Gemma
International Product Manager
On my 19th birthday, having stepped on a plane only once before, I flew into South India on a six-month volunteer programme teaching English. Nothing like throwing yourself in the deep end! From that trip I was hooked on travel and a career in the travel industry was a no-brainer. Over the years I have travelled extensively, but Asia is really where my heart lies. When I step off the plane, breathe in the delicious smell of Asian food, and hear the friendly banter of the tuk-tuk drivers, it immediately brings a smile to my face.
I travel for...
Food
Eating is my second passion in life. When I’m travelling I love sampling the local cuisine – wandering around food markets and eating in local eateries. You can’t beat the food stalls that you find in Asia’s night markets. Some of the dishes may not be immediately recognisable but choose a stall that’s popular with the locals and you know you’re onto a good thing.
Meeting the locals
To feel a real sense of place and get under the skin of a destination I think it’s essential to spend time with the local people. I always include experiences such as cooking and sharing a meal with a family, joining in a spiritual ceremony or overnighting in a homestay in my trips. It’s also a great way of giving back to the local community.
Memorable moments
Travelling for me is not about sitting on a tropical beach for two weeks doing nothing. I prefer trips to include experiences that are totally unique, generating memories that will last a lifetime.
Climbing Kilimanjaro, swimming with whale sharks in Indonesia, taking an overnight train in India and being blessed by a Bhutanese monk are just a handful of my memorable moments.
