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Member house · since 2024

Y Travel

Owners

Yvonne Verstandig

Yvonne Verstandig

Founder, CEO & Director

Allan Verstandig

Allan Verstandig

CFO & Director

The record

Founded

2020

Head office

Melbourne, Australia

Languages

English, Italian

Website & contact

ytravel.world
info@ytravel.world

The house

Y Travel is an award-winning luxury travel company based in Melbourne, Australia, creating bespoke, purpose-led journeys for discerning Australian and international clients. Founded by Yvonne Verstandig in 2020 and incorporating the heritage of Trans World Travel, established in 1979, the agency designs private family and multigenerational travel, honeymoons, celebrations, safaris, expeditions, ski holidays, cruises, luxury rail journeys and cultural, culinary and wellbeing experiences worldwide.

Every journey begins with the traveller rather than a standard itinerary. Y Travel’s travel designers take time to understand each client’s interests, preferred pace, travel style, companions and reasons for travelling before creating the itinerary from the ground up. This process is guided by the eight Y Factors: Adventure, Artistry, Culture & Community, Generosity, Nature & Sustainability, Taste, The Unexpected and Well-being.

Y Travel’s Melbourne team of sixteen brings more than 200 years of combined travel experience, extensive first-hand destination knowledge and established relationships with leading hotels, cruise lines, guides, tour operators and local partners. Its portfolio of 26 preferred luxury hotel partnerships and Virtuoso membership provide clients with recognition and property-dependent benefits including upgrades, daily breakfast, hotel credits, welcome amenities and greater flexibility.

The team manages every journey from the first conversation until the client returns home, coordinating accommodation, transport, private experiences and complex logistics while providing personal support and advocacy throughout. Y Travel also prioritises responsible luxury travel by supporting local communities, respecting cultural heritage, engaging with conservation and selecting partners that share its commitment to people and place.

The practice

Where they send

Europe Across the Seasons Bespoke journeys across Europe, from Mediterranean shores and cultural capitals to ski travel in the Alps. First-hand knowledge and trusted local relationships bring together characterful hotels, private access, exceptional cuisine and seamless planning.
Australia and the Pacific Private journeys across Australia’s coastlines, reefs, remote wilderness, wine regions and cultural landscapes, alongside secluded Pacific island escapes. Y Travel brings first-hand local insight to properties and experiences with a real sense of place.
East and Southern Africa Private safaris across East and Southern Africa draw on first-hand knowledge of wildlife, wilderness, culture and conservation. Beyond safari, Y Travel explores South Africa’s Cape through food, wine, hiking, kayaking and meaningful cultural experiences.
Japan in Depth Tailor-made journeys through Japan balance vibrant cities with rural landscapes, traditional inns, contemporary design, food and living culture. Y Travel’s specialists use first-hand knowledge and trusted local guides to take clients beyond key landmarks.
South America and Antarctica South America and Antarctica invite adventurous journeys from Patagonia and the Andes to the Amazon and remote polar landscapes. Y Travel shapes itineraries combining wildlife, rich culture, expedition cruising and remarkable lodges with local expertise.
Southeast Asia Tailor-made Southeast Asia journeys span Bali’s quiet corners, lesser-known Indonesian islands, cultural cities, wild landscapes and coastal retreats. Y Travel combines intimate stays, trusted local expertise and experiences that reveal each destination.

Main areas of specialty

Couples, Honeymoons and Celebrations Highly personal journeys for two, from honeymoons and anniversaries to milestone birthdays and meaningful time away. Each is shaped by shared passions, preferred pace and travel style, with thoughtful details making every experience distinctly their own.
Cruising, Rail and Expedition Journeys Y Travel carefully selects ocean, river and expedition cruises, intimate yachts and luxury rail for route, character and access, then designs the wider trip with the right stays, private touring and seamless arrangements before, during and after voyages.
Families and Multigenerational Groups Y Travel designs thoughtfully paced multigenerational journeys around different ages, personalities and rhythms. Shared discovery and independence combine, with each family member’s interests, needs and energy all considered for meaningful time together.
Signature Small-Group Journeys Ski Buzz, Y Travel’s bespoke ski safari series, links Europe’s finest resorts and varied terrain in seamless multi-resort alpine journeys. Travel the Y Way offers personal wellbeing journeys focused on connection, meaningful experiences and time to reset.
Well-Being and Transformative Travel Y Travel designs bespoke wellness journeys, from advanced biohacking and longevity programmes to restorative retreats and barefoot luxury. Experiences nurture mind, body and spirit through movement, nutrition, sleep, spa therapies, mindfulness and nature.

In-house

Bespoke Journey Design Each Y Travel journey is designed from scratch around the individual, never adapted from a package. The team coordinates stays, transport, private experiences, local specialists and complex logistics into one seamless, well-paced itinerary for the client.
Concierge Care and Advocacy Y Travel provides concierge care and advocacy from the first conversation until clients return home. The team anticipates details, monitors journeys and, if plans change, a real person who knows the itinerary handles arrangements on the client’s behalf.
First-Hand Expertise and Global Access Y Travel’s Melbourne-based designers combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted global ties to hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and local specialists. Virtuoso and preferred luxury partnerships add insight, recognition and client benefits.
Purpose-Led Travel and the Y Factors With over 200 years of combined experience, Y Travel’s team uses the eight Y Factors to understand each client’s passions and purpose. This shapes journeys that respect culture, support communities and conservation, and aim for a positive, lasting impact.

Standing

Affiliations

The Alliance — member house

Virtuoso — Virtuoso member agency

Belmond Bellini Club — Belmond Bellini Club member agency

The Peninsula Pen Club — Pen Club member agency

Rocco Forte Knights — Rocco Forte Knights member agency

Recognition

Most Admired Advisor Award — 2014 Virtuoso Most Admired Advisor