Midweek interview with Rocky Mountaineer’s Amber Wilson
This week, Travel Weekly tried to coax secrets out of Rocky Mountaineer’s regional director of sales over a few wines, but we had a few too many ourselves and forgot them all.
THE CHALLENGE FOR THE INDUSTRY IS…
The constantly changing landscape. We live in a rapidly changing world and often travel is the first thing that is impacted due to many external factors.
AND THE FRUSTRATIONS ARE…
The time I spend in airports.
THE THINGS I LIKE ABOUT MY JOB…
Travelling the world, discovering new places, eating new foods, meeting new people and discovering local wines.
I love working for Rocky Mountaineer in particular, because there are so many endless options of amazing activities on offer at the destinations, that are constantly changing, so it keeps my job interesting. This year they’ve added on a guided helicopter hiking tour in Banff – so you can ride the train, then ride the skies and climb the mountains!
IF I DIDN’T WORK IN TRAVEL I WOULD BE…
A singer. It’s a shame I can’t sing, so best stick to travel!
FAVOURITE AIRLINE?
The one I am next booked on because it is taking me away for my next adventure.
I TRY TO RELAX BY…
Walking my dog on our local beach. It is a great way to start every day.
THE LAST TIME I FEARED FOR MY LIFE WAS…
Skydiving. Every part of my body was telling me it was a stupid idea, but I still jumped out of that plane.
IF I CAN, I ALWAYS TRY TO AVOID…
Dealing with insurance. Travel, car, house, contents, health…the lot!
I REALLY WISH I HAD…
A teleporter and one of my kids was the inventor! Imagine how proud I would be then!
THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS…
Never burn your bridges, it has held me in good stead.
I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE…
Gossip. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. You also don’t know what else the other person has got going on.
MY GREATEST WEAKNESS IS…
Dark chocolate & wine of any colour
AND MY GREATEST STRENGTH IS…
Being grateful. One of the things I am most grateful for is the people around me – my amazing family and beautiful friends.
IF I WON A $1 MILLION LOTTERY (ASIDE FROM TRAVELLING), I WOULD…
Selfishly buy a farmhouse. I am a country girl at heart and love to escape to the fresh country air. Philanthropically I love what a local charity “Dandelion Foundation” does in helping women and children in need.
IF I WAS PRIME MINISTER I WOULD…
Don’t even get me started on our local infrastructure. The Prime Minister is also my MP, so I could make some really quick local wins if I knocked him off his perch for a day.
IF I COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE FOR ONE DAY I WOULD BE…
Pink! Remember my wish of being a singer… she is talented, athletic and a strong voice for women all around the world. But on a day she is performing in front of thousands of people, not just an ordinary day at home.
I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRAVEL TO…
South America. My bucket list for that continent in very lengthy.
MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY WAS…
I know I’m biased, but I’ve been on the Rocky Mountaineer train journey a few times now and its really something you have to experience at least once in your lifetime! I had high expectations of the Canadian Rockies scenery, however the reality quickly surpassed these expectations – it is truly breathtaking.
Rocky aside, my favourite holiday was driving around Europe in a Kombi van, affectionately named Rosie after the AC/DC song “Whole lotta Rosie” for four months with my husband (before we had kids!). My favourite family holiday with my kids was swimming in Barbados with sea turtles.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Amber Wilson midweek interivew rocky mountaineerLatest News
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