In the skies, we've seen our fair share of eyebrow-raising stories, from mid-flight marriage proposals to impromptu concerts by traveling musicians. But every now and then, a tale comes along that truly captures the imagination and shows us the lengths to which some people will go to make the most of their flying experience. Today, we're sharing the remarkable story of Julie Brown and her husband Josh from Picton, NSW, whose dedication to travel and savvy use of Jetstar's loyalty program has taken them to every corner of the airline's network.


The Browns' love for adventure and a good deal is nothing short of extraordinary. As members of Club Jetstar, the couple has been on a decade-long journey, saving a whopping $20,000 and visiting 34 destinations with their three young children. Their story is a testament to the power of a good sale and the allure of new horizons.


'It's really exciting,' said Ms. Brown, reflecting on their travels. 'Completing the whole network wasn't something we intentionally planned but just happened naturally as sales came up and we looked for places we hadn't traveled to.' The family's wanderlust has taken them to 22 national and 12 international destinations, with 15 of those trips occurring in the past two years alone.


Jetstar, too, has been taken aback by the Browns' impressive travel record. 'It is certainly not everyday we see a family who travels this much,' a Jetstar spokesperson remarked. 'It is exciting to see a savvy family who has benefited from Club Jetstar discounts for over 10 years, exploring more places for less.'

The Browns' most recent trip to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands marked one of the last destinations on their Jetstar checklist. Ms. Brown described the island as a paradise unlike any other they've visited. 'It looked like Hawaii but a lot more relaxed,' she said. From quad biking to snorkeling and enjoying beach bars and restaurants, the family found no shortage of activities to fill their days.

One of the highlights was a day trip to Aitutaki, a small island known for its breathtaking lagoon and barrier reef. Ms. Brown and one of her children ventured there, taking a separate plane and boat to reach what she described as 'the most beautiful place in the world hands down.'


Traveling as a family of five isn't cheap, but the Browns have mastered the art of finding deals. 'The Club Jetstar sales usually come out one day prior to the general public, which is why we always get the best deals on flights,' Ms. Brown explained. Both she and her husband, a project manager in construction, work full-time, making their holidays an essential time for unwinding and creating lifelong memories with their children.

Jetstar is currently celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Sydney to Rarotonga route with discounted fares starting at just $229 one-way. The sale, which runs until 11.59pm AEST on Saturday, July 9, 2024, has seen a surge in popularity for the Cook Islands destination. Since the launch of the direct route, over 50,000 customers have been carried to the island's white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters.

The airline has responded to the growing demand by increasing its services to four return flights per week. 'Having Jetstar flying four direct flights per week from Sydney is a game changer for the Cook Islands,' said Graeme West, Australasia Cook Islands Tourism general manager. With visitor arrivals from Australia steadily increasing and setting new records, the route has been a resounding success.


As we marvel at the Browns' globetrotting achievements, it's clear that with a bit of planning and a keen eye for deals, the sky's the limit when it comes to exploring the world. So, dear readers, where will your next adventure take you? Have you ever taken advantage of airline loyalty programs to satisfy your wanderlust? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and let's celebrate the joy of travel together!