Sally Hislop
L to R: Chris Earlam, Sally Hislop, Janet Blair, Sue Johnson
LIFE OF A TRAVEL AGENT
Wirral Life talk to Sally Hislop, owner of Destination Anywhere, Wirral's award winning
bespoke travel agency on Milner Road in Heswall about her life as a travel agent.
Tell us about yourself and background.
I'm Wirral born and bred, and love travelling the world but I'm always happy to
be back on the Wirral. My background is Sales and Marketing (newspapers and
cars). I was new to travel when I set up Destination Anywhere 14 years ago. I was
lucky enough to have worked with premium brands - Porsche, Audi, BMW - so I
understood the luxury market.
What inspired you to set up Destination Anywhere?
I had a gap year in my twenties and backpacked for a year around Australia and
New Zealand. I wanted to combine my passion for travelling with my sales and
marketing experience.
It’s a great name, who thought of it…
I did – but by accident really, I had so many brainstorming sessions with my
friends and couldn’t come up with anything. Someone asked me which countries
I was going to focus on and my flippant answer “Destination Anywhere!” seemed
to fit.
Who else is at Destination Anywhere?
Chris Earlam, Janet Blair and Sue Johnson. We are all really well travelled and
enjoy putting together complicated itineraries. Janet is particularly good at the
family market, especially for ski and luxury and has been out at the new Ixos
in Corfu this month. Sue has been in travel for nearly 40 years and is very
experienced in all destinations and the cruise market. Chris Earlam looks after all
clients needs once the holiday is booked and is an adventurous traveller herself.
I thought Travel Agents were a dying breed?
I believe its come full circle. With the dawn of the internet, some people did
throw their brochures in the bin and rush to their computers. But nowadays there
is so much information out there, customers would prefer to speak to someone
who knows the destination and can offer expert advice. Financial protection and
ATOL bonding is also important.
How is Destination Anywhere different?
We treat every holiday as if it were our own. Our expertise lies in tailormaking
itineraries. India is a good example. Discussion with local agents in the country
ensure that we book the right mixture of busy sightseeing and relaxation time. We
might suggest a train journey rather than flying, as you get to see the real country.
Equally a celebratory birthday break to Paris, or finding a perfect Tuscan villa for
a large family gathering is very rewarding. We were recently asked to suggest a
couple of romantic places in Venice where a client could propose. It's very special
to be entrusted with moments like that
What's your average day?
We have a short meeting in the morning so everyone is aware of every enquiry.
I think it's important that we are all able to help and nobody is asked to phone
back because the person looking after them is not available. We love it when
people come into the shop, looking for ideas and leaving excited at the prospect
of travelling somewhere different. We love the added extras too, such as reserving
a certain table at a restaurant, seats at a performance and we book lots of boat
trips and city tours.
Are you an independent travel agency?
Yes, one of the few on the Wirral.
One of the hardest challenges?
Funnily enough, I have just been asked to plan a 6 month trip around the world
for a family with 3 children who will be 10, 8 and 8. The parents want their kids
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to have as many amazing experiences as they can and we are looking at South
America, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East.
What are the perks of the job?
Definitely, the opportunity to travel. It is really important to ensure that
we experience as many different countries and destinations as we can. Our
“Educational” trips are great fun, but also really hard work. We try and see as
many hotels as we can but also experience the destination as well.
How many countries have you visited?
Over 50 and still counting. But there are currently 195 so I have a long way to go!
One of my clients had set herself a challenge to visit a country that began with
every letter in the alphabet, so we planned trips for her to Qatar, Kenya, Ethiopia,
Oman, Zambia and Uruguay.
Most recent trip?
Just back from 2 nights in Crete on a Family educational trip, six mums and
children were hosted by the Elounda Peninsula Hotel. My 6 year old and I had a
gorgeous suite with private pool. Zac did bread making, yoga, football, golf, spent
time in mini water park and made lots of new friends.
What an amazing experience for a 6 year old. Will he follow you into the
business? Perhaps. Travel is certainly educational.
What is hot at the moment?
South America. I visited Brazil and Argentina last year, Rio is such a vibrant city,
it has everything, jaw-dropping beauty from the rainforest-covered mountains,
postcard-perfect lakes, stunning architecture and, of course, those golden
beaches. Combine that with the immense Iguassu Falls, 3 nights in the Amazon
and a few nights in Buzios, Brazil's trendiest beach resort and you have a perfect
holiday. Chris travelled around Columbia earlier this year, staying at Cartagena
and Medellin, she was wowed by the pristine Caribbean beaches, rainforests,
charming and friendly people and would recommend it to anyone.
Favourite longhaul destination?
Definitely the Seychelles, it's a very special place, all the 115 islands are different,
so lots to explore, with amazing beaches, unique wildlife, very laid back lifestyle
and really friendly people. It used to be a British Crown Colony until 1976 and
Victoria the Capital has a mini big Ben.
And shorthaul?
Italy... ancient ruins, gorgeous beaches, glistening lakes and fantastic food –
bellissimo.
When you are travelling do you eat like a local?
Yes definitely, I have enjoyed green ants in Darwin, fried spiders in Cambodia,
snake soup in Hong Kong and crocodile in Kenya.
What do you never leave home without?
Trainers, an early morning jog along a beach or a through the deserted streets of
a city is a great introduction to any country.
What should be on everyone's bucket list?
A safari. Stumbling into a land rover bleary eyed at 5am, soon turns into the
most magical experience as dawn breaks and the big 5 start to be spotted. A
leopard climbing up a tree, baby elephants splashing at the waterholes and the
magnificent sight of a lion yawning. No binoculars necessary.