Q: When did you first realise you wanted a career in travel?
A: As a young girl, I used to write letters to the consulates of various countries and request brochures to be sent to me about their country, so my thirst for knowledge about our world has been a passion for well over 50 years.
Q: 40 years on, have you enjoyed your time in the industry?
A: Absolutely – it’s the most exciting industry to be a part of. I still seem to learn something new and interesting about the world we live in every day – what industry and subsequent career can still give you this after 40 years!
Q: What have been some of the highlights along the way?
A: Many highlights, from travels around the world including visits to the Amazon rainforest, the Arctic, Alaska and Antarctica to name a few, and of course the fabulous people in the industry who you meet and form friendships with.
But my biggest highlight is owning my own agency for the past 24 years which I am immensely proud of and we’re still going strong today.
Q: Any lowlights?
A: Obviously the pandemic was the worst, but way back in the late 80’s was the pilots’ strike which I remember being really challenging at the time.
Q: Who would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?
A: I have been lucky to have worked with many wonderful people along the way and have picked up little nuggets of goodness from them all (a very diplomatic answer!)
Q: What have been the biggest changes in the industry since you started?
A: Technology and the internet. It amazes me somewhat how we could have worked without them like we did back in the 80’s.
Q: What would you say to someone considering a career in travel right now?
A: Do it! This industry is amazing, full of opportunities and I love how it constantly changes. These are just some of the many beauties of it.
Q: Where are some of your favourite places in the world?
A: I do love any travel that involves nature but also love a good city stay in New York and then there’s always Italy for the food and wine.
And as people who know me know, if there’s a Springsteen or U2 concert anywhere in the world, I’m likely to be found there too!
