Life in the time of COVID-19 with Club Med’s Montana Daly
This week, Club Med’s regional communications manager told us her deepest, darkest secrets. Lucky for her, we forgot to write them down.
What are you reading?
Ninteen Eighty-Four and Ten Types of Humans.
I’ve always loved reading but I have come to discover that I haven’t read many of the ‘classics’, so when I purchase books (yes, I still love hard-cover books!) I buy one classic – hence the Nineteen Eighty-Four – and one that I’m wanting to read out of interest.
What are you watching?
The Great and The Sinner. I’m starting to get more into crime shows but I’m still a bit of a wuss when it comes to anything too scary so I tend to stick to comedy.
What are you listening to?
Every morning I start with The Squizz podcast so I can get up to speed with the latest news on the way to work, and then I’ll listen to my own curated playlists depending on my mood –upbeat or chilled tunes.
I’m also listening to Ear Hustle, which is a podcast about the realities of life inside San Quentin recorded by those incarcerated; and I love Bobo and Flex! They talk about some pretty awesome yet important topics, and they just say it how it is.
What are you cooking?
I’ve recently purchased a slow cooker – lots of yummy, wintery, comfort food.
How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?
I’m going to confess that I’m staying more mentally fit than physically at the moment.
The way I’m staying mentally fit is through my evening routine, which was really important when WFH to try and break up the day. It’s a hot shower with lavendar oil, a cup of peppermint tea in bed with magnesium, and read a book an hour before bed so I’m not tempted to look at my phone.
What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?
What I’ve witnessed on a personal scale is I’ve been able to slow down, reset and revaluate what’s important to me, and how I want to manage my time when we step into the ‘new normal’.
On a wider level, I’m in absolute awe of how people are coming together to help their community, whether it’s locally by helping those struggling during COVID, or the wider community for the BLM protests. Even during a global pandemic, people are still looking out for others.
What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?
I’ve always considered myself as a true extravert but I’m really enjoying this quiet, down-time and not constantly going out most nights of the week.
Although, I do miss having the occasional big weekend. It’s all about balance, right!?
What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?
Let’s be honest here, this is such a crazy time which no one was equipt for. If you’re thinking ‘what the heck am I meant to be doing?’ just know that you’re not alone.
My advice is to acknowledge the challenges but try your hardest to find the opportunities and what’s possible when making decisions or a plan.
Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?
I went to Hobart for the first time around this time last year and LOVED it. I want to explore more of Tasmania and it’s on the top of my list to travel to when I can (after visiting the family on the Gold Coast, of course – miss you mum!)
What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?
I’m starting to see on social media my UK friends going to stunning spots around Europe. To try and manage my FOMO, my mantra is that I’ve had many beautiful Euro summer trips and I’ve done them well.
Obviously, it’s not working…
Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?
I’m very fortunate to have travelled to Italy and France a few times during my 20s when I was living in London.
My partner and I have yet to go on an international holiday together (thanks COVID) and we’ve been discussing driving from France to Italy, with a pit stop at the Dolomites.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
club med Life in the time of COVID-19 midweek interview Montana DalyLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!