Bec Brown is no stranger to an epic adventure. Her typical week could be discussing whether to enter Tibet from Nepal or China, oohing and ahhing as a client shows her pictures of the surreal beauty of Halong Bay in Vietnam she’s just returned from, or tailoring a round-the-world journey spanning Peru, Iceland and Kenya. As team leader at My Adventure Store in Paddington NSW for five years, Bec has seen and heard it all and has sent more than 2000 clients on adventures of a lifetime. So who better to answer our travel questions?!
Women are notorious for overpacking. What are your clever packing tips?
You need to keep in mind that overpacking is the enemy of purchasing new things! I actually try to pack as little as possible because if I need something I didn’t bring it’s a great excuse to buy it locally.
How can women stay safe while on the road?
Common sense is your friend. Keep your wits about you – make sure you know how to read the map of the city you are travelling in so if you are lost you can get yourself home. Dress like a local – if they don’t show you their shoulders, knees, cleavage, etc, chances are they don’t want to see yours! And always take two forms of currency (eg. card and cash).
Hot tip: Learn a few handy phrases in the local language such as ‘help!’
Say we want to organise a short break with our girlfriends, where would you recommend?
For a short break close to home it is hard to go past Tassie! The fresh produce makes for amazing food and wine, you can get your culture fix at the mind-expanding MONA and take time to talk to the locals. Simply put, they are lovely.
Feel like visiting a whole other world? How about Tokyo? A city full of the unexpected and it’s easy to get around. It really has it all. Want to visit ancient shrines? You can. Want to shop up a storm? You can. And people-watching at Shibuya Station has never been so fulfilling.
Hot tip: Stay in a local Ryokan as opposed to a hotel for the experience and great value for money.
We’re seeing a rise in destination weddings. What are your tips for planning an overseas wedding?
Arrive early so that all the paperwork can be done locally. Visit the venue before the big day to meet your wedding planner. Get your travel agent to scout out your accommodation as well as alternatives options to cater for everyone’s budget.
How about honeymoons? What are the big trends for Aussie newlyweds this year?
Stunning lodge safaris in Africa are all the rage. Everyone wants to get WILD!
What are some of your personal favourite destinations? And where are you travelling this year?
This year, I have had the pleasure to get to the Red Centre. If you haven’t been there, go now! Uluru is such a special place to visit. I now have an overwhelming sense of pride for what is in my own backyard.
Turkey is the melting pot of Asia, Europe and the Middle East and by far one of my favourite destinations. From cosmopolitan Istanbul, to the ruins at Ephesus, down to the stunning coastline and the caved city of Cappadocia, you will be enchanted and awe-struck.
To book your next adventure with Bec, call 1300 308 946.
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