Biography
After graduating from university in the sunny city of Birmingham, Kim ventured to Cyprus to work as a holiday representative and her love of travel was born. Not the usual 'backpacker' type, she decided to see the world a slightly different way and joined Virgin Atlantic as cabin crew.
After spending four years flying all over the world, visiting six of the seven continents, North America was Kim's firm favourite. Kim's regular trips across the pond meant that she could really get to know the cities and regions she was visiting and enthuse her friends and family with them when she returned.
After deciding to leave flying behind Kim relocated to Manchester for 3 years and a stint in financial sales followed. Kim's passion for travel and sharing her experiences with others was not lost, so a move back to the southwest ensued and she joined Audley Travel as a USA Specialist. Kim is always on the go and once even made an appearance on a TV gameshow!
My Most Memorable Experience
"Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to visit a ranch, so as I approached Wildcatter for my birthday weekend I could hardly contain my excitement. I was blown away by the beauty of the area, rolling hills, lakes, cacti and not to mention my luxury cabin!
I began my day in the early sunshine with helping to feed the Longhorn cattle, then got saddled up and ready to ride western style on my horse 'General'. After a fantastic trail ride through some of the beautiful 1500 acres, I was looking forward to lunch and an afternoon of my other would be passions, rifle shooting and archery!
I spent my evening enjoying a true taste of Texas at the steakhouse and watched a local country music band perform out on the patio under the stars, amazing! All topped off with a 'happy birthday' brownie and ice cream from the chef, best birthday weekend ever."
My Favourite Destination
"Having been lucky enough to visit over 30 cities in 12 states, picking just one place is tough, but my number one spot has to be Las Vegas! Flying in over the famous Strip got my adrenaline pumping straight away, the bright lights, sounds and electric atmosphere of the city were amazing. Watching the dancing fountains of the Bellagio Hotel, backed with some powerful music one evening was a really emotional experience for me and when I took a ride on a real gondola through the Venetian Hotel I felt that I could have actually been in Italy!
The ultimate day trip from Vegas was taking a small plane to the rim of the Grand Canyon, flying over the massive Hoover Dam. I had lunch at the Indian reservation to experience their culture and history. My day finished standing alone on the edge of the canyon, away from the energy of the city - a great feeling of peace and freedom."
My Favourite Accommodation
"One of my favourite hotels has to be The Stockyards Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. It is over 100 years old, and overlooks the historic Stockyards district. Every day a small herd of Longhorn cattle are driven right past the front doors, and attractions such as a The Cowtown Rodeo, the Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame and the historic Stockyards Station are all just steps away.
Of the themed rooms I prefered the Western, but a choice of Mountain man, Victorian and Native American are all authentic and decorated accordingly. The hotel steakhouse, H3 Ranch, has been named on the food network channel as one of the best steakhouses in the USA and in the saloon bar I pulled up my saddle style seat to enjoy an ice cold beer or two!"
