During high season, Anna can be seen multitasking like the best of them. She helps ensure that everything is set before tours run, and once they hit the ground she is our go-to gal when changes need to happen on the fly…
What does your position at JW entail?
Being based in Siem Reap, my role predominantly focuses on ground operations for Journeys Within tours that run in the different countries. I closely support the different teams on the ground to make sure all is in place for upcoming tours, making sure all those little details are covered and we are ready for our guest’s arrival.
Once the guest is on the ground I will oversee their tour and help deal with any changes or issues that may arise. This side of the job is vital, not only to maintain a high level of quality touring but to help with future product development – making sure we are constantly improving our tours and listening to our guests to create the best possible experience on the ground. Luckily, I have such an amazing team who really do make my job a lot easier than it should be!
What has been your most challenging travel experience in SE Asia?
Probably living in Siem Reap and trying not to book a flight somewhere new every weekend! There are so many routes opening up and so many beautiful places to go, just hours away. It’s a tough life…
Favourite travel memory?
Can I say I like to think my favourite is still yet to come!?
One that really stands out though is when I went to Hanoi to surprise my parents. They had planned a big JW trip to the area, starting in Vietnam, continuing on to Cambodia, finishing in Burma. I knew I would see them in Siem Reap and then travel with them in Burma. But I just couldn’t wait to see them, especially knowing they were in the area after almost a year of not seeing them.
So I decided to fly to Hanoi (their first stop) and surprise them at their hotel… I’ll never forget their faces when they opened their hotel room door, one of the most precious moments of my life. That evening we all had dinner together at the home of our wonderful Northern Vietnam Director Tracy, and the next day we drove to Halong Bay where I had arranged a private junk for the next three days (surprise number two…). Being able to share this part of the world with my family has definitely been one of the greatest things about my job.
Your favourite property in SE Asia?
It’s no secret how much we all love the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel, but I won’t include that as it is more like a second home to me here in Siem Reap. Therefore I will give you my second favourite, and without a doubt, I vote Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor.
Everything about this hotel says luxury and elegance, with a historic charm and atmosphere like no other in Southeast Asia. Located in a prime spot in front of Siem Reap’s stunning Royal Gardens (look out for the fruit bats at dusk) – the hotel offers a mix of Art Deco design and Angkorian-style architecture, a stunning pool lined with frangipani, and some of the best food and service in the world. If you’re not fortunate enough to stay here, definitely pop in for a drink at the famous Elephant Bar and admire the photos of past guests such as Jackie Kennedy and Charlie Chaplin!
Favourite dining experience?
I have had some incredible dining experiences throughout my travels, and usually I would tend to go more for the low-key experiences to sample local food and hospitality wherever possible. But when I really think about it, my favourite dining experience so far has to be at a very special location just outside of Siem Reap – called the Village House.
Set up by a wonderful organization Beyond Unique Escapes, this beautiful traditionally-styled wooden stilted house is surrounded by rice paddy fields in Siem Reap’s magical countryside. Here they host an amazing private dinner with traditional music, all freshly cooked food, with fantastic Khmer staff at hand. You begin with a 45-minute walk through the nearby village with a guide, learning more about daily life and the great work that this organization does in the area, ending your walk at the Village House.
I was lucky enough to experience this over Christmas when some very close family friends came to visit. They were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary and we wanted to offer something unforgettable. The Village House did not disappoint, in fact they said it was the most amazing dinner experience they had had in all their travels, and they have traveled a lot.
We’ve even done a cooking class there with the JW team!
Experience you LOVE booking for guests?
One experience I think is really special and unique to Journeys Within is in Hanoi. Guests are driven about 15km out of Hanoi’s city centre to one of the ancient villages. Although Hanoi’s ever-growing suburbs now surround the area, you somehow find yourself in a small pocket of history which has barely changed in the last few hundred years. Here you can explore by foot or by bicycle and learn more about this Cultural Heritage Site, which was once home to a number of educated and heroic people recognized by the kings of Vietnam.
End the morning with lunch at the house of a wonderful Vietnamese couple, who welcome you into their tranquil home where you can sample some of Vietnam’s best home cooking and talk with them more to learn about their family’s history and the ever-changing and fascinating Hanoi.
What advice do you have for making the most of a travel experience?
Talk to people… Learn a few words or phrases in the local language and it will often go a long way. A lot of the time locals are just as interested in you as you are in them, wanting to know more about your life and country. You are a guest in their country so be respectful, and majority of the time, they will show you equal respect back by sharing their love and knowledge of their country. Also talk with other travelers; they can be equally as interesting with their own experiences and advice…most of the time!
How has travelling changed you/your life?
I think my love of travel first came from my interest in geography. I loved learning about how the earth worked and the beauty of Mother Nature in all her different forms. Also growing up all I ever wanted to be was an explorer, constantly being on the path to discovering something new and exciting. As soon as I first started travelling I then realised my love of meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. There is no better way to learn about the world and about yourself than to get out there and surround yourself by different kinds of people that you might not ordinarily cross paths with.
It has also taught me a lot about valuing my family and friends. Every day I’m travelling I am reminded of how lucky I am to have such support and stability, people who encourage my love of adventure but are also there to welcome me back whenever that time comes.