Lisa Balcomb Office Supervisor
Quick Questions with Lisa
Where did the whole travel obsession thing begin?
My favourite subject in high school was Asian studies. The colourful cultures, exotic foods, traditions, and religions of the area definitely sparked my interest in travelling. Then came my first overseas trip as a teenager with my family. We travelled throughout America and Hawaii - it was such an amazing adventure and I was hooked from then on. When it was time to leave school and look towards a career, travel seemed the obvious choice.
Why group travel?
Groups travelling together have a unique bond born from the shared memories and experiences of their travels. To be part of making that happen is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy the challenge of the construction and fine-tuning of the details that are specific to each group.
Two places you'd most love to visit and why?
Laos- because it still remains a little off the well worn tourist trail in Asia. There is something about the orange robes of the Bhuddist Monks and glimpses of gold temple rooflines that is enormously appealing and reassuring.
Morocco- because it's culture and religion seems to give it a mysterious air and, together with the colour and activity of the markets and the smell of frankincense and exotic foods, provides me with an image that in my mind is straight out of the movies.
If you could blow the travel budget what would you do?
I would book an around-the-world airfare and travel for one year - visiting some new destinations and revisiting others - and stopping to volunteer in places that need help. While I was there I would deliver much needed items such as books, computors for schools, and basic medical supplies to needy villages. Having extended time in destinations and mixing with the local people would be an absolute luxury.
Best travel advice?
Take copies of passport and spare photos; make sure you have travel insurance; and remember to leave some spare time on your itinerary for those random and completely memorable moments to appear. It is also a good idea to learn some key phrases in the language of the areas that you are visiting and you should also familiarise yourself with regional customs and traditions to show respect to the local people - they will really appreciate your efforts.
Most relaxing travel experience?
I am usually most relaxed around water and two weeks beside the river at Bukit Lawang in Indonesia, losing hours each day chatting to the locals, learning some Bahasa Indonesian, and keeping an eye out waiting for the local orangutan population to appear was idyllic. A month spent relaxing by the Indian Ocean in the Maldives was a close second!
Most interesting travel experience?
Travelling through Jordan. I didn't know a great deal about the area however the people I met were some of the most interesting and friendly people on Earth. Each day was a surprise and the World Heritage site at Petra was incredible.
Most ambitious travel experience?
Heading off to Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain on my own was both confronting and exciting.
Most rewarding career moment?
Seeing the excitement (and sometimes the trepidation!) on the faces of first time travellers and then hearing about their amazing adventures and stories on their return is one of the most rewarding elements of my profession.
What's the best thing about working with The Australian Group Travel Company?
AGTC allows me to combine both my love of travelling, and helping others to realise their travel dreams, with my personal agenda of reaching out and touching the lives of those who are in need through AGTC's various 'Hands on Humanity' projects. Hands on Humanity is an AGTC initiative that provides clients with an unique opportunity to participate in humanitarian projects while they are overseas - I especially love the positive feedback I receive from people who have taken part in one of these projects. My colleagues are also a great group of girls and they make it very easy to come to work each day!
Projects that you are working on at the moment
I have a youth football team that are heading off to compete in the Mondial Pupilles, a youth football tournament that is held every year in France. I am also looking after a group that are travelling to Lanarkshire, Scotland to represent Lake Macquarie in the International Children's Games.
Things you love outside the travel world?
My beautiful family of course. I also love spending time in the garden tending to my organic vegetables and chickens. Swimming is one of my favourite summer pastimes and there is nothing like curling up with a good book or watching a movie in the winter.
What are you reading at the moment?
'Infidel' by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Ayaa is from Somalia and this book gives an account of her life from being a young gril in Somalia to a courageous freedom fighter and humanitarian.
Where would you like to be 5 years from now?
Still working for AGTC and hopefully I will have a grandchild as I will enjoy telling them stories about some of my travel adventures. I also have a 'travel wishlist' that I intend to make my way through! Most of all I would like to remain happy and healthy, enjoying the simple things in life, and making a difference in the lives of others.
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