Celebrating 45 Years of Getaway Travel

In the heart of Whitby, North Yorkshire, nestled on the historic street where Captain Cook once lived and sailed the Endeavour to Australia, sits Advantage member Getaway Travel – a local travel agency with a rich history and a family story spanning decades.

After four and a half decades, Owners Glyn and Anne Stead have decided on a new business transition, moving their business operation over to Advantage’s managed services model (AMS). But that doesn’t mean the end of Getaway Travel – far from it. They’ve chosen a path that ensures their independence and the legacy of their business, while handing over day-to-day operations to their daughter Michelle. With AMS supporting the operational load, Michelle can focus on sales and marketing and continue leading the business with confidence.

Glyn and Anne have been the proud faces behind Getaway Travel for 45 years. Their journey began in the fast-paced world of London’s travel scene, both working at Thomson Holidays (now TUI), with Glyn in marketing for Thomson Cruising and Anne in reservations. Their shared passion for travel brought them north to the Northeast of England, where their careers continued to flourish – Glyn as co-owner of Access Travel, organising group departures with the Newcastle Chronicle, and Anne with Lunn Poly and Co-op Travelwise in Gateshead.

In March 1980, a visit to Glyn’s hometown sparked a new chapter. He spotted a small, struggling travel agency for sale – Getaway Travel. The shop, housed in a building dating back to 1669, was full of charm and history. Glyn and Anne saw potential and took the leap. Over the years, they grew the business, eventually relocating to a more prominent spot on Whitby’s high street to meet increasing demand.

The family business took another exciting turn 20 years ago when their daughter, Michelle, joined the team. Armed with a degree in Marketing and Tourism and a love for long-haul and family travel, Michelle brought a new energy and expertise to the company, helping to modernise and expand its offerings.

Today, the Getaway Travel team includes not just family, but extended family in spirit. Jessica and Kirsty are trusted, familiar faces who’ve been with the business for years, offering their own wealth of experience. Most recently, Kieran has joined the crew – our in-house social media whiz – bringing a fresh digital edge to our communications. Their loyal cruise clientele continues to grow, and more travellers are turning to them for tours and once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiences.

Looking forward, Michelle and the team are excited about what’s on the horizon. From in-shop presentations to door-to-door leafleting, sponsoring local clubs, and hosting a new cruise event, the Getaway team is always planning ahead!

Commenting on the business transition decision, Owner, Michelle Stead said: “For anyone thinking of setting up their own travel business, we can’t recommend the Advantage Managed Services (AMS) model enough. Knowing your market and audience is key, but so is having solid support behind you. AMS offers just that, handling the complex backend – supplier payments, regulatory compliance – so you can focus on what you love: selling travel.”

With over 40 years as Advantage members (since the NAITA days!), the Steads know they’re in good hands. The future of Getaway Travel is bright – and still very much a family affair.

Here’s to many more years of helping people discover the world, one getaway at a time.

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