Lifestyle Travel Ballarat is a team of dedicated, passionate and experienced travellers. Leonie Spencer founded Lifestyle Travel to create a more personalized travel experience for her clients. The team is proud of our genuine and personal approach to creating holidays that make memories. It truly is travel your way.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO:

To ignite hope, celebrate life and spread joy so that every person feels valued and loved.

HOW WE DO IT:

We understand that travel is as individual as every human being. We like to get to know you as a person, all the things you love, your interests and what’s important for you to create lifelong travel memories. We consider the whole picture to find the best way possible and believe everything matters!

We believe that travel opens our minds and hearts as we discover and connect with different people, places and cultures.  We contribute in a positive way which helps others and this in turn brings personal joy and fulfilment.

To us, travel is much more than a single trip, it’s a collection of personal experiences that make up your life’s journey and we’re here to share and celebrate with you each journey at a time.

WHAT WE DO:

Through our expert knowledge, advice, planning and support, we combine the essential travel elements with our unique and creative ideas to ensure your journey is both personal, and delights you in every way possible.

We are a family of adventurous, generous, fun-loving travellers and together - we value every opportunity to connect and contribute to communities, both locally and all over the world.

We connect all the dots and sprinkle our little bit of magic to make your travel dreams come to life and truly believe, we are ‘Your Way To The World’!

Meet our Travel Experts

Leonie.png

Leonie Spencer, Director & Founder

“After my family, travel is my life and the only career I have ever known or wanted!  Every day I get to see how travel connects people from all walks of life and cultures.  When we share experiences and cultures, we make the world more beautiful.

  • 40 years

  • Africa, Ireland and South America

  • East Africa and Sri Lanka

  • Friendly, Fun-Loving and Optimistic

  • Hair Straightener

Carly Cunningham, TEAM MANAGER & Travel Specialist

“I love to travel because every day is different. I love the experiencing new cultures, walking around a corner to find another little hidden treasure, the food and most of all interacting with the people and trying to find out their stories. I love that every holiday can be different, and you can plan your holidays for what you need at that time: adventure, relaxation, fun, fitness, family connection, or a blend of everything. It brings people together.”

  • 20 years

  • Soft Adventure, Europe, Small Group Touring, Cruises

  • I have never found a place I haven’t enjoyed but if you gave me a free ticket I would go back to Africa any day, and who doesn’t love Europe.

  • Chatty, Friendly and Loyal

  • Good shoes and a scarf

Alison Dwyer, Travel Specialist

“I love traveling because it gives me the chance to explore diverse landscapes, taste unique cuisines, and immerse myself in different cultures. I’m especially drawn to historical buildings and ancient sites, stunning natural scenery, and the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Travel also lets me break free from my daily routine and step outside my comfort zone. As a travel agent, I find great joy in helping others create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories through their journeys.”

  • 18 years

  • UK & Europe

  • Europe, especially Prague, Budapest & Paris

  • Fun, Resourceful, Dependable

  • Noise cancelling headphones and my phone

Amy white, Travel Specialist

“I love the excitement of visiting new places, meeting people and experiencing different cultures. I also enjoy the variety of different foods and love to try local dishes wherever I go.”

  • 20 years

  • Africa, Europe and USA

  • Africa

  • Friendly, Adventurous, Helpful

  • Packing cells

Penny Murphy, Travel Specialist

“I love being a part of helping people make their travel dreams a reality.  Travel takes you outside of your comfort zone and expands your belief of what is possible.  I would never want to do anything else”

  • 28 years

  • Europe, Japan, South-East Asia

  • Whatever trip I am on!

  • Fun, Imaginative and Organised

  • Noise Cancellation Headphones

Renae rowe, Travel Specialist

“I love the excitement of exploring new destinations and experiencing diverse scenery and cultures.  I don’t tend to travel to the same place again too often, always wanting to experience somewhere new.  I enjoy creating meaningful connection through meeting people from all walks of life and leaning about their country’s history and culture from all over the world.  I recommend taking a bit more time in each place to really immerse yourself in the destination.  I am passionate about helping others create the best and most personalised travel experience possible for them, by designing their ‘dream tailor-made holiday’.”

  • 29 years

  • Wellness and Soft Adventure Travel, Hiking & Trekking, Snow Skiing, Scuba Diving, Touring & Cruising

  • Italy, Nepal, Sri Lanka but there are plenty more places on my list yet to explore!  

  • Passionate, Dedicated, Integrity

  • My Sense of Adventure

Sandi Jackson, Client Services

“I love travel for the new experiences, exploring new cultures, trying new foods, and meeting all types of people along the way”

  • 18 years

  • Supporting the Team and Clients

  • Asia, Southern USA, Ireland

  • Social, Relaxed, Easy-Going

  • A ‘leaving no stone unturned’ attitude

Simon Spencer, groups & MARKETING

“I absolutely love being able to experience some of the world’s best sporting and cultural events through travelling and ticking them off my bucket list, one by one! ”

  • 12 years

  • Group, Sport and Event Travel

  • The USA!

  • Friendly, Honest and Sport

  • The Award Winning Lifestyle Travel ‘My Trips’ App!

mariska pelchen, group travel specialist

“I love traveling because I am constantly learning about new and unique destinations, travel trends and cultural insights. Understanding what motivates people to travel helps to create great itineraries and I love having satisfied customers who return from a trip excited to see more.”

  • 30 years

  • Groups & Europe

  • Europe and any beach destinations

  • Positive, Calm, Friendly

  • An open mind

Jodie Buttler, Administration

“I absolutely love the thrill of travelling to a new destination,  exploring the sights, eating amazing food and also taking time to relax.  My absolute favourite trips have been with family and groups of friends making wonderful memories.”

  • 36 years

  • Group Walking Holidays

  • Italy, Bali & Tasmania

  • Bubbly, Relaxed and Adventurous

  • A good book

Maree.png
View Maree's Norfolk Island Tour itinerary

MAREE Mcclelland, personalised group tours & cruises

We welcome Maree McClelland to our team.  After working in the travel industry for almost 50 years, Maree retains her passion for travel but has happily retired from the working day trips to the office!  However, we have lured her back and she will be working remotely on special projects in “semiretirement”.

Maree travelled extensively in the United States as a high school AFS exchange student (quite a contrast to life at home on the farm at Donald!). She decided an exciting world was waiting to be explored and hence the journey began. During the following decades Maree hosted countless group tours to all corners of the world.

“The beauty, history and culture of the places visited has always been captivating. However, the greatest pleasure has come from seeing the joy experienced by my tour members”, Maree claims.

We are delighted that Maree has agreed to continue hosting tours that will be featured in our Lifestyle Personalised Group Tour Collection.  She looks forward to welcoming loyal guests from past adventures and extends an invitation to others who wish to share her travel passion on leisurely land based and cruise tours to destinations both near and far!