What inspired you to work for Global Work & Travel?
My huge passion for travel and helping others experience travel in a very meaningful way. Until I went on my first solo trip abroad (a working holiday to Australia) I didn't realize how life-changing a work abroad experience could be! From nights I don't remember with friends I'll never forget, it was the adventure of a lifetime that I feel everyone should go for at least once in their lifetime.
Stopover in Cairo on my way from the Global Work & Travel London office back to Australia HQ!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
The world isn't as scary as the media and non-travellers say it is! I feel the news, at least international news, is made up of all the drama happening overseas and none of the happy/good stuff! As a result, people develop a fear of the unknown and get the wrong idea about a lot of amazing places out there.
What makes Global Work & Travel special?
The people, the passion, the care factor. The 'human' side of our company has always been a major contributor to our success and growth over the years. As many of our customers are first-time travelers to their destination or trip style, they often require that voice of reassurance and a helping hand who actually cares about them and the outcome of their experience overseas.
What makes Global Work & Travel easy to market to potential participants?
Constantly providing elite customer service by carefully managing expectations, then going above and beyond to deliver the travel experience of a lifetime. Staying ahead of the curve with innovative technology to make customers' lives easier is also important these days, particularly in the youth travel market.
Just keep swimming. Making underwater pals while swimming in the gorgeous Maldives.
Why should someone choose Global Work & Travel over competitors?
The people, the passion, the care factor. The 'human' side of our company has always been a major contributor to our success and growth over the years. As many of our customers are first-time travelers to their destination or trip style, they often require that voice of reassurance and a helping hand who actually cares about them and the outcome of their experience overseas.
If you could participate in one of the Global Work & Travel programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Having grown up in a family of educators, our teaching English trips have always been a favorite of mine. Not only do you gain an international teaching certificate and an opportunity to earn an income overseas, you get to experience an amazing culture in an incredibly unique and rewarding way (plus getting to try a bunch of new yummy food… oh the food!).
What is the Global Work & Travel mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Constantly providing elite customer service by carefully managing expectations, then going above and beyond to deliver the travel experience of a lifetime. Staying ahead of the curve with innovative technology to make customers' lives easier is also important these days, particularly in the youth travel market!
There were beautiful views while taking train rides cross-country in Sri Lanka.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
The trip of a lifetime is chalk-filled with great memories and stories, new international friends, greater perspective, and of course the travel bug! Our trips are designed to get people out of their comfort zone to experience the world in a very safe and meaningful way, especially well-suited to first time travelers.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
To gain perspective! Far too often we get bogged down with 'life' and get in a habit of sweating all the small stuff. Once one becomes exposed to how others get by with so little, yet are so happy, it creates a monumental positive transformation to one's outlook on life! This, to me at least, is one of the best parts about traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
It gives you yet another great excuse to live abroad! If there is any proven and effective method to absolutely master a new language and become fluent, it's living in a place where you must practice and use the new language every day. It also opens a new passageway to really experience that culture, as the locals always appreciate travelers who communicate using their local tongue.
Team Member of the Quarter Award at Global Work & Travel HQ. So honored and excited!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
The only thing standing between you and living out your travel dreams are the excuses you keep telling yourself. There will always be a reason not to travel, whether it be a friend's birthday party coming up, or your parents in your ear about it being too dangerous. Write down your goal, create your timeline to achieve it, book your trip - then go for it! You'll be happily amazed at how safe, friendly and wonderful the rest of the world really is.
I've always found people who travel rarely ever have a single regret about going on their adventures overseas, but the ones who never went for it are consumed by “What if I had just gone?” As the old quote goes, "Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.”
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Doing more than just the typical tourist. Sure, everyone needs a holiday to chill out and sip cocktails by the pool soaking up the sun, but a hangover and sunburn doesn't have a lot of 'meaning' behind it. To me, getting off the beaten track and interacting with locals and wildlife in a completely new and authentic part of the world is meaningful travel.
