Find out why Emma Swan, New Horizons Holidays’ Sri Lanka and India specialist says everyone MUST visit and why working in the industry has been a rewarding experience.
1. How long have you been in the industry?
I started working within the travel industry in 1999 as an International Travel Consultant for a large well known retail brand.
2. Tell us about one of your most amazing travel experiences?
It would have to be India.
What a truly amazing country with so much to offer from cooking tours, beach stays, historical sites to health and spiritual retreats.
It has something to offer everyone. I got to tick off a few things off my bucket list by visiting the breathtaking Taj Mahal, taking an elephant ride at Amber Fort and seeing a tigress and her two cubs in Ranthambore National Park.
I recommend a visit to India to everyone at least once in their lifetime.
3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
The weirdest job I’ve had would probably have to be tutoring Korean students.
I couldn’t speak a word of Korean so it made the whole experience quite bizarre.
4. First ever country you travelled to?
I travelled a lot as a young child, however the first overseas trip I actually remember was a school trip to France at age 14.
I loved every minute of it and believe this is when I decided I wanted to make travel my career.
5. Wishlist of places yet to visit?
I would love to see more of the Indian subcontinent.
My next planned trip with work is hopefully to Bhutan and Nepal.
6. Who was your biggest mentor/influence growing up?
There are a few people who have helped encourage and shape my life in many ways, however my biggest influence would have to be my Grandmother.
She was such a strong and determined woman who raised nine children during difficult times.
She always had lots of wisdom and was great to go to for advice.
7. How has working in travel changed you?
Working within the travel industry has allowed me to travel to some amazing countries that I may never have got to visit otherwise.
It has also given me a greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures.
8. What’s your biggest life achievement to date?
Buying my first home at 21 years of age was my biggest achievement.
I love to decorate and couldn’t wait to get in and put my stamp on the place.
9. What’s one in-flight travel tip?
Keep yourself well hydrated and don’t forget a good book to read.
10. What advice would you give someone new to the industry?
Working in the travel industry can be very rewarding, however depending on which area of the travel industry you decide to work in it can be quite stressful at times.
I would say be prepared for the highs and lows and don’t forget to brush up on your geography skills.
Have a question for Emma? Leave it below and we’ll get you the answer.
Getting to Know You is our good will gesture to promote the TIME program. The TIME program is focused on a Mentor/Mentee relationship that is ‘mentee-driven’. Mentors are drawn from the senior ranks of the industry and have generously volunteered their time and energy to the mentor process. They are matched to Mentees on the basis of non-conflicting business skills and experience that enables them to offer advice and perspective to the Mentee. The role of the Mentor is to hold their Mentee accountable and to offer challenging ideas that will inspire the Mentee, helping to building the individuals self confidence through praise, encouragement and constructive feedback.
If you are interested in joining TIME as a mentor or mentee visit their website