I caught the travel bug from an early age and was lucky enough to have visited 5 continents before I turned 16. A career in the travel industry was always a no brainer for me; it combines my love of geography with the satisfaction of helping people piece together their dream trip. I have been in the industry for over six years and have been lucky enough to have now visited over forty countries.

After studying Russian history, it was particularly inspiring to see the winter palace in St Petersburg in person, and I even enjoyed sampling reindeer stew on a recent trip to Finland. In 2009 I drove from Holland to Russia (and back again!), beginning a life-long fascination with the far eastern corners of Europe. Here Europe ends and Asia begins and an intoxicating blend of cultures, ethnicities, and cuisine means no country is alike. 

My first visit to Russia, or to the then Soviet Union, was in 1973. Oranges were a sought after luxury and the tour guides towed the party line. Many illusions of down trodden, sullen people were dispelled – with temperatures hitting the upper 80s folk were out and about in summer clothes, eating ice creams, swimming in the rivers, picnicking and queuing at street barrels for the alcohol-free malt beer kvas. So started a long love affair with Russia.

I have since returned many, many times but my excitement for the country has never waivered. There is always a frisson of tension and a hustle and bustle about the place, especially in Moscow. One cannot fail to be awe-inspired by the former wealth of the Tsars and the autocracy with their opulent palaces and priceless art collections. It is worth venturing off the well-trodden tourist routes to experience the vastness of the world’s largest country.

Take the train from Moscow to Irkutsk - an amazing piece of engineering in itself - to gaze in wonder at the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal. Stop en route in Yekaterinburg, Russia’s first industrial city; and the gateway between Europe and the East with the Ural Mountains forming a natural boundary Yekaterinburg’s main claim to fame is as the city where the last Tsar of Russia’s family were assassinated.

My first tour with Regent was over 27 years ago to the then staunch communist state of Albania. All foreigners were viewed with suspicion and one had to walk through a disinfectant trough on entry in order not to contaminate the local populace. Several times I was hauled before the secret police because members of my group had tried to venture on to a train. It took much persuasion to convince them of the British love of rail travel. North Korea is not dissimilar today; in order to pay your respects to the late Great Leader and founder of the present day state, you have to be fumigated!

If I had to pick a favourite tour it would have to be Russia and the trip I took down the river Volga. There's the Kremlin, GUM and Red Square in Moscow at the start and the Great Palace and famous museums of St Petersburg at the end, but the best bit is that you get to see Russian life from the banks of the Volga. There is also a stop in Kizhi Island. The huge wooden churches here are one of Russia's least known but most impressive attractions.

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!