Touring and Adventure holidays can mean different things to different people and that’s why we introduced a specialist team of experts with over 40 years of experience, who have travelled to over 55 countries and can tailor-make your dream Touring and Adventure holiday.
Heading up the team is Natalie Greaves who has travelled to over 40 countries and has over 10 years of experience in the travel industry.
We asked Natalie to tell us a little about her incredible travel experience to get to know her.
How did you get into the travel industry?
Exploring the world is all I wanted to do growing up. I worked through university to save my student loan to go backpacking and left on a one-way flight to Australia before my graduation. I spent 18 months away and loved every moment. On my return I had no idea what I was going to do, I answered an advert in the paper for a sales role asking for people who had travelled to more than three continents, and so my travel career began.
The number of countries you have visited.?
70+
Favourite destination and why?
It’s difficult to pick just one but Patagonia is up there with its crystal blue lakes, glaciers and breathtaking mountains. The Australian outback is a close second, seeing Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) was something I always wanted to do and an incredible experience that many travelling to OZ miss out on.
Camping under the stars in a swag at a cattle station in the red centre is something I will never forget, as I toured from Darwin to Adelaide. Cambodia too, the people were so friendly and inspiring especially given the country’s recent history, really makes you think and appreciate what we have at home.
Your top adventure activity?
Skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef, trekking to Machu Pichu and Everest Base camp and sandboarding in Peru are standouts for me.
Who do you prefer to travel with?
Solo travel within an organised tour has been my favourite (not sure my husband will be a fan of that answer!). You have the security of the leader; they take away stress. You have people to share meals with and enjoy experiences should you wish to, but you have the freedom to do what you want when you want, you don’t have to compromise your experience in any way.
The item you can’t travel without?
If I am backpacking, I would say a sleeping bag liner! Otherwise, a phone/camera to capture as many memories and experiences as possible. I often forget the small details and love to look back on the places.
What weirdest thing you have eaten on your travels?
Guinea pig in Peru (it came out whole and smoked on a stick), crickets in Thailand, crocodile, green ants and kangaroo in Australia. You only live once!
Where are you planning to travel next?
I have a young family now, but with our youngest starting school in September, I feel we might be ready to explore the world again. I like the idea of doing an organised tour, as the planning, safety and stress is taken away and I can focus on making memories and supporting the children. We have already done European cities together; I have seen tours in both Costa Rica and Vietnam that look perfect for us as the next step.
