Having spent over 5 years in the travel industry, I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to experience a variety of different countries. My personal passion is taking a cruise – I find them to be a great way to see a whole host of destinations and scenery in one trip without having to unpack more than once! One day I would love to experience one of our Arctic cruises, the voyages that visit Spitsbergen and Greenland are fascinating.

I still love our land-based holidays too - spending 10 days exploring Iceland was an incredible experience as I got to try many activities for the first time. While whale watching from Reykjavik Harbour I was lucky enough to see whales swimming right next to our boat. One of my favourite excursions was horse riding through to the volcanic landscapes – the scenery was incredible. There is something for everyone in Iceland and I think it is one of the loveliest places in the world.

Growing up in a village in sunny West Yorkshire, I was always torn between travel and design when it came to deciding my future. I went down the travel route and after ten years working in the industry, I decided to scratch that design itch, and headed to Devon where I spent a year living in a campervan, working in a remote workshop, studying furniture design and craftsmanship. Though it was one of the best times of my life, I found myself being drawn back into the travel industry and moved to Bristol.

I was lucky enough to travel as a child with my family but fell in love with the mountains when I went skiing on a school trip. That turned into working in Chamonix, France, and later spent a ski season in Banff, Canada, as a snowboard instructor. When it comes to travel, rugged natural landscapes and mountains are my go-to.

I’ve travelled a fair bit, but Iceland is still ‘the one’. I always wanted to travel there for as long as I can remember and ended up booking a trip for a week, but once there I ended up staying for the best part of a month. It was everything I expected and more. I’d never experienced anywhere like that, somewhere so bleak and beautiful at the same time; I don’t think there are many places in the world like that – especially not within three hours of the UK. ‘Otherworldly’ is definitely the word.

Following that trip, I visited Japan for a month, which again was incredible but didn’t compare to Iceland. Returning to Iceland with Regent this year I thought it may be different or possibly spoil my memories of it, but it didn’t at all - it’s still my favourite.

I road-tripped through the country both times. Pitching a tent in the dark one night and waking up to realise we were just alongside Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon was just spectacular. On my next visit, I’m going to head to the north-west and explore the northern regions deeper, as well as taking a 4x4 out to discover the remote highlands in the summer.

I’ve finally ticked the last country in Scandinavia off the list, having now just returned from Southern Finland, exploring Helsinki and some of the countryside and towns in the south, and have previously visited Norway and Sweden.

Greenland is the next one on the list; I love anywhere vast, cold and remote, so it’s the natural next step from Iceland. With Regent, I’m heading to Southern Greenland this summer – the greenest part of the frozen country, where I’ll be immersing myself in Inuit culture, kayaking through the fjord systems and floating past immense icebergs under my own steam. I absolutely cannot wait!

I left school not knowing what I wanted to do - I just knew I didn’t want to go to school anymore! So my Mum dragged me into the Career’s Library where a Job was advertised for a YTS (Youth Trainee Scheme) In Travel and Tourism (nowadays it’s called a Modern Apprentice). I managed to get through 2 years of ‘on the job training’ and they offered me a full time position as a Sales Advisor. Fast forward 20 years and I’m still in travel. I wouldn't do anything else: it’s in my blood.

I’ve been fortunate to experience many aspects of travel and have been to so many places and worked with some great people. Previously I worked in the luxury travel sector which really challenged me and was very rewarding, so when I had to relocate to the west country it made me really think about what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted something different, so I was so delighted to take on a role at Regent in their Arctic Department.

The product is so unique and I love knowing that I can offer something different and unusual; something that really makes people listen. Since starting here, I have been lucky enough to travel to Lapland and Iceland - both of which I love.

Lapland is so clean and unspoilt, particularly the Ivalo area. I have never seen such beautiful snow! When the sun shone it created a diamond-like effect, glistening so brightly. The people are so friendly and really want to make sure you are having the best time and do their best to help you see the Northern Lights. Lapland is really so much more than just meeting Santa! I think it has something for everyone and can be brilliant for special occasions.

Iceland is such a fascinating destination. If you have an interest in geology or photography this is the place for you. You have to expect the unexpected when you go - especially in terms of the weather! My favourite was getting out of the city and into the countryside. As I travelled around the island the landscape and scenery was constantly changing. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon was a highlight. It’s unbelievable to see giant ice chunks gently bobbing along in the lagoon and then we followed it up with a glacier hike.

I’ve got many more destinations to try and I’m very much looking forward to getting stuck in!