COFFEE BREAK: Find out what a travel agent from Inverness' dream destination is
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Aimee Morgan is the branch manager at Murray Travel...we asked her a few questions over a coffee.
COFFEE BREAK IS SPONSORED BY INVERNESS ROASTING CO.
Q: What inspired you to work in travel?
When I left school, I never had a real plan of what my career was going to be. My passion for travel guided me to apply for a Modern Apprenticeship in Travel and Tourism with a national travel agent and I was lucky enough to be offered the apprentice position.
After I finished my two-year apprenticeship, there was unfortunately no full-time jobs available at the time, but I found that my local travel agent was hiring, and I decided to apply.
19 years later, I’m still in the industry and I’ve never looked back. I’m a big believer that what’s for you won’t go by you and joining Murray Travel in May 2021 has been a fantastic opportunity to further my career.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
No two days are the same. One minute I can be helping a customer source a hotel in Majorca with the best waterslides, and the next I’m organising a private dinner at the foot of Uluru in Australia. I never know where I’ll ‘be’ in the world, which is really exciting.
Getting to travel as part of my job is pretty amazing too! I have been fortunate to travel to destinations all over the world including Australia, Mauritius and a snowboarding trip to Wyoming. My next trip is to Dubai to stay at the new Atlantis Royal Hotel, which looks incredible.
Q: What advice would you give to someone planning a trip?
Don’t try and pack too much into your trip. It’s tempting to want to tick off as many things as possible, but an unrealistic itinerary can leave you rushing around and feeling stressed, which is the last thing you want on a dream holiday! For my own trips, I tend to book a couple of experiences that I would be really disappointed to miss out on. That way, I know they are booked and paid for, but it leaves me plenty of time to explore when I’m there.
Q: What are the biggest rewards in your role?
For me, the biggest reward is helping customers plan once-in-a-lifetime trips. They can be months in the planning, and to have someone trust you with their hard-earned savings is a big responsibility which I don’t take lightly. Often people have waited years to be able to plan and take these trips, and to be part of that is incredibly special.
Q: What are the biggest challenges?
Travel is such a fast- paced industry and is constantly evolving. Not only do we need to keep on top of the ever-changing visa and passport regulations, but there are also regular launches of new products such as hotels, cruise ships and flight routes.
At Murray Travel, training is always available to ensure the whole team is up to date with industry changes and regulations.
Q: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
To treat others as you wish to be treated. I always strive to give service I would be happy to receive, no matter the enquiry.
Q: How do you relax away from work?
Unsurprisingly, I love going on holiday! When I get the chance, I do enjoy planning my own trips and seeing more of the world. I also enjoy watching Scotland play rugby at Murrayfield and taking in live music and festivals in the summertime too.
Q: If you were planning a great escape where would you go?
This is such a hard question, working in travel means my bucket list only ever gets longer! High on my list at the moment is Vietnam, Japan or a return visit to Australia.
