Barbara’s path into luxury travel has been shaped by a lifelong love of adventure, culture and music. Drawing on her experience as a tour leader, and time spent living in both Poland and Spain, Barbara brings a deep appreciation of European history, art and culture to her work. From snowmobiling across Icelandic glaciers and chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, to attending Strauss concerts in Vienna – Barbara has seen Europe from every angle, and her expertise is unmatched as a result.
How long have you worked in travel?
I started as a tour guide during university, so I’ve been working in travel for over 20 years.
What do you never travel without?
A positive attitude.
What would you wish you had with you if you were stranded on a desert island for six months and why? You can choose a luxury and something practical.
For my practical item, six months’ worth of different types of dumplings (my favourite food!). For my luxury item, my phone – to be in touch with loved ones.
If you could travel with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
My family, to create special memories together.
What is your most memorable travel moment?
Watching snow monkeys bathe in hot spring baths in Japan; spotting kangaroos hopping through the fields below during a hot air balloon ride in Australia; snowmobiling on an Icelandic glacier.
What was your worst travel disaster?
At the end of a trip to Iceland, I was unable to get home due to a large ash cloud from a volcanic eruption!
What’s your secret hidden gem (such as a little bookshop, restaurant, café, little-known museum/gallery, artisan shop)?
I love Clifton Nurseries Café Garden centre in Little Venice, London. The café is located in a peaceful greenhouse with a fascinating history, where you are surrounded by flowers and plants from around the world. The coffee and food are great too!
What’s the most unusual client request you’ve received and were you able to fulfil it?
I had a client who wanted to bring her lucky parrot with her – ideally to the casinos where she would be a lucky mascot and to also advise her what to bet on. I tried my best…
If you hadn’t worked in travel, what would you have liked to have done?
I would love to work as a sound engineer. I studied music and have been playing the piano since I was five. I also have an engineer's degree, so this would allow me to combine my passion and my education.
If you could retire to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
The small island of La Palma in the Canaries for its unspoilt beauty, amazing food and slow pace of life. All just a short flight away from home.
Favourite book(s) and why?
The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma – an inspiring story about a successful and very wealthy lawyer who gives it all up to find the meaning of life in the Himalayas.
