Amy Rees

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

At home with my young son.

My favourite band (or) film (or) team is…

Dirty Dancing – an all-time classic and chick flick.

If I wasn’t working for Travel Nation I would…

I would love to work as a Marine Biologist.

What do you do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and getting out and about and exploring.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

The Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles; I already knew it is of the best drives you can do but when you’re there, it really is amazing - the scenery you can see! I recommend doing the drive south so when you’re driving on the right hand side of the road, the coastline is on your right sand it’s easier to look and to pull over and stop at a viewpoint.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Camera, hand sanitizer, good book, portable charger and travel pillow!

When staying in a hotel room for more than one night do you a) or b) live from your bag/suitcase?

If it’s more than one night I like to unpack so I know where everything is.

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

Definitely New York. I love the hustle and bustle and it’s my favourite city! I love the buzz that you get and of course the shopping.

What was your first great travel experience?

Arriving in Australia at the age of 17 and sleeping in a swag by Uluru and watching the sunrise! Absolutely phenomenal.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

New York, the Maldives and San Francisco.

What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?

Meeru in the Maldives. Absolute paradise! Fabulous food and a great place to get away from it all! I stayed in a Jacuzzi Water Villa and spent most days snorkelling from the steps of our villa and watching the marine life from our terrace with a cocktail.

Which is your favourite beach, where is it and why?

Long Beach in Antigua; crystal clear, blue water and a massive stretch of beach that makes you feel like sometimes it’s only you there.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

Australia (Adelaide) as it was the first time I went away on my own and the furthest I’ve been.

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ whilst travelling?

If there’s no tea and coffee in the room! I love my tea in the morning.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

I’d love to go to New Zealand and do a self-drive around both islands and see Doubtful Sound.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve eaten whilst abroad?

Kangaroo tails while in Australia.

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

Spending two days in hospital in Alice Springs was an experience.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

Definitely Sydney – I’d love to be there over New Year’s Eve and see the fireworks over the bridge.

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

There are too many to think of! But the Sunday parties at Shirley Heights lookout in Antigua are good. Every Sunday, the party starts off just before sunset and carries on until late. You have fantastic views, jerk food, music and rum! It’s popular with the locals too which is a nice mix.

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

My family.