IN THE LIFE OF A TRAVEL AGENT
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IN THE LIFE OF A TRAVEL AGENT
Wirral Life talk to Sarah Meadowcroft , founder of Global Travel
Where are you right now ? I arrived in Buenos Aires , Argentina , just this afternoon . I had a short stop in Rio de Janeiro en-route , where I made sure to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue with my own eyes . I ’ m not religious , but the story of how the statue was constructed and transported across the Atlantic has fascinated me for years . Tonight will be an early night in preparation for tomorrow ’ s adventures !
Sounds intriguing . Tell me more … Tomorrow brings an experience that I have waited in eager anticipation for many years ! I board a charter flight bound for Ushuaia- the southernmost tip of the world- at 6am . When I land , I am taking in a tour of Tierra del Fuego national park , and making sure I send a letter from the penguin ’ s post office , before boarding an expedition ship bound for Antarctica . This is what dreams are made of !
What makes you want to head to Antarctica I am obsessed ! I started my journey with expedition cruising in Lima , Peru . I was lucky enough to be selected to join a specialist training academy focusing on Latin America . Part of the education schedule focused on Antarctica . I listened to so many inspiring explorerspeople who had travelled there time and time again and had the most amazing stories to tell of glaciers , penguins , whales and the “ Drake Shake ” - and this is when I caught the “ Polar Bug ”…
What happened then ? I have always been an explorer , but Antarctica is a different ball game entirely . To set foot on the 7th continent and follow in the footsteps of Shackleton is a privilege that so few will ever have the chance to experience . I studied and researched , joined lots of specialist research group , and practically ate , slept and breathed everything expedition for months on end . This led me to be achieve multiple awards in recognition of my work , and gain a place on a coveted trade panel . I was invited aboard many expedition ships , with the icing on the cake being invited to join Quark Expeditions on an expedition to Antarctica !
What happens next ? Visiting Antarctica is a privilege . I want to use my experiences to promote the preservation of this vast , untouched continent . I am an ambassador for Antarctica , and want to use that position to educate about the fragility of our environment , the effects of our actions and lifestyles on the vulnerable wildlife and eco systems , and ultimately to protect Antarctica so it is there for years to come .
Aside from colder climes , where is your favourite destination ? I don ’ t have a favourite destination . I see the beauty in everywhere that I visit . Whether that be taking in Inca ruins at Machu Picchu , flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter , or snorkelling in the Maldives , I just love taking in new experiences , different cultures , and learning something new .
What is the most memorable experience you have had so far ? I have been lucky enough to swim with whale sharks in the Maldives a good few times . The most memorable time was the first ; you are never prepared for that ethereal experience of coming face to face under water with that beautiful being . The second most memorable time was only last month , when there was a full moon and the tides were crazy . We had to dive and dive before we finally found her , but this time we also saw majestic manta rays , which are so graceful and elegant and just a site to behold .
Do you ever just lie on a beach ? Yes and no . The older I become , the more I need these experiences . They enrich me and make me a better person all-round . I will lie on a sun bed with a good book for a few hours when I need to re-charge , but otherwise , I am always off to find the next adventure !
Where is next on your bucket list ? That ’ s a difficult one ! I am desperate to get to the Kimberley in Australia , having been inspired by one of my lovely clients . I ’ ll probably start in Perth , drive up the west coast , sail the Kimberley , head down through the Red Centre and then possibly make my way to the coast road . I need to know more about the Dream Time …
What is the best souvenir you have ever brought back from your travels ? My cat , Talya . The tiniest of street kittens befriended my daughter and I when we travelled to Turkey a few years ago . She was very sick and wouldn ’ t have survived had we have just returned to the UK and left her . And so began Mission Talya , which involved finding a local vet , a foster carer , arranging vaccinations , getting a passport , and eventually having her driven over to the UK on a nine day epic road trip . Fridge magnets just don ’ t cut it in our house …
If you would like to speak to Sarah about any of her epic adventures , or to have her plan your next one with you , get in touch today :
Global Travel - 0151 625 5127
50 wirrallife . com