Kristy Blakeley

Southeast Asia and Oceania specialist

A little background...

My travel industry career started with my Australian travel agent, Carla. I was 20 years old and planning 6 months travelling in Europe, as most Australians do, and she said to me, ‘When you get back you should work here!’ Jump forward 4 years (yes, 6 months turned into 4 years of travelling) and I was applying to work for Australia’s largest travel agent, who I worked with, over 2 continents, for 5 years. After my 6 months travelling in Western Europe, having definitely been bitten by the travel bug, I broadened my horizons with South East Asia, the South Pacific, The States, Mexico, Canada, Egypt, the Middle East, Indonesia, New Zealand, more of hometown Australia and most recently on one of our Egypt group tours (Grand Egyptian Adventure).

My passion for travel has increased as my list of 'countries visited' grows and I am pleased to be able to focus on one of my favourite areas of the world, South East Asia, while working for Uncover the World.

Which regions do you specialise in?

South East Asia and Oceania are my main specialist areas. Being Australian and having travelled extensively throughout Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, I am the obvious choice but I am also passionate about working on a trip for you that will help you to experience an area of the world that I have come to love.

I also work on our Egypt tours, both group and tailor-made. My top tip for Egypt is: The Felucca. Do it! You will not regret it and it will be the highlight of your trip, as it was mine!

What are your top 5 travel experiences?

• Enjoying fresh seafood and a glass of Marlborough’s finest at Auckland’s viaduct while overlooking the cityscape.
• Experiencing rural life and travelling on the back of a motorbike in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
• Sailing gracefully down the Nile on a felucca, with my boyfriend, in the glorious sunshine.
• Cooking up a delicious feast of catfish and green mango salad on a Thai cooking course in Chiang Mai.
• Looking up at the bright lights of New York City’s Times Square, while enjoying a slice of pepperoni pizza.

What would your dream holiday include?

• Turning a corner and standing in awe of a sight in front of you.
• Exclaiming ‘Wow!’ at a natural wonder of our amazing world.
• Taking a ‘moment’ at an ancient monument built before your time.
• Tasting a flavour you never knew would be your favourite.
• Experiencing a completely different way of life.