The Women in Travel Awards are back for 2026! In this piece we speak to the women at Scenic Group about what “Never too much” means to them, as well as the women who inspired them and the travel items they can’t go without.
Think you or someone you know would be the perfect fit for the Women in Travel Awards, enter here.
Amanda Todd, Senior Business Development Manager NSW / ACT
What does “never too much” mean to you personally?
After almost 30 years in the travel industry, “never too much” has taken on a different meaning for me. It isn’t about doing more – it’s about never stopping learning, never losing curiosity, and never underestimating the impact we can have on others.
For me, “never too much” isn’t about doing more for the sake of being busy – it’s about giving my best, creating a positive impact wherever I can and keeping that sense of wonder.
Who was the woman who showed you it was okay to take up space?
I can’t point to one woman who showed me it was okay to take up space. Instead, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many women throughout my life and career, each of whom contributed something different.
I’ve come to realise that taking up space isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about bringing your experience, perspective and values to the table with confidence and purpose. The women I’ve worked alongside have shown me that there is room for different leadership styles, and that authenticity is often the greatest strength.
What is the one travel item you cannot travel without?
Face mist.
It might sound like a small thing, but after so many years in airports, long-haul flights and changing climates, I’ve learned that it’s the little rituals that make the biggest difference. A quick spritz of face mist is an instant reset – it helps me feel refreshed and a little more ready for whatever comes next.
Travel can be unpredictable, but having one familiar comfort in my bag reminds me to take a moment for myself, no matter how busy the journey. It’s a small luxury that makes every trip feel a little more enjoyable.
Jade Burns, Trade Sales & Premium Guest Concierge Manager
What does “Never Too Much” mean to you personally?
To me, “Never Too Much” means never feeling like you have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.
Earlier in my career, I thought I needed to have all the answers before speaking up. Over time, I’ve realised that taking up space isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room – it’s about having the confidence to contribute, ask questions, share ideas and trust your own voice.
As a leader, it also means encouraging others to do the same. Every day I work with Leaders and consultants who help create extraordinary journeys and unforgettable experiences for our guests. Part of my role is helping my team realise that their ideas, their voice and their growth are just as important as the work they do every day. When people feel confident enough to take up space, they’re more engaged, more innovative and better equipped to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and trade partners.
For me, taking up space isn’t about standing in front – it’s about creating space for others to grow alongside you.
Who was the woman who showed you it was okay to take up space?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from several incredible women throughout my career, but one who had a profound impact on me was Karen Lewis, former general manager, North America Operations for Scenic Group, who I worked alongside during a secondment in Vancouver supporting our Canada & Alaska portfolio.
Although I only worked with Karen for six months, the impact she had on me has lasted my entire career. She had an incredible ability to remain calm under pressure, make confident decisions and navigate even the most challenging situations with authenticity and grace. She challenged me to think differently, trusted me with responsibility and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.
More than a decade later, I still draw on the lessons she taught me. Karen showed me that great leaders don’t need to have all the answers – they earn respect through consistency, integrity and the confidence they instil in others.
What is the one travel item you cannot travel without?
Believe it or not… My husband!
People assume that because I work in the travel industry, I’m the one planning every detail of our holidays. The reality is quite the opposite! He loves researching destinations and planning every aspect of our trips well in advance. I’ll happily share my travel expertise, offer plenty of suggestions and make sure our itinerary includes a few destinations on my bucket list (and Italy on every European trip – because you can never have too much pizza, pasta and gelato!), but I’m more than happy to go with the flow and enjoy the journey.
Between us, we make the perfect travel team, and I secretly love being able to switch off and let someone else take the lead for a change.
Think you’ve got what it takes to be a Women in Travel Award winner? The awards are open to women at every stage of their career. All you need to do is demonstrate excellence, dedication to the travel industry and a commitment to driving positive change.
Entry is completely free, so there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. We’ve also introduced a new nomination feature, making it easier than ever to shine a spotlight on an exceptional woman deserving of recognition. Individuals can be nominated to enter the awards by their peers but will still need to complete the awards themselves.
Enter the awards here.
