australians liking of the cruising has seen many clients fly & cruise. It has been so popular that we have a consultant who is highly accredited ICCA "Cruise Masters" - a qualification that has over 40 hours of training and the course is finished overseas.
George Vella (Director)
Mr George Vella the owner of Breakaway Travel Blacktown is a well-known and respected within the general community. He has been in the Travel industry since 1975 operating from Pendle Hill.
In 1977 he decided to open his Travel Agency in Blacktown as Wonderland Travel specialising in all kinds of Holidays. Dealing with different markets such as Europe, America, South Pacific, Asia, UAE, Africa and Australia.
Still operating for the last 37 years under the name of Breakaway Travel, he has provided a good working environment and dedicated his time and provided a group of Consultants with the best knowledge and professionalism.
Joe Zerafa (Office Manager, Maltese & African Specialist)
Joseph has over 18 years experience in the retail industry. With variety of knowledge of the Travel Industry he has managed the team with exceptional customer service.
Joseph is our Maltese and African Specialist and has dedicated his time to understand the needs and assist you every step of the way.
At Breakaway Travel, Joseph works closely with his team of experienced consultants to provide clients with information of the products, destinations and experiences.
Joseph and his team are just a phone call away to help you plan your next Holiday.
Washington Vinoles (Manager, South America Specialist)
Washington graduated from an IATA approved Travel course in 1976 and started his career with Sun Shine Tours and developed the VFR Market with very good success. From there he moved to Golden Wings Travel and his role as a Marketing Manager.
Washington then joined Aerolineas Argentinas as a Passenger Sales Agent from 1989 to 2001 and during this period he has become proficient on various reservation systems such as Polar, Resiber, Amadeus and Sabre all of which increased his experience and exposure as a ticketing officer. During this period he also took on the added responsibilities of airport duties which involved Check In counter supervision, dispatch of flight and sending of DCS messages after departure. Whilst he was performing airport duties he made the move to the Sales Department in 1994 and was given the responsibility of dealing with VFR Agents, Tour Operators and Consolidators. As part of this Sales role he was responsible for market growth initiatives such as the of compiling new air fares and distribution to all Regions.
As he progressed in his role in Sales he was placed in charge of all interstate sales representatives. This involved creating training programs, establishing a network of sales support throughout Australia that would allow for efficient and profitable sales for the company with regular contact through joint visits and seminars with agents. In 1999, Washington was promoted to Australasian Sales Manager, a position that he carried out with great success until mid-2001 when due to economic conditions in Argentina the airline was wound up.
Washington joined Wonderland Travel as the Branch Manager with 5 employees reporting directly to him and dealing with different markets specialising in South America, Eastern Europe, North America and Cruises. He was responsible for the operation of the Travel Agency and coordinating of the different markets to which the job entails some accounting and regular management meetings with the owners of the company and the managers of the other offices that are part of the Wonderland Travel Group.
During this period, he identified additional opportunities for the business in the representation of South American based airlines such as LAPA Airlines and AEROSUR Airlines. At this time the business changed names from Wonderland Travel to Breakaway Travel.
In 2003, his previous employer Aerolineas Argentinas, recognising his abilities and industry experience approached him to take on the role as Australasian Regional Manager on a one year contract. This role was designed to utilise his experience in streamlining operations and re-establishing the airline in the region.
Having successfully completed his contract with Aerolineas and delivering the company back into being a firm player in the Australasian market for travel to South America he made the decision to return to his position at Breakaway Travel where he continues to take the company to playing a leading role in the Latin American market.
Noel Donohoe (Manager, Irish Travel Specialist)
Noel has over 37 years experience in the Travel Industry and is very well known within the general community.
Noel has dedicated his time working to relate and understand the needs of his clients, with his exceptional customer service and experience in the industry he will inspire you with his dedication and professionalism.
Noel is also an accredited cruise consultant and can plan every component of your holiday to the finest details, from flights, transfers, privately guided tours, accommodation, travel insurance and creating an unforgettable experience for you.
Priscilla Fuentefria (Senior Travel Consultant, South America Specialist)
Priscilla has over 9 years experience in the Travel Industry. With an exceptional knowledge of products and customer service and has dedicated her time to understand the needs of every traveller.
Priscilla is also an accredited cruise consultant and can plan your unforgettable dream holiday with the best of her knowledge and experiences. She is also well known for her professionalism within the South American community with the ability to speak Spanish and has worked with Washington Vinoles for over 9 years.
Priscilla is our South American Specialist and also she will Tailor-made your dream holiday anywhere around the world.
Come and see us and let us take you on a memorable holiday experiences for you.
Bernadette Tecson (Senior Travel Consultant, Philippine Specialist)
Bernadette has been in the Travel Industry for over 15 years. She has worked with Retail, Wholesale, Corporate and Leisures within the Travel Industry.
Her skill to have a second language for the Philippine Market makes it easier to understand the needs of the traveller.
Bernadette is also an accredited cruise consultant and with 3 years experience behind her she can assist you every step of the way. She is a dedicated and providing you with a peace of mind.
Karen Tappenden (Travel Consultant)
Karen is the newest member of the Breakaway Travel team and will look after all your Domestic travel needs.
Karen holds an Advanced Diploma in Travel & Tourism and has also studied Events Management. Karen has experience arranging dream destination Asian weddings and has travelled extensively throughout Asia and the South Pacific.