Barb Gadke joins the Goway Downunder team of experts

Barb Gadke is super excited to join Goway’s South Pacific Wholesale Team at Goway Travel. Here is a little about Barb, in her own words.

“I am Canadian born and Australian raised. I visited Canada a few times on holiday before committing to live in Edmonton for a year in 2014. It was an arranged set up so I went back to Brisbane, Australia a year later. At the time of leaving I always knew I would return. It took me four years and now I live here, in Toronto. For 20 years I have worked in travel. It’s a skill or profession that can be used in any part of the world and has enabled me to live anywhere I choose. Also, I have an innate desire to visit new countries, meet new cultures and see wildlife in ever-changing landscapes. Even though I live in the city, I tend to escape back to nature as often as I can. It helps me to rejuvenate, feel more alive and grounded.”

What is your country of birth?

Canada

Have you lived in any country other than North America?

Yes. Australia and Ireland

What destinations do you sell?

South Pacific – Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific stopovers

Do you have a funny story to tell about something that happened while you were travelling?

After climbing the 1,729 steps to the top of the lookout for sunset at Mandalay Hill in Myanmar, I sat down cross-legged to pass the time and catch my breath. I was approached by three Monks in training. They asked if they could sit with me to practice their English. The lead Monk asked for my name to which he heard “Banana” and kept saying it over and over again during the conversation. We laughed so hard together after I corrected him closer to the end of our interaction. To this day, I still smile when I remember their joyous faces.

Do you have a travel tip you can provide for your agents?

Always organize a private transfer for your client when they arrive at a city for the first time. it feels special to have your name on a board and be personally greeted when you walk out of the immigration doors. Not only will they feel instantly comfortable, they will also have a driver to chat to, ask questions and be given advice about the local area.