Nicole knows how to enjoy food, beaches and the adventurous side of travel. Here our Laos Operation Manager talks harrowing trails, eating local and the beauty of philanthropic travel…
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What parts of SE Asia have you been to?
I have been lucky enough to be able to go to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and have been living in Laos for the past 6 years. I have spent a good amount of time working in Bangkok and Yangon the last couple years as well.
What has been your most challenging travel experience in SE Asia?
I would have to say that my most challenging experience was when I was taking a public bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in the rainy season. Even though I had taken the only route available from the south to the north a few times before, I was still nervous as it was the rainy season and the road is a narrow two lanes that follows along high mountain ridges. The journey, which offers some of the most breathtaking views of Laos, is usually around 9 hours. This time it took me 19 hours to get home to Luang Prabang. We battled torrential downpours, mudslides and accidents along the way. We were stopped for the longest time trying to help a Beerlao truck that was hanging off a cliff from dropping ready to drop the valley below. It was definitely an experience not to forget, trying to help villagers and passengers pull a truck off the side of the mountain in knee deep mud. Luckily we were able to do it and once I got home I promised myself I would never take that journey again in the rainy season — lesson learned!
Favorite travel memory?
This is definitely a hard one since I feel that every travel excursion has created many unforgettable memories. Each destination I have traveled holds a favorite memory because its all relative to that period of time in my life and the destination I was visiting. If I had to pick then I would have to say that my favorite had to be the first time I traveled to Thailand. It was special because I was 24 and had never had the ability to travel outside of the US before. Many Americans travel to Canada or Europe for their first time but mine was on the opposite side of the world. I traveled Thailand for 2 weeks with 2 very close friends and had an experience of a lifetime. I was hooked after that trip and couldn’t wait for the next journey.
Your favourite property in SE Asia?
I know it might seem like I am playing favorites by saying Journeys Within B&B but it is in fact been one of my favorite properties in SE Asia. I love it because it feels like a second home. It was the first place I went to stay when coming to live and work in SE Asia and is still a place a go to visit to this day. I personally know the staff and have developed bonds with them over the years. I love how comfortable it feels. It has everything you need (good food, relaxing spa, refreshing pool, strong wifi and an impressive DVD library) without feeling overwhelming like some 4-5 star properties. I also love that it’s next door to the JWOC community center and so I am able to go over and visit with the staff and students, which are always a highlight to my visit to Siem Reap.
Favorite dining experience?
Anytime I travel I like to experience the most authentic, traditional dishes of that destination. I usually try to search out and try as many “mom and pop” restaurants I can find. I think that it’s just as important to try the real local food as it is seeing the landmarks and treasured sites in order to get a complete experience of the destination you are visiting. My favorite experience would have to be when I am welcomed into the homes of my guides and people I meet along the way for a home cooked meal. When I was traveling in Myanmar my favorite meal was at our Country Director, Dar Le’s house. I got to watch the preparation of the food and ask questions about local ingredients and traditional dishes. Food always tastes better when you know it’s made with a little love.
Experience you LOVE booking for guests?
One of my favorite tours that I developed over the years is the Villages and Temples on the Mekong in Luang Prabang, Laos. It love creating tours for guests that add to their personal experience and allows them to make deeper connections to the places and people they visit. On this tour the guests are able to meet local people, learn about their livelihoods and take part in traditional customs and ceremonies. They are also able to see how the fees for their tour go back into the communities they are visiting since Journeys Within pays the individuals for their time and also creates a fund for the village so that we may help on a larger scale with projects concerning the village temple, school or meeting hall. Guests always love the experience because they get to go off the beaten tourist track and meet Lao people. I think no amount of temples, waterfalls or museums can compare to meeting and sharing time with people.
Do you have a memorable guest/guest feedback?
I recently received some touching feedback from a guest who is traveling with us for a second time and has become a supporter of the nonprofit organization, Journey Within Our Community (JWOC) that Andrea founded soon after starting Journeys Within Tour Company. She thoroughly praised the entire JW team from the tour consultants who have worked closely with her on developing the tour they wanted to the ground operators and guides who facilitated some of their best travel experiences. One of the aspects that touched them the most was JW commitment to helping the communities where we worked and providing a platform for guests to get involved. They visited some of the projects that JWOC created and were so moved by who they met and the work that we were doing that they became lifelong supporters, even naming the organization in their Last Will and Testament. When they told me, my eyes welled up with tears hearing how much of an impact our tours and work made in people’s lives.
How has travelling changed you/your life?
Well, I certainly wouldn’t be who I am today without having had the opportunity not only to travel to so many destinations in Southeast Asia but also to actually live in the region for the last 6 years. The experiences have shown me to be grateful for where I come from and to embrace the outside world and the unknown.