Lauren Kruger Travel & Cruise Consultant
I started in the travel industry in 2014 and since then have completed a Certificate 3 in Tourism. I have always loved exploring new places and learning new things about the world, so a job in the travel industry is a perfect fit! I love talking to people about their travels and what they have seen and done, and in turn I love being able to be a part of that for clients.
I love exploring the outdoors, so have gone on a few trekking holidays, such as through Sapa in Vietnam. I can’t wait to keep adding places to my list.
How many countries have you travelled to: 30
How long have you been in the travel industry: 11 years
Favourite destination you have travelled to: Italy! It has everything – food, wine, art, history, culture, beaches, mountains… no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new and exciting to experience.
Most memorable travel experience: Watching the sun rise at Angkor Wat, doing a helicopter landing on top of a snow-capped mountain in Queenstown, sunset at the incredible Taj Mahal, skydiving over the Waimea Canyon in Hawaii, Christmas in New York – too many to choose from!
Biggest travel tip:
- Learn a few phrases in the local languages for where you will be going, such as hello, please, thank you, do you speak English, where is… a little goes a long way and locals will appreciate the effort.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by chatting to locals to hear their stories, try new things and don’t rely on maps - just have a little fun exploring your surroundings.
What is your bucket list destination and why? South Africa for a safari and to experience the beautiful beaches and wine regions. Antarctica for an untouched wildlife experience.
Hot picks
- Hoi An - the food at the Lanterntown Restaurant in Hoi An was the most incredible meal I had in Vietnam. And that is saying something because the food is great everywhere!
- Ubud, Bali -the Ubud Village Resort and Spa in Bali is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway and one of my favourite resorts to date. The staff are phenomenal and constantly go above and beyond for you.
- Contiki is a great choice for tours for the younger, first time traveller. Travelling with Contiki is a great way to meet like-minded people and make friends for life.
- In Asia, I would recommend a tour with Intrepid, as they use amazing local guides who can take you to all the hidden places that only locals know about. In Dalat, we visited a small village and were able to go into the homes of the locals and try some snake steak - simply because our guide knew the people living in the home.
