What inspired you to work for Sweet Escapes?
I was inspired to join Sweet Escapes because travel has always been a central part of my life. After years of exploring different destinations and cultures, I wanted to help others experience the same excitement, growth, and connection that travel has given me. Sweet Escapes’ focus on authentic, meaningful adventures perfectly matched my values, making it the ideal place to combine my passion with my professional skills.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day involves connecting with travel partners, responding to customer enquiries, and crafting tailored itineraries that match each traveller’s needs. I review bookings across all our platforms, ensure our listings are optimised, and work closely with the team to plan upcoming tours and experiences. Every day is different, but it’s always focused on making sure our guests have an unforgettable journey from the moment they enquire to the day they return home.
Hobie Beach
Why do you do what you do?
My why is simple — travel changes people. It inspires curiosity, builds connections, and creates memories that last a lifetime. I work at Sweet Escapes to help others experience the same joy and transformation that exploring new places has given me. Every trip we design is a chance to make someone’s world a little bigger and brighter.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is hearing from travellers after their trip. There’s something special about the excitement in their voices, the sparkle in their photos, and the way they describe the moments that stood out to them. Sometimes it’s a breathtaking view, sometimes it’s a conversation with a local, and sometimes it’s an unexpected adventure they didn’t see coming. Knowing that our planning, attention to detail, and passion for travel played a part in creating those memories is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why I do what I do — because every trip we design isn’t just an itinerary, it’s an opportunity to create stories our guests will cherish for a lifetime.
Cape Town
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my marketing background to create engaging campaigns and optimise our presence across global booking platforms, ensuring Sweet Escapes reaches the right travellers. My social sciences studies help me understand cultural nuances and connect with people from all walks of life. Combined with my own travel experience and previous work in voluntourism, I’m able to design and promote trips that are both authentic and deeply rewarding for our guests.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
One challenge I often face is balancing the unique expectations of travellers with the realities of logistics, availability, and seasonal factors. I overcome this by staying flexible, maintaining clear communication, and using my industry network to find creative solutions. Another challenge is keeping our tours visible in a competitive online market, which I address by continually refining our listings, leveraging my marketing skills, and building strong relationships with booking partners.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Right now, I’m focused on a full overhaul of the Sweet Escapes website to improve usability and showcase our experiences more effectively. I’m also revitalizing our social media presence to better engage travellers and updating all our package details and pricing to reflect the latest offerings for the coming year.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
I’d tell my pre-travel self to be open to every experience, even the ones that seem small at the time. Some of the best memories come from unexpected moments, and not everything has to go exactly to plan for the trip to be amazing. Pack lighter, plan smarter, and always leave room in the itinerary for spontaneity. The best experiences often happen between the scheduled ones.
Cape Recife Lighthouse
What makes Sweet Escapes special?
Sweet Escapes is special because we design travel experiences with genuine care and personal attention. Every itinerary is created by people who have lived, travelled, and explored the destinations we offer, ensuring authenticity and insider knowledge. We combine professional expertise with a passion for creating unforgettable moments, so our guests don’t just visit a place — they truly experience it. Our focus on quality, flexibility, and meaningful connections makes every Sweet Escapes trip unique.
Why should someone choose Sweet Escapes over competitors?
Travellers should choose Sweet Escapes because we offer more than just tours — we create personalised, memorable experiences designed around real connections with people, places, and cultures. Our team has first-hand knowledge of every destination we sell, so guests benefit from insider tips and carefully curated activities they won’t find in generic packages. We’re flexible, responsive, and committed to making every trip seamless from the moment of enquiry to the final day of travel. With Sweet Escapes, you’re not just booking a holiday — you’re investing in an experience you’ll remember for years.
What hopes do you have for the future of Sweet Escapes?
My hope for Sweet Escapes is to continue expanding our range of unique travel experiences while staying true to our focus on authenticity and personal connection. I want us to inspire more people from around the world to explore Southern Africa, not just as tourists, but as curious travellers who leave with a deeper understanding of its cultures, landscapes, and people. In the future, I see Sweet Escapes growing our network of local partners, embracing sustainable practices, and becoming the go-to choice for travellers seeking meaningful, unforgettable adventures.
Melissa Mitchell
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Sweet Escapes’ mission is to create authentic, memorable travel experiences that connect people with the culture, nature, and spirit of Southern Africa. We work toward this by personally curating every itinerary, partnering with trusted local providers, and ensuring every trip is crafted with attention to detail and respect for the communities we visit. Our team constantly travels, researches, and builds relationships on the ground so we can offer guests genuine experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants leave our programs with more than just great memories — I want them to gain a deeper appreciation for the places they’ve visited, the cultures they’ve experienced, and the people they’ve met. I want them to feel confident, inspired, and empowered to keep exploring, whether that’s through travel, new career opportunities like teaching, or personal growth. Most of all, I hope they carry home stories, skills, and friendships that will stay with them long after the program ends.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad opens your mind in ways nothing else can. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, challenges assumptions, and gives you a firsthand understanding of how others live, think, and celebrate life. Experiencing new cultures builds empathy, respect, and adaptability — qualities that stay with you long after the trip is over. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with people and gaining a richer, more balanced perspective of the world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about more than ticking destinations off a list — it’s about connection, understanding, and impact. It means immersing yourself in a place, engaging with its people, respecting its culture, and leaving it better than you found it. It’s travel that enriches both the traveller and the community, creating memories and relationships that last long after the trip ends.