My desire for travel ignited while I was working on my bachelor’s degree in college. No one in my immediate family had ventured outside the U.S. and I knew I wouldn’t lead the same path.
During school I studied abroad multiple times to Europe and Asia. I vividly remember the adrenaline coursing through me while the plane was taking off on my new adventure to live in Italy for a semester. I knew this was a feeling I did not want to slip away. From that point on, travel would indefinitely be a part of my life.
Since graduating from college, I immediately went into the luxury sales industry. Knowing that I had a passion for sales and travel it inevitably led me to Audley, and now I’m able to share my knowledge and experience to create adventures for others.
Q&A with Meghan
What's your most vivid travel moment?
I was frozen in place as three 7,000 lb elephants started to approach me. “Place both of your hands up” stated my guide. I did exactly that, simultaneously taking one step back to let the massive elephants have their space. As I was standing only one foot away from the three female elephants, I was able to look into their eyes, see the wrinkles in their dark brown skin and hear their soft chuffs coming from their long trunks. I had been waiting for this moment my whole life. To travel in Thailand, visit an ethical elephant nature park and come face to face with an elephant.
Which book, film or artwork captures Indonesia the most?
Watching 'Eat, Pray Love' for the first time in high school inspired me to think about traveling the world. It takes place in present day, where Julia Roberts goes on a year long trip to find herself. Part of her journey takes place in Bali, Indonesia. She walks down the streets of Ubud, cycles through the rice paddies and seeks a medicine man for balance and harmony. Many people travel to Bali for these activities and so much more.
Your best piece of travel advice?
My advice is if you are visiting the Islands of Thailand, such as Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai, is to bring motion sickness medication. You will be on multiple boat rides and sometimes they are a few hours long. The sea can become very rough, especially if it's windy. During my time in Thailand I was on many boat rides which were quite rough. This was a time I wish I had brought motion sickness medication to help relieve some of the discomfort.