Nikki Clarke

When I’m, not at work or travelling…

I’m either being really active or chilling with a good book or movie.

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

Teaching English somewhere exotic.

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

The Northern Territory, Australia – 5 months! I loved it.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

New Zealand. I don’t usually enjoy a cooler climate, and thought it would be a bit quiet for me – however, the scenery is just stunning. The area around Queenstown, Milford Sound and also Abel Tasman National Park are some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

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

Australia. I love the scenery, nature, the outback… And the weather!

What was your first great travel experience?

If I’m honest, it was probably going to Orlando with my family when I was a teenager. I really remember just wanting to travel around the whole of the USA after that.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Queenstown (the view), New Zealand

The Northern Territory, Australia

Arizona, USA

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

Daintree EcoLodge, Australia. It’s a beautiful, secluded eco-lodge in the heart of the Daintree rainforest. It’s a short drive away from some of the most beautiful scenery and beaches in Australia.

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

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands. The sand is so powdery-soft and white here and the sea is so blue it almost doesn’t look real!

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

I have tried camel… I wouldn’t recommend it!

Have you ever worked abroad?

I have worked many weird and (some) wonderful jobs on my travels, door-to-door sales, pear-picking, working on a cattle station, even working in a café in the middle of Litchfield National Park! I have also worked abroad teaching English as a foreign language.

Where is the most depressing place you’ve found yourself?

Depressing may not be the right word, but visiting The Killing Fields in Cambodia was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It is a beautiful country and the people there are so friendly it makes it hard to comprehend. I do highly recommend a visit to appreciate the culture and history of the country.

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

Hong Kong. I have never been but it looks so vibrant and exciting, I would love to explore and try out some of the local cuisine.