Q: What was it that inspired you to join the travel industry in the first place?
A: I loved travelling. When I was 11, my parents took us to America for a seven-week adventure. From then I was hooked.
Once I finished Uni, I went to the UK, lived in London and travelled a little of Europe. I started in the chalet ski industry in London and from there, the rest is history.
Q: What is it about the travel industry that you enjoy the most?
A: The adventure and the people. I have been lucky enough to travel to some AMAZING places because of my job.
The sense of adventure is here. We love travelling and love exploring. Getting to work with other travel junkies is great too. There is always something new to see and somewhere new to explore.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what other career path might you have taken?
A: No idea! I wanted to be a teacher when I was little, but these days I couldn’t imagine being a teacher!
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Enjoy the ride. Always be open to learning new things. There is SO much to learn and things are constantly changing. You will never know everything, so don’t stress about that. Just enjoy each day and have fun along the way.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Listen and take it all in. Starting a new position in a new place can be overwhelming. I take lots of notes, listen to everyone around me and try to absorb it like a sponge.
You might be able to recall everything, but somewhere in the memory and the notes you might find your answers. If not, pick up the phone and ask for help!
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: Right now people are stressed and worried about their clients due to the Middle East and the fuel crisis. But travellers have a short memory. Once this calms down, it will be back to business as usual and people will be rushing to book new holidays.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Dolly Parton – she’s such a talented and lovely person. She’s an international treasure!!! I’d love to talk with her about life, country music and all of her amazing charity work. 🙂
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: There are SO many that have wowed me! A few that have captivated me would be Peru. I had NO idea how amazing Peru is. The Incan history really blew me away. Plus the scenery was amazing also.
Some other favourites are the mountains of Switzerland and the country music in Nashville.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: When I was doing a Bunnik famil in Peru in 2014 we were doing a small walking tour of the markets in Colca Canyon. Very odd place and very random, a lady tapped me on my shoulder and said “are you Lee’s daughter?”
It was my Dad’s cousin that I hadn’t seen since I was about eight-years-old! She recognised me (no idea how) in the crowd.
We sat down and had some pisco sours together. Such a random encounter in such an odd place.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Bunnik Tours?
A: I am really excited to be working for such an amazing Australian company. I travelled with Bunnik in 2014 and since then I have really loved their product and their Bunnik Way.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with trade partners and helping to boost theirs and our business and get more Bunnik bookings.
Main image: Kate (second from left) in Peru in 2014
