Travel has always been in my blood. Having been born and brought up in Hong Kong I boarded my first long-haul flight aged 6 months. I spent my childhood being taken to exotic, off the beaten track destinations by my parents and as I grew older my desire to explore the world only increased.

I knew that a career in travel was for me when I returned from backpacking around Japan, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. If I could provide amazing travel experiences and memories for others, like the ones I had, then why would I want to do anything else? It’s a treat every day to be able to share my passion with others.

Recently I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to embark on a fly-drive around Route 1, the ring road circling Iceland. A country that I am completely in awe of. It beggars belief that around every corner there is a new and equally spectacular waterfall, lava field or glacier to feast your eyes upon. It’s hard to put into words how breathtakingly beautiful the scenery is, how friendly the people are and how fascinating the history, geology and nature of Iceland is. A particular highlight of mine was travelling down the south coast and visiting Reynisfjara black sand beach and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, never have I experienced anything quite like it. There is so much more to Iceland than the northern lights! 

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!

I’ve been working in the travel industry since I got my first ‘proper job’ in the late 1990’s. I figured that if I don’t have the money to travel then perhaps somebody might pay me to do so! The reality wasn’t quite like that but over the years I have used every available opportunity to visit all sorts of areas and try new adventures that I might not have otherwise considered; I have watched Beach Volleyball during the Sydney Olympics, climbed the highest peaks in Africa, followed Bradley Wiggins on my bike in the Tour de France and sailed a tall ship down the Brazilian coast. Since joining Regent in 2012 my focus has been on Russia and Eastern Europe with recent visits to Moscow and St Petersburg as well as a short spell leading our tour to Moldova. This tiny, and very friendly, republic is my new favourite country with loads to offer the experienced traveller and can easily be combined with a tour down to the Crimea in Southern Ukraine.

Read more about my travel to Regent Holiday's destinations in my blog or click here to explore our Ukraine, Moldova or Russia holidays.