My love for travel started at 17 when I backpacked across Europe by train. After studying tourism, business management, and languages at the University of Birmingham, I spent years in hospitality before taking time out to explore the world. That journey reignited my passion and led me into the travel industry.
Since then, I’ve ventured deep into Southeast Asia, discovering hidden corners and authentic cultural experiences, and pushed boundaries with adventures like camping in caves and kayaking among icebergs in Antarctica. With over 20 years of experience across hospitality and travel, I bring a wealth of insight and a genuine love for exploration to my role as a Global Travel Advisor.
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Q&A with Melissa
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
Beef lok lak — A Cambodian dish of succulent stir-fried beef served on fresh, crisp lettuce leaves with fresh cucumber and tomato. Served with fluffy steamed jasmine rice. I recommend asking for the ‘American version’, where it's topped with a fried egg.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
I was one of the first tourists to enter the unknown area of the Nakai–Nam Theun National Protected Area in Southern Laos — a conservation area for white cheeked gibbons. I camped on a spit of sand in the middle of the Nam Theun River, where I was literally in utter wilderness. The sun set on the jungle, and my guide cooked fish on an open campfire. In the morning, I awoke to the most awesome sounds of the gibbons clicking and booming in the jungle.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Embrace every moment. I’m very fortunate to have travelled to Antarctica, where I spent five days exploring the peninsula by expedition ship. Travelling in March, I saw many humpback whales. Being among untouched scenery and wilderness was utterly mind-blowing.