Shital | Best At Travel

Overview
FAQ
Recommendations

After attaining my degree in Travel & Marketing, I knew I wanted to travel extensively and was keen to get into the industry as soon as possible.

My very first extensive travel endeavour was backpacking with friends. We travelled to the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, California and Vancouver. Following this eight-week trip, I really got the travel bug and travel became my passion, and I knew I wanted to share my firsthand experiences with friends, family and clients.

Since then I've never looked back, and 25 years later I am still here in the same industry, crafting compelling holidays and itineraries for my discerning clients and sharing my expertise, insights and valuable experience with them.

Q&A with Our Expert Shital

How many years have you worked in the travel industry?

I've been working in travel for 25 years.

What's your favourite destination and why?

Vancouver, Canada is my favourite destination because of the breathtaking mountains which backdrop its dynamic cityscape. In addition, I love the spectacular scenery, the freshness of the alpine air and the city's warm and friendly people.

What's at the top of your bucket list?

I'd love to one day travel to Fiji and the islands of the South Pacific.

Why do you love working in travel?

My job allows me to travel, stay in some amazing hotels, experience different cultures and sample a variety of distinct cuisines. In return, it allows me to share my knowledge and experience with my clients, with whom I can design some amazing tailor-made itineraries.

What was your most recent work trip?

The last the work trip I was lucky enough to go on was to Vietnam and Cambodia. The culture, the sites, the food and especially Angkor Wat in Cambodia were the main highlights. These two Southeast Asian destinations have so much to offer beneath the surface, and I can't wait to share my experiences with my clients!

Where would you describe as a secret gem?

Petra in Jordan. Whilst increasing in popularity, it's still not a destination many think to go to. I can still remember the first time I saw the Al-Khazneh building, which blew my mind. If you don’t know, the building itself and the path leading to it feature heavily in the third Indiana Jones movie, referred to as the 'Canyon of the Crescent Moon'.

What was your most awe-inspiring moment?

The exhilaration I felt as I paraglided down from 960 feet to the entrance of the Six Senses Zighy Bay hotel in Oman. The experience is unique and is a wonderful way to start your stay in this stunning 5-star resort on the Musandam Peninsula.

What's the one item you always take with you?

Wet Wipes! I take these everywhere - and not only when I’m travelling with my three-year-old!

What's Your Top Travel Tip?

Always be open to new experiences, even if they are out of your comfort zone as its often these that make the lasting memories you hold on to for life.

What's Been Your Biggest Blunder Abroad?

Night one on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini: I decided I would complement my outfit for dinner with kitten heels, too worried about completing the look rather than considering the fun and games I would have navigating the cobbled streets. A painful lesson, but now its flat heels all the way!

My Top Recommendations

My Best Childhood Holiday Memory

One of the first holidays that I can remember with my family was to India. We travelled through Rajasthan and into Uttar Pradesh, and I was lucky enough to get my first experience of the Taj Mahal which was a site to behold - its beauty has always stayed with me.

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My Best Trip

My best trip was to South Africa, where I was lucky enough to explore Cape Town, drive along the Garden Route and tick off seeing the 'Big Five' while staying in some unbelievable game lodges. Best of all, I got to sample some lovely wine whilst visiting a number of vineyards in the ultra-scenic Winelands.