I love eating where the locals eat, hotels where the little things matter, travel apps written by locals, up-to-date destination information, hidden gems, intuitive guides who know when to speak and when to listen, originality, spotless cars and smart drivers who always arrive on time, service with a smile, details, details, details and native know-how.
“Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken' is an Oscar Wilde quote that I preach to my kids regularly. It also resonates in my work; authenticity, originality and creativity are so important to me when choosing destination partners and creating experiences.”
THREE QUESTIONS WITH JULIe
What inspired you to create your company?
“I had spent ten fabulous years working for one of the industry's finest luxury tour operators. When you've worked in the industry for so many years, you know who you want to work with and how you'd like to provide the best possible experience for your clients. This is easier when you're working for yourself as you select your partners and set your own standards around branding, communication and customer service.“
Describe the most enriching family travel moment you have ever created or experienced…
“I took my own children (then 11 and 6) to Swedish Lapland for Christmas in 2020. It was mid-Covid and we just escaped the UK before it locked down before Christmas - so a real treat to escape. We took the overnight sleeper train north from Stockholm which was such an adventure, and then split our time between two mind-blowingly stylish and innovative Scandi lodges. The landscape was quiet and pristine and we experienced so many 'firsts' together as a family - fishing and barbecuing on the ice, learning how to drive snowmobiles and spotting wild reindeer on an Arctic safari. Father Christmas was a disappointment (fake beard spotted by my youngest!) But the adventure was epic.”
Which is the best airport for a long layover?
“That has to be Singapore - my home town as a teenager, and without doubt, the best airport in the world.”
“'It's always been such a privilege to work in the industry. Covid has unquestionably enhanced our global community, bringing the like-minded closer together and making clients keener than ever for a real adventure. The past three years have also sharpened my focus on making sure that I work with destinations partners with a sustainable vision of developing their tourism business; respect for local resources and engagement of local communities is key for me.”
– Julie Hepworth