Marianne

I started travelling after leaving school but it took a few years before I started working in travel, realising it was the best way to fund my own travels and continue to learn about new places. My first role was with a tour operator in 2008 planning tailor-made holidays to the Middle East, North Africa, and briefly India. 

In 2012, I started my Wild Frontiers career by flying to Tashkent on my first day. Then over the years, I saw more of Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East. A move to Bristol forced me to change companies, but I was able to continue working with these regions and within the last seven years, my experience and knowledge of the Middle East in particular has increased over 15 trips which have included personal holidays, leading tours and exploring on recces. I love Palestine and have visited seven times so far, I’ll be returning soon. I also volunteer at the Palestine Museum in Bristol. 

During my time in the travel industry, I developed a keen interest in sustainable tourism so I decided to study for a MSc in Responsible Tourism which I finished in 2022. I rejoined Wild Frontiers in 2023 and I'm excited to bring all the knowledge I've gained since leaving into this new chapter.  

BEST TRAVEL MOMENTS

Q: Favourite city?

A: Paris – it’s just beautiful

Q: Favourite country?

A: Lebanon – it is so varied and welcoming

Q: Favourite meal?

A: Breakfast at Dar Sitti Aziza Guesthouse in Bethlehem – they have the best hummus, Jerusalem bread and Arabic coffee

Q: Most memorable journey?

A: The Pamir Highway or the KKH – the views of the Hunza valley in autumn were just stunning 

Q: Favourite travel advice?

A: Always ask plenty of questions – you never know where they might lead you

Q: Next on the must-see list?

A: Istanbul, another trip to Egypt, some more of Wales, and I’d like to go back to Iran