Midweek interview with Kara Jennison, Travel Consultant

Kara, who has spent her career promoting the excitement and opportunities that come with a change of scenery, in 2012 received a job offer in Orange that she didn’t hesitate to accept.

Even though she admits the thought of moving was unnerving, the relaxed atmosphere of Orange has made the change worthwhile.

She now spends her time in the vegetable garden or playing with her new pets, and particularly loves “not being stuck in a traffic jam twice a day every day!”

In true consultant style, she recommends a weekend trip to Orange as the cure for anyone worn down by the frantic pace of the city. When absorbing the natural beauty, historic buildings and friendly culture she promises you won’t ever want to leave.

The challenge for the industry is... Consumer confidence. People’s expectations are growing and the industry needs to strive for higher standards in order to meet them.

The things I like about my job… Meeting new people and being a small part of their holiday plans. I get great satisfaction from helping fulfill dreams; be it a 10 year old going to a theme park for their birthday or a long saved for and cherished trip to Canada. It’s wonderful to hear about peoples plans and help make them reality.

And the frustrations are … Long hold times to suppliers, airlines and tour companies. Some very simple sounding things can take the longest amount of time.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… Travelling

Virgin or Qantas? Virgin

My proudest moment was… Being offered my first full time job without actually applying.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… When I was younger, I snuck out the window of the children’s ward in hospital. They installed steel bars after that.

I try to relax by… Reading, amusing my dogs, feeding my ducks and farm work. Nothing is a better stress buster than chopping wood.

The last time I feared for my life was… When I got a tiny bit stuck in a political protest in Madagascar. The street was blocked; there were numerous fires, a massive crowd of unhappy people and the army. Time to go the airport!

I really wish I had… The ability to control time. Ages till my next trip? Zap not anymore. Awesome day? Zap lasts a bit longer.

The best advice I’ve ever received was... Be your honest self.

I don’t understand why people… Don’t just say what they mean. It’s confusing.

My greatest weakness is… Speaking first and thinking through the implications a little later.

And my greatest strength is… I’m very determined, which helps achieve my goals.

If I was prime minister I would… Resign.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… A kid on summer holidays. No school, no responsibility and the whole world to explore.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Uganda, Easter Island, Iguazu falls, the Arctic Circle, and basically everywhere else.

My favourite holiday was… Japan.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au