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Melina Finnie

[email protected]
01273947316

Background:

I have worked at Travel Nation since May 2022, although I have been in the travel industry for over 15 years.

I grew up in the sunny seaside town of Bognor Regis before moving to the big lights of Brighton, I am now a proud homeowner in Newhaven, I am very much a Sussex girl!

I am a big foodie, so I love eating out and trying new cuisines. I am also a huge music fan and love to go to gigs and festivals.

Originally from:

Bognor Regis

Where did you spend your "student days"? 

Brighton, where I studied Travel & Tourism

Travel industry experience:

I have worked in the Travel Industry for over 15 years, having worked at Panorama & Manos back in the day. I then moved on to Kuoni in their Tailormade department and then spent 11.5 years as a Boutique Specialist at American Express Travel.

Melina has visited:

  • Cambodia Flag

    Cambodia

  • Canada Flag

    Canada

  • China Flag

    China

  • Egypt Flag

    Egypt

  • Jamaica Flag

    Jamaica

  • Laos Flag

    Laos

  • Maldives Flag

    Maldives

  • Mexico Flag

    Mexico

  • Morocco Flag

    Morocco

  • Philippines Flag

    Philippines

  • Singapore Flag

    Singapore

  • Thailand Flag

    Thailand

  • Türkiye Flag

    Türkiye

  • United States Flag

    United States

Visit the honky tonk bars of Nashville | Travel Nation

Last trip:

USA
Get unforgettable views of Mount Fuji | Travel Nation

Next trip:

Japan

About Melina

When I’m, not at work or travelling, I’m…

Enjoying live music at a gig or eating out trying to relive my favourite worldwide dining experiences!

My favourite band is…

My favourite band is Ash, I even had the privilege of going on tour with them and selling their merch. So rock n roll!

If I weren’t working for Travel Nation, I would be…

Travelling around Asia.

On my round the world trip I spent longer than expected in…

Koh Phangan, I partied hard and kept missing my bus!

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

Nashville. I didn’t really know what to expect and I love how cool the city is. It's really fun, with fantastic live music, some truly epic fried chicken and ribs, oh and numerous cowboys!

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?

Bangkok. I once lived there briefly, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

What was your first great travel experience?

6 months backpacking around South East Asia. I learned so much and it started my love affair with long haul travel.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Thailand, Greece and Canada.

Which passport stamp makes you most proud?

Philippines – it is a stamp that says Alien!

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ while travelling?

The guy that travels with a guitar!!

Where/what would you most like to visit?

Macchu Pichu – Peru

What’s the best/worst thing you’ve eaten on your travels?

The worst is probably worms in Bangkok. Just because they are deep-fried does not mean they are nice!

Have you ever worked abroad?

I taught English in Thailand.

Have you experienced culture shock? If so where/where did you find to be most different from home?

Probably the Philippines. There is a lot of poverty and it can be quite shocking to see how some people live, but they were so welcoming and friendly.

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that’s happened to you abroad?

I once went out with a Thai metal band unknowingly, until I saw them on the TV the next day!!

What’s the best party you have been to while travelling?

Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, Thailand

What do you miss most from home while you are away?

A decent cup of tea.