July
Meet the Explorer:
Kay L.
Kay has joined more than 10 adventures with Explorers and our sister brands, Patch Adventures and Fencox, so if anyone knows what these trips are all about, it’s her.
If you’ve ever travelled with Kay, you’ve probably noticed the same thing we have.
She’s incredibly kind, patient and easy to be around. Nothing ever seems to faze her, she’s happy to roll with whatever the day brings, and she always makes the people around her feel welcome.
Have a read below and get to know Kay a little better.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I love to read, occasionally garden (pulling weeds and wishing I knew how to garden) and take care of my 5 cats (6 in the house); shh, don’t tell the Council.
What first sparked your love of travel?
My dad was a pilot and mum was a hostess with TAA, The Friendly Way. I remember as a young child receiving fabulous picture postcards with interesting stamps from exotic locations. Then they took my brother and I on some trips. Hooked!
What’s a travel memory you’ll never forget?
So many! I remember travelling to Cairo to meet my friend and tour Egypt. A taxi tout grabbed my bag at the airport and I basically had to run after him, out of the terminal, past the legit car parks to a clapped-out little car. I thought I was dead, but after the horrific flight I didn’t much care. He drove me to within eye-sight of the hotel but wanted the money before he drove the rest of the way. I eventually gave in and paid and he dropped me at the door. Phew! But where was my friend? She arrived in the hotel an hour later (nearly mid-night) to find me exhausted in the foyer. She and the guide were still trying to find us a room… It was a wonderful trip after that inauspicious start.
What keeps you coming back for another adventure?
I love natural scenery, historical sites and beautiful architecture. I love meeting new travelling companions and within days feeling like they are old friends. Guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about their countries are wonderful to learn from. Local people generally love to share their cultures.
What’s the biggest lesson travel has taught you?
People everywhere just want a good life and safety for their families. We have different culture, countrysides, history, but we are all earthlings.
If you could encourage someone who’s a little nervous about joining a small-group adventure, what would you say?
Small groups are not overwhelming but supportive and helpful to each other through our travels. There is always someone you will get on with! I am an extreme introvert, but I have met many lovely people whose company I have really enjoyed.
Where are you dreaming of going next?
Oman in January and The Baltic Way in September next year are booked. Rwanda, Sumatra, South America… pretty much everywhere Patch, Magnificent Explorers and Fencox have trips.
Thank you, Kay, for sharing so many adventures with us and for inspiring both our team and your fellow travellers along the way. ❤️