Maxine Whiting

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Maxine Whiting | Travel Specialist

Phone Maxine: 01242 808 919

Email Maxine: [email protected]

Visit Maxine: Waitrose, Honeybourne Way, Cheltenham, GL50 3QW

All About Maxine

My passion for travel began in my late teens, when I set off on an unforgettable interrailing adventure around Europe. We travelled through Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany, and even touched on the then Yugoslavia. It really opened my eyes to the feeling travel can bring, with its variety of cultures, cuisines and landscapes that make travel so exciting. This was the beginning of my lifelong desire to discover more of the world we live in.

We see this today in popular television shows like Race Across the World. In my twenties, my adventures took me further afield and I travelled to Australia and New Zealand. I went on to spend 5 years in Australia, living and working just outside Melbourne. During this time, I also travelled extensively, discovering some truly magnificent places. I swam with dolphins in Esperance, snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef, rode horseback along stunning beaches in Byron Bay, and swam with seals in crystal clear waters off Fremantle. I even had the opportunity to see a blue whale up close in New Zealand, when it came into shallow waters and was helped out of its predicament by conservationist and the local community. Another NZ favourite was the stunning glow worm caves in Waitomo.

Some of my most memorable adventures though have been travelling through South-East Asia, where I truly embraced the riches, these incredible destinations had to offer. From visiting ancient temples, experiencing local traditions and festivals, swimming along stunning coastlines, trekking to waterfalls and coming face-to-face with the famous monkeys of Ubud, there is always something new to discover.

I found India to be a country that really captured the senses, and I loved exploring its fascinating history, vibrant colourful villages, diverse culture and bustling streets, with ancient architecture popping up in every place. As well as the stunning Taj Mahal, one of my most memorable experiences was embarking on a three-day camel safari through the desert in Jaisalmer. Travelling across golden sands by day and spending the evenings beneath a spectacular blanket of stars, gathered around a campfire, sharing stories. It's an experience I'll never forget. For me India embodies everything I love about travel, embracing the unexpected, immersing yourself in local culture and getting familiar with the feel of a place. The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Agra were also highlights.

Another favourite was Morocco, a fascinating country with an ever-changing landscape and remarkable geology. From dramatic mountains and rugged valleys to vast deserts and ancient kasbahs. I loved experiencing the local culture, and sampling delicious Moroccan tagines and freshly baked bread, it was music to the tastebuds. The accommodation too was of a particularly high standard and truly authentic, with tastefully tiled rooms and pretty interior gardens.

Before embarking on my new adventure with Miles Morgan Travel, I spent 22 years working in publishing and have recently completed a degree in Broadcast Journalism. I still enjoy keeping my hand in by volunteering as a news reader at a local radio station. My writing background also goes hand in hand with my passion for travel writing, allowing me to combine this with my love of people, culture and places.

If you're looking for a different kind of adventure that takes you beyond the tourist trail and immerses you in local culture and fascinating history, or you're dreaming of a cultural journey through scenic Europe, river cruising or overland, pop in and see me at the Cheltenham branch of Miles Morgan Travel and I'll be delighted to share my travel knowledge with you and book you that perfect holiday.