Susan Warner | Founder of Gypsian Boutique Tours
The challenge for the industry is… Always remembering that we are the guests of the host countries that we visit. They give us something, so we must return something. Respect local values and knowledge and always contribute to the enhancement, viability and vitality of the life of local communities.
The things I like about my job are… Taking clients to new places for that truly authentic experience and seeing the expressions on their face when they get it.
And the frustrations… Red tape, paperwork and ‘tickbox’ tourists where nothing is as good as home.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be a… An owner of a boutique hotel somewhere along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
Qantas or Virgin? It would have to be Virgin. I like Richard Branson’s philosophy on life and respect someone who started from the ground up and wasn’t afraid to take risks despite massive opposition. You’ve got to love a man who can pull off a skirt and red lipstick like he did!
My proudest moment was… Establishing Gypsian Boutique Tours.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… Moving to Morocco in the early 70s but telling my parents I was living in London.
I try to relax by…Unfortunately relaxing is not a part of my vocabulary.
The last time I feared for my life… I don’t think I have ever feared for my life.
If I can, I always try to avoid… Being around negative people. Unfortunately they make you negative at the same time.
I really wish I had… More time.
The best advice I’ve ever received was… Always reach for the moon you might catch a couple of stars on the way down.
I don’t understand why… I can get better phone reception in the desert of Wadi Rum (Jordan) than I do in coastal Australia
My greatest weakness is… Trying to do too many things at the same time and getting nothing done.
And my greatest strength… Positive thinking – it will be alright on the day!
If I was prime minister I would…Would you want to be the Prime Minister? I am sure I wouldn’t.
If I won $1 million on the lottery… The pleasures of giving are great so there would not be much money left.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Can’t think of a single person – I am very comfortable in my own skin
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Cuba – they certainly have a zest for life something that appears to be lacking in Australia at the moment.
My favourite holiday was… Sailing around the Whitsundays with the children when they were growing up.
