Meet the Team: Katie

Originally from the Netherlands, Katie has spent over 20 years working with tourism boards and travel companies around the world. She has lived in the Netherlands, Greece, Australia, and the UK, and has travelled to more than 50 countries along the way. She often jokes that if you cut her open (which we won't!), she would "bleed travel" - and with a career and life shaped by exploration, it's easy to see why.

Which destination is on your bucket list?

Too many but if I had to pick one, it would probably be India.

Where is your favourite destination?

My (Greek) husband will never forgive me if I don't mention Greece here, but having lived in Australia, I always love going back there as well. More recent favourites include Japan and Peru - I'm drawn to destinations that feel completely different from the UK.

Which TS tour would you recommend?

Any of our river cruises as it is such a relaxing way to travel; docking in the heart of a different location every day whilst only having to unpack once is my ideal holiday!

What has been your favourite bucket list experience?

It is hard to pick one (or even three) but celebrating NYE with locals on Easter Island, unexpectedly attending a local wedding in Vietnam, and my recent safari on horseback would probably all be high up there.

What's your most memorable travel experience?

I've been incredibly fortunate to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world, but my most memorable travel experiences are those shared with my own little family. Travelling with children slows you down and gently reorients your attention. As adults, we tend to move through places with purpose - focused on landmarks, logistics, and highlights - while children notice what's small, ordinary, and present.

Which TS tour would you most like to go on?

One of the downsides of working in travel is that you get inspired to discover new tours and destinations every day, so it is hard to pick one. A trip to India would be amazing and I would love to see Bocelli perform in the spectacular Teatro del Silenzio, in his hometown of Lajatico as well.

Summer sun or winter sun?

Winter sun.

City break or beach holiday?

City break; I hate sand!

By plane, rail or ship?

Plane.

Long haul or short haul?

Either - as long as there's something new to discover.

Off the beaten track or tourist hotspot?

A mix of both - I love iconic sights, but I'm always on the lookout for hidden gems.

Adventure and exploration or relaxation?

Adventure and exploration - I don't do lying still on a sunbed very well.