ALANA SALE is the new Luxury Travel Manager for Complex Travel Group’s new Onboard Luxury brand. Here she tells us a little more about herself.
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: My first job was at McDonalds. One of the most important things it taught me was structure, clean as you go and that there is a system for everything and it works.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Be a sponge! When starting a new position, I try to absorb as much information as possible. In addition to building autonomy and contributing effectively to the team, it also means I don’t bug people for too long needing help.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: To make sure they do as much travel as they can and also work in some sales roles prior so they know what to expect. Immersing yourself in different cultures and understanding the nuances of travel firsthand is invaluable.
Q: What did the pandemic teach you about yourself?
A: Resilience. I came out the other side not giving in when I easily could have.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what career path might you have taken?
A: I might have explored my interest in languages – I studied French at school – and become an interpreter. Or sleuthing. I have great skills in problem solving, puzzles and brain teasers are my thing.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: It’s been in turbo mode over the last few years since COVID and hasn’t slowed down yet. There’s been a strong resurgence in travel demand, which is great to see.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Jessica Nabongo, a Ugandan/American travel blogger who has travelled to every country in the world. I had the pleasure of meeting her once at a GAdventures Summit. Her story is amazing and I could talk to her for hours about her trips for a long-haul plane flight!
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: Chicago is my all-time favourite city, it just has a “vibe”. It offers everything you could ever want in a holiday and you just have to visit to understand the vibe.
My favourite warm weather/beach holiday destination is Hawaii. In addition to being stunning, with its multiple islands, it also has a great food scene and endless activities. The people and culture of the USA makes the overall country one of my favourite places in the world.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: I flew into Heathrow the day the war on terror started in 2003 and it was a very surreal experience. Tanks and guns were everywhere, the airport and streets were lined with military and I thought “this is either it or it’s not, let’s see what happens!”.
That was my first ever solo trip overseas and I was permanently moving to London so it was quite the introduction to life abroad!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Complex Travel Group/Onboard Luxury?
A: To be involved in the rollout of a brand in a boutique business is much more rewarding to me now than working for a major company where I don’t feel I can make the same difference.
Autonomy to evolve the Onboard Luxury brand and be part of something huge in the travel industry is just so exciting and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish.
Part of the Complex Travel Group, Onboard Luxury specialising in bespoke, top-tier travel experiences that embody the epitome of effortless luxury.
