The Holiday Fixer has a wonderful, friendly team of home-based travel agents spread out across the country. To get to know them better we thought it would be a good idea to interview them all. The first interview is with London based, Carrie Williamson.
What inspired you to become a travel agent?
When I was at school I wanted to be an air hostess and after I went on my first holiday abroad aged 8, I became completely obsessed with the idea. However, before achieving my ambition I first worked as an apprentice at a local travel agency. While I was there I applied to be part of the TUI cabin crew and ended up being with them for twelve years. After leaving TUI, I worked for Virgin Holidays where I was lucky enough to travel to all sorts of wonderful places and experience staying in some amazing resorts. I went on to work for BA but left to start a family. I had always planned to go back to working in travel, so when I found out Britt was looking for more Holiday Fixers I immediately put myself forward.
What do you enjoy most about being a Holiday Fixer?
I really like not being stuck in an office and having the freedom to do things my way. Also I enjoy the flexibility it gives me as it means I can work around my family commitments.
I particularly love doing research and putting together bespoke itineraries for my clients. Whether that is island hopping, a triple centre holiday or a mix of adventure and relaxation. I am always up for a challenge and the more unusual the request the better!
What in particular do you think drives you to be successful?
Good customer service I would say is my main driver. I strive to make things work seamlessly, make people happy and always try to be approachable. I take great pride in what I do and I like to do it well. When I get customers through recommendation or repeat business that gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction because I know then that I must be doing a good job.
Do you and your family have a favourite place you like to go on holiday?
Yes, we like going to Lanzarote and even before we had children we used go there on holiday. We always take a villa with all the family, including grandparents. One of our favourite resorts is Playa Blanca which is the island’s southernmost town and has very relaxed, nice vibe.
What type of holiday do you find your customers tend to book – relaxing, active or a mix?
I would say it is a mix. A lot of safaris, island hopping and some all inclusive holidays. I organise a lot of honeymoons which often involve a mix of doing something active and afterwards spending time somewhere special to relax.
Weekend city breaks are always popular. Is there a city you would particularly recommend?
That is really hard. Personally I would love to go to Seville because so many of my clients recommend it. If I was to suggest a city that I know, it would have to be Palma which has a good mix of city and beach life. It has something for everyone – culture, a good choice of places to eat and drink, it’s pretty and has some nice beaches that are not far from the city centre. A great place to spend a weekend.
Many of us have a travel “bucket list”. Do you have one, or if you were to create one, which country would be top of your list, and why?
I have a huge bucket list and at the top is the Galapagos Islands. It’s somewhere I have always wanted to go. I think it would be a real adventure and wonderful to the see the incredible variety of wildlife there. A truly unforgettable, once in a lifetime holiday.
For all the latest holiday deals visit Carrie’s website Carrie Williamson – The Holiday Fixer, or if you have a query, or an itinerary you’d like to discuss please email her, [email protected].
