Samantha O'Sullivan - Groups Consultant
Quick Questions with Samantha
Where did the whole travel obsession thing begin?
My travel obsession began at the age of 4 on a trip to the USA with my parents. My parents are commonly known as "The Travel King and Queen" and travelling with them throughout my childhood has deepend my desire to see all of the world and the varied cultures within it.
Why group travel?
When I first looked at The Australian Group Travel Company's website, I was inspired by the realisation that The AGTC helps 30 or 40 people at a time experience their "holiday of a lifetime". The fact that many of these holiday experiences will involve children is so much more rewarding - I can't wait to see their excited faces.
Two places you'd most love to visit and why?
I am a bit of a hopeless romantic and I am a bit of a sucker for all of the "romantic" sights so the places I would like to visit are:
Ireland - For those of you who have seen P.S I Love You, you might understand my reasons for wanting to visit this beautiful country. I would love to visit the beautiful countryside and walk into a traditional Irish Pub and have an irish man say to me "How's it goin darlin"
Salzburg Austria - One of my favourite musicals is The Sound of Music and ever since I was little I have always wanted to walk in the footsteps of the Von Trapps and sing and dance with my boyfriend in the little gazebo that Liesel and her boyfriend did (Not that mine ever would)
If you could blow the travel budget what would you do?
Again being a hopeless romantic, I would love to hire a submarine and travel to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean with my boyfiriend and see "what's left" of the Titanic.
Best travel advice you've ever received?
I actually come about this from personal experience - Always be aware of "bogus" taxi drivers. When I was travelling in the USA with my friend, we were approached by a "taxi driver" at the airport to get a ride. When we got to the car (which was in the underground parking area) it was a normal black van with no signage or any signs that indicated it was a taxi. As we were suspicious and the man could not provide us with solid proof he was an actual taxi driver we managed to get away and into the REAL taxi line.
Most relaxing travel experience?
I was working on Hamilton Island for six months in 2009 and although I was working, it was still the best feeling in the world to come home to relax on my own balcony (that had ocean views) in one of the most beautiful Islands in the Whitsundays everyday.
Most interesting travel experience?
My friend and I travelled around the USA for seven weeks over the Christmas and New Year period in 2009/2010 and one of the places we visited was San Francisco. While we were visiting this city we went and did a night tour of The Rock (Alcatraz prison) The night tour of Alcatraz was an audio tour of past prisoners and prison guards where they guided you throughout the prison. Doing this was one of the most interesting things I have ever experienced and I can't wait to go back and do it again.
What is your most ambitious travel experience?
On my recent trip to the USA, my mum surprised me and met up with me in New York. She could only stay for 4 days as she had to be back in time for Christmas, so we only had 4 days to pack in the sights that New York has to offer - All of the Broadway Shows, The Statue of Liberty, Horse ride through Central Park, Ice Skating at Rockerfella Centre and of course SHOP TILL WE DROP!! One night after seeing Mamma Mia!, we were caught in one of the biggest snow storms Northern USA has had in years. We literally had to crawl back to our hotel (beause my mum is so short and the snow was up to her knees) for 15 blocks carrying all our shopping in paper bags!!!
What is your most rewarding career moment?
I think so far this would have to be my Diploma in Tourism. I was being tutored by Tony Keene and I really applied myself all year and basically had no social life to complete my assignments and in the end it paid off as I passed with High Distinctions.
What's the best thing about working with The Australian Group Travel Company?
This is my first position that utilises the skills and knowledge I gained from obtaining my Diploma. I can finally put these skills to good use and help a whole group of people rather than an individual - the rewards are so much greater.
Things you love outside the travel world?
Apart from travel, I love performing in Musicals. Every year I try to appear in at least one musical. I have a gorgeous niece and nephew who keep me on my toes and I like hanging out with them and spending time relaxing with my boyfriend.
What are you reading at the moment?
102 Minutes - The untold story of the fight to survive the Twin Towers and Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
Where would you like to be 5 years from now?
My boyfriend and I are High School Sweethearts and this year will celebrate our 7th anniversary and we will celebrate it in our new house that we have bought together. It's a bit of a fixer upper so in 5 years time I hope that all of the renovating will be done and we can sit back and enjoy our hard work and eventually get to travel to all of the countires that we wish to visit.
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