The Sales & Marketing Manager at Booking Boss talks about that one time she tried to leave travel & why she thinks Queenstown is the ultimate winter getaway.
1. How long have you been in the industry?
Since 2003 – I did the Student Volunteer Program with Tourism Australia (then the Australian Tourist Commission) during my final year at university and my first paid role was with Hayman as a reservations consultant.
2. What was your most amazing travel experience?
I got to go to Arnhem Land with Lords Safaris while hosting a famil.
The culture, history and beauty of Arnhem Land is mind blowing. I have never seen or experienced a place similar to it in Australia.
I want to go back as I only got a tiny taste and I know there is so much more the explore and to learn.
3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Aspects of a job that were weird – while working for Featherdale Wildlife Park, I had to dress up in a Bilby onesie for an Easter photoshoot and hold a Bilby.
I don’t think there are many people out in the world who have had to do that for work.
4. What’s the first ever country you travelled to and how did you find it?
I first went to New Zealand to go snowboarding (I had never skied before, no idea why I decided that I was going to be a snowboarder?).
I had never seen mountains before and stepping off the plane at Queenstown, my jaw was literally on the floor.
5. What is on your wish list of places to visit?
Cuba. It gives a glimpse into the past with a wonderful fun culture. I dream about dancing the night away in Cuba.
6. Who was your biggest mentor growing up?
My mentors have changed as I have grown. My current mentor is Sally Cope.
She has taught me not only how to navigate through parts of my career, she has taught me about strategy and how to put together a plan and how to see it through to the end.
7. How has working in travel changed you?
I have tried once to leave travel and I lasted three months.
This industry is a community and we support each other through the hard times and the good.
We not only get to sell people their dream holidays/experiences, we get to do it with a great bunch of people. It really is the most fun industry there is.
8. What’s your biggest life achievement to date?
By finding wonderful people to surround me and fill up my life. People who promote positiveness, happiness and who challenge me to be the best that I can.
9. What’s your number one in-flight travel tip?
You can get collapsible water bottles. You can take this on your carry-on and fill up after you have gone through security.
10. What advice would you give to someone new to the industry?
Network, network, network. Join committees like Young ATEC where you not only meet your peers and potential mentors/employers, but you get to give back to the industry also.
Have a question for Meredith? 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
