Travelglobe: Turning Grief Into a Global Journey

In the quiet moments after three unimaginable losses, Irene Jones found herself at a crossroads. Within a single month, her daughter passed away, her best friend died on the day of her daughter’s funeral, and her mother-in-law had been laid to rest only weeks earlier. For many, such devastation would have brought an end to dreams or careers. For Irene, however, travel became both a refuge and a rebirth.

From that crucible of heartbreak, she built Travelglobe, a thriving host agency for independent travel agents across Australia. She also returned to television as a presenter for Travel Oz by Grainger TV, one of Australia’s longest-running and most widely distributed travel series on Network 7. Together, these two ventures stand as testaments not only to resilience but to the transformative power of travel itself.

Building Travelglobe: A Mission Born of Loss and Hope

Travel has always been more than itineraries and bookings. For Irene, it became a bridge back to life. With a background in media and a natural ability to connect with people, she saw an opportunity to create a company that would do more than sell travel. It would empower individuals, especially women, to build businesses of their own.

Travelglobe was established as a host agency designed for independence with strong support. Instead of treating agents as salespeople, Irene envisioned a network where collaboration and community came first. Today, the company supports a group of 55 independent travel agents across Australia, each running their own business while backed by Travelglobe’s full-service infrastructure.

This balance of freedom and security is a defining feature. Agents can operate in their own style yet still rely on the company’s ATIA accreditation and industry connections. This gives travelers peace of mind while allowing agents to grow with confidence.

Overcoming Challenges and Defining a Path

Launching any business is difficult. Launching one in the aftermath of personal tragedy requires extraordinary determination. Irene faced moments of doubt, moments where the weight of loss threatened her vision. Yet with each step forward, Travelglobe grew stronger.

The company quickly set itself apart with a women-forward leadership model, a collaborative approach to agent development, and a structure that allows flexibility when life circumstances require stepping back. Irene’s own experience shaped this culture of resilience and support.

“Travelglobe isn’t just about building travel businesses,” she explains. “It’s about building resilience, freedom, and opportunity.”

Expanding Through Travel Experiences

Beyond supporting agents, Travelglobe curates exclusive group travel experiences that highlight culture, cuisine, and community. One of the most notable is A Greek Table with Anna Polyviou, a culinary journey through Greece led by the MasterChef Australia alumna and acclaimed pastry chef.

The tour blends food, family, and culture into an immersive experience, reflecting Travelglobe’s belief that travel is about connection, not just destinations. These curated journeys have been well received, reinforcing the agency’s reputation as both a trusted host and an innovator in experiential travel.

Returning to Screen with Travel Oz

While building Travelglobe, Irene was also drawn back to her media roots. Today, she co-hosts Travel Oz by Grainger TV, a program that has aired for years on Channel 7 and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

The show highlights extraordinary places and stories across Australia and beyond. For Irene, it is not just about showcasing destinations. It is about sharing the wonder of travel with a broad audience. Her personal journey adds depth to her role as presenter, reminding viewers that travel can heal, inspire, and transform.

What Makes Travelglobe Distinct

Travelglobe thrives because it is rooted in values that prioritize trust, empowerment, and community. For clients, this means every booking is guided by a dedicated professional who tailors trips to individual needs. With ATIA accreditation, travelers know they are working with a recognized and professional agency.

For agents, the model offers a rare combination of independence and support. Rather than competing, agents collaborate, share leads, and grow together. This culture of shared success has been central to Travelglobe’s growth.

A Story of Resilience and Reinvention

At the heart of Travelglobe’s story is Irene herself. Her journey reflects the possibility of turning tragedy into purpose. From grief came growth, from loss came leadership, and from silence came a voice on national television reaching audiences with stories of travel and connection.

Her message is clear: lives can be rebuilt, and in doing so, new opportunities can be created that touch others. Travelglobe is evidence of this, as are the agents who now run thriving businesses under its banner and the travelers who return home with new perspectives.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Irene sees Travelglobe expanding both its agent network and its exclusive travel offerings. More curated tours are planned, building on the success of past culinary and cultural expeditions. At the same time, the agency will continue strengthening its support for independent agents.

Through Travel Oz, Irene will keep sharing stories that inspire discovery and connection. Through Travelglobe, she will continue empowering people to experience travel in meaningful ways.

Begin Your Journey with Travelglobe

Travel is more than a holiday. It is a way to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the wider world. Whether you are booking through a Travelglobe agent or joining one of its curated tours, you are stepping into a story of resilience, adventure, and human connection.

Learn more at Travelglobe.
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