About Me
My Background
I was born in Tasmania and was 14 when I first travelled overseas on a family holiday to South East Asia. My first job took me to work abroad in the early 80's and since then I've travelled the world extensively from the back blocks of China to South Africa, from New Zealand to America. I now live in the UK and continue to explore the wonderful world we live in.
How I Got Started
In 2013 I travelled on a Great Rail Journey's India's Golden Triangle and Shimla tour. I was so impressed with the role of our Tour Manager that she inspired me to apply for a role with Great Rail Journeys, and the rest is history. I've now managed tours throughout Europe, India, America and Russia.
Top Destinations
My favourite place to visit is the exciting and vibrant Golden Triangle Region of India including a trip on the toy train into the Himalayas to the unique town of Shimla. Other favourites include Moscow and St Petersburg, Italy and Switzerland. In 2019 I led a tour on the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express from Moscow to Vladivostok via Mongolia - it was a dream come true! Each place I visit is a top destination as when you take the time to explore them they all have something unique!
Experience
Travel Tour Manager Experience
2015-16: Tour Manager - Great Rail Journeys/Rail Discoveries
Award: Special Recognition Award Rail Discoveries
Countries: Austria (Tyrol), Switzerland (Jungfrau Region), Germany, Scotland
2016-17: Tour Manager - Great Rail Journeys/Rail Discoveries
Award: Tour Manager of the Year (North) Rail Discoveries
Countries: Austria, Italy (Lake Como), Croatia, Germany, Italy (Rome & Sorrento), Switzerland (Glacier Express)
2017-18: Tour Manager - Great Rail Journeys/Rail Discoveries
Award: Tour Manager of the Year Runner-Up (North) Rail Discoveries
Countries: India, USA (New England), Puglia, Germany, Yorkshire, France, Italy (Lake Como)
2018-19: Tour Manager - Great Rail/Rail Discoveries
Award: Special Recognition Rail Discoveries
Countries: Russia, Imperial Cities (Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest), Switzerland (Jungfrau Region), French Riveria, Italy (Lake Como), India
2019: Tour Manager - Great Rail/Rail Discoveries
Countries: India, Trans Siberian Railway (London - Berlin - Warsaw - Moscow - Vladivostok via Mongolia), Italy, Moscow, St Petersburg
2020 - Rail Discoveries
UK - Yorkshire by Steam
2021 - Great Rail Journeys / Rail Discoveries
UK - Yorkshire, Isle of Man, Devon, Scotland
2022 - Great Rail Journeys / Rail Discoveries
Countries: Scotland, Italy, Switzerland, Imperial Cities of Europe, Oter Hebrides
Scotland & Isle of Man
2023 - Great Rail Journeys / Rail Discoveries / Railway Touring Company
Countries: Uzbekistan, Arctic Norway & the Midnight Sun, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Japan
2024 - Great Rail Journeys
Grand Tour of South Africam, Rome & the Amalfi Coast, Scotland
Puglia, Highlights of Tuscany
Outside Irkutsk - one foot in Asia and the other in Europe!
Tour Manager Role
The role of a Tour Manager is to manage the logistics of the tour, liaise with local ground agents, hotel and restaurant staff and I always do my upmost to ensure the tour goes smoothly enabling passengers to relax, enjoy and make the most of their holiday. I am also there to help with local information, assist with any problems passengers may have and make suggestions for things to do and places to see during any free time. I am the first point of call for any questions, problems or concerns.
My tour group in Jaipur, India