What's your favorite thing about traveling?

Meeting local people, discovering their culture and different way of life.

Why do you think it's important to travel?

It's pretty obvious to say “because it broadens the mind” but that's really a catchall for the overall sense of perspective you get from leaving the everyday behind and being somewhere different, whether it's the first time there or it's somewhere you go back to over and over.

What's the best place you've ever visited and why?

The country I visit more than any other is Italy, but it's hard to have a favorite place there. It's a country of vast differences yet at the same time Italians share consistent values and characteristics: they all love food. Or at least all the Italians I've met.

What destination is at the top of your must-visit list?

New Zealand. Pretty much because of The Hobbit.

What's something you always bring with you when you travel?

Spices.

How do you manage pre-trip stress and/or unexpected situations during your travels?

Obsessive planning.

What were your reasons for choosing to work in travel? And what value do you see in it?

Travel marketing is a lot more fun than marketing most other products or services! The value of what we do is obvious to me when I see the dedication that my colleagues in each of our destinations puts into their work, and how that helps our guests gain a true understanding and appreciation of the places they visit with us.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t got around to yet?