Travel Associates

Tara Thillainath

Houston & Turner Travel Associates
Applecross, WA

Travel Advisor

Specialties

Adventure

All-Inclusive Holiday

Business Travel

Cruise

Expedition Cruise

15 more+

15 more+

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Tara Thillainath has over eight years of experience as a Senior Travel Advisor and has visited over 55 countries.

Tara embarked on her first international holiday at just 3 years of age - she spent most of that trip on her Father's shoulders, but she can still clearly remember swimming in the pool at the Candi Beach Resort, watching the Barong Dance Show and visiting the Art Markets of Kuta. She has travelled to over 55 countries since and has loved every minute of her adventures. Born to a Topdeck adventurer Mother and a Father with rich Sri Lankan and Malay heritage, she was born to be an explorer.

Starting her career with a youth travel agency, Tara became an expert at booking backpackers on their bucketlist adventures and first-time travellers on their first international sojourn. She has diversified her career over the years, sending a wide array of travellers to a large variety of destinations, including the Cayman Islands, Antarctica, Bali, Burkina Faso, and everywhere in between. Her clients travel in a variety of styles, from rail to road, via Cruise or Contiki, and staying in savvy hostels or the finest hotels.

Throughout her own travels, Tara has explored much of the world in depth, visiting over 30 countries in Europe, many of the highlights of Asia and both sides of the USA (be sure to ask her about her four weeks in Hawaii living like a local). Tara's favourite destination so far -  "No country I have visited has had the same effect on me as Cambodia - it has the most welcoming locals who have been through so much, Angkor Wat is simply breathtaking and Koh Rong's Long Beach is the most stunning stretch of coastline I've ever seen".

Tara likes to incorporate a local experience into her adventures and recommends adding a taste of the local flavour into your trip - "I embarked on a walking food tour in Little Italy in the Bronx in New York with a local guide from Urban Adventures, visiting the first pizza joint to open in New York, and witnessing the incredible cheese and salami chandeliers lining the delicatessens along Arthur Avenue, a unique NYC experience!" Quite the foodie, Tara has also enjoyed getting a unique food experience in each place she visits, from Rainbow Bagels in Brooklyn, to an 8 Layer Soft Serve cone in Tokyo, and the sugary-sweet Trdelnik in Prague.

Known for her infectious enthusiasm and permanent smile, Tara invests her energy into every travel experience she is a part of.

"Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing my travellers enjoying their adventures, and I'm so lucky to be able to offer my expertise and experiences to ensure your holiday meets your expectations and your memories last a lifetime.

EXPERIENCE

9 Years

COUNTRIES VISITED

53 Countries

Get to know me

What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?

I've been a part of many amazing experiences, from proposals, to elopements, and first-time overseas adventures, though planning a very special 3-month round-the-world honeymoon was definitely a favourite. They traipsed across Europe, snorkelled the Grand Cayman Islands, hiked Machu Picchu and much more!

What are your favourite destinations and why?

I love countries like Cambodia and Vietnam for they have witnessed so much hardship, yet have so much to offer to tourists. I love the Maldives for their stunning resorts and private islands. Lastly, I love the big cities like New York City, Paris and London, as they span centuries of existence.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I've written a journal on every trip I have ever been on, so I have a world of tips, advice and local dining recommendations for every place I have travelled to. I love compiling a document of personalised notes for my clients, from activity recommendations, to transport tips, and the best spots for local food!

Where is still on your bucket list?

Africa is at the top of my very long bucket list. I'm dreaming of the big five, safari spotting, the luxury lodges, the cascading Victoria Falls, and the wild Namibian Diamond Coastline!

Tara's Speciality Destinations

A World of Experience

Tara's client testimonial

I have booked some truly epic trips with Tara including a 2-month journey visiting over 10 countries and 16 flights, and not one thing went astray. She has fantastic attention to detail, and no amount of changes to my bookings has ever phased her. Tara also brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. You won't find a more positive or friendlier travel advisor out there.

– Brad H.

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OUR OFFICE

Houston & Turner Travel Associates

At Houston & Turner Travel Associates in picturesque Applecross, Perth, our all-female team is ready to welcome you. With a deep passion for luxury travel, we specialize in crafting exclusive, one of a kind journeys that bring your dream holiday to life.

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MEET THE TEAM

Houston & Turner Travel Associates

Cruise Specialist

Tammy Houston

Houston & Turner Travel Associates
Applecross, WA

Specialties

Adventure

All-Inclusive Holiday

+13

+13

Cruise Specialist

Renee Hopping

Houston & Turner Travel Associates
Applecross, WA

Specialties

All-Inclusive Holiday

+6

+6

Tara Thillainath

Houston & Turner Travel Associates
Applecross, WA

Specialties

Adventure

All-Inclusive Holiday

+18

+18

Tara Roberts

Houston & Turner Travel Associates
Applecross, WA

Specialties

Adventure

All-Inclusive Holiday

+17

+17

Cruise Specialist

Alexandria Davey

Houston & Turner Travel Associates
Applecross, WA

Specialties

Adventure

All-Inclusive Holiday

+19

+19