Get to know me
My name's Alison and I take care of the groups travel department here at KILROY. I have pretty much spent my life travelling the world and ventured off at the ripe old age of 18. I have also lived and worked abroad at different points in my life, which has given me some life-long memories and skills.
My travels started with a round-the-world ticket to Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and America where I spent some years travelling on a working visa. Then on my return back to the UK, I got the itchy feet some more and flew off again to work as a chalet host/rep across different parts of Europe seasonally.
Later on, I spent some months travelling across Central and South America and then followed another one of my passions (which is yoga) to India. The India trip turned into an extension to Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia and finally Borneo where I spent a few months volunteering at an Orangutan sanctuary.
Now a little older and with savings in the bank, I had the privilege to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan where I did a group tour hiking expedition, and more recently went off on an African Safari into the magnificent Serengeti. It's safe to say that 'all things travel' is at the core of my personality, and I am really passionate about helping others pursue their dreams and travel needs.
My experience in group travel
I have worked in the travel industry for over 20 years in many different aspects and in the last 5 years I stepped into the wonderful world of group travel. My experience within the groups department comes from working previously for a sports events specialist where I had been taking care of all the logistical needs for big events such as the Paris Olympics, Formula 1, Premiership football tournaments and everything else sports related.
I also got involved in booking all the flights and accommodation needs for hundreds of Scouts for their annual Jamboree, so I have been used to booking all ages, group sizes, handling special requirements and juggling all the changes that come with travel on such a large scale.
My top destinations for study trips
I would have to say Japan. This is one destination I haven't actually been to yet, but I have only heard good things about the travel experience there and most people that I know that have visited have said 'there's no place like it'.
It's next on my list but I recently adopted a puppy which has made me a bit more homebound! For this reason, I get even more excited when I hear a group wants me to plan and create a study trip out there! I feel like I get to travel through my imagination whilst putting the itineraries together.
Tips to help you plan your next study trip
Let's get on the phone and discuss your ideas and then once we have a rough idea of numbers, get those group seats held off whilst the rest of the plan comes together. The great thing about groups is the flexibility - we often don't need the final names until a couple of weeks before departure, but confirming the seats early on will get you the best fares and availability.