TGt Meets...Nong Skett from Not Just Travel

Meet our latest TGt Meets...Nong Skett, a local personal travel consultant from Not Just Travel.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m Nong, a local personal travel consultant. I am here to help people every step of the way in planning and booking the perfect holiday - whether it’s a family getaway or once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Home-based in Swindon, I have clients throughout the South West, from Bath and the Cotswolds right across to London. When I’m not planning holidays for my clients, I’m planning them for myself or spending time with friends and family. I’m also a big foodie and animal lover.

What inspired you to fulfil a career in travel?

Having travelled internationally since I was a toddler, travel is a huge passion of mine. We all want a career we’re passionate about and I’m fortunate to have found one that I love. I really enjoy combining my passion for and experiences of travel, with getting to know clients and helping them make lasting memories.

How did you become a travel consultant?

The idea to become a full-time travel consultant first came to me on holiday - my partner was having a stressful time trying to find and book excursions for us. It’s usually me that plans these things, and I’ve always loved planning travel experiences with my friends too. He was surprised at how easy I found it and joked that I should do it as a job. It got me thinking, as I’ve wanted to put my many years of business experience to use in my own business for some time. The two things naturally came together and after a lot of training, learning and hard work, here I am!

Tell us a little bit about your business…

I’m essentially a travel broker, concierge, and adviser, all rolled into one. Tell me what you want, and I’ll put together a tailored package for you from my extensive network of tour operators and travel partners. Of course, this saves you a lot of time and effort, but because I’m part of the Not Just Travel group, I have buying power and industry partnerships that you simply can’t get access to as a consumer.

Why should people use you to find a holiday destination? How are you different to any other travel consultant/agency?

Unlike many high-street travel agents, I’m independent. That means I’ll always aim to find the best deal for you - I don’t favour one tour operator, airline or hotel over another. And because I’m your personal consultant, I can support your holiday experience from start to finish. I’m here to help you find and book your holiday, support you with any changes (if needed), and act as your representative should anything go wrong. Most importantly, it’s my name ‘above the door’, so I’ll always act in your best interests - I want you to recommend me to your family and friends after all!

Do you tend to have experience with the destinations you promote?

Obviously it’s impossible to visit every single hotel or resort, or experience every airline or cruise line myself – but I’m working on it! I know Thailand better than most, having lived and travelled there. I also go to Ibiza every year, and other European destinations regularly. I’ve travelled to the Caribbean, Arctic, USA, UAE and Indian Ocean multiple times too, so I try to use my knowledge of those places when helping my clients plan their travels. And for anywhere I haven’t been, I can lean on the expertise and personal experiences of my brilliant travel partners.

Where was your favourite place to visit?

Good question! It’s so hard to pick a favourite though. I love Saint Lucia in the Caribbean as it has literally everything I look for in a holiday. It’s stunning, the people are lovely and there’s so much to do. Thailand is a second home to me, and the fact I know it so well means it’s probably where I feel most at home. Such warm and friendly people, great food and scenery – and there is so much variation across the country that most travellers don’t get to experience. As an animal lover, I have to mention the wildlife too – one of my favourite memories is spending time at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

Where have you not visited yet that you’d love to go and explore?

I’d love to visit Argentina. It’s a little off the beaten track, but there’s so much to see and experience. I’d like to see the rugged mountain wilderness and experience the bustle of Buenos Aires. And maybe a vineyard or two when I get thirsty!

If you'd like to get in touch with Nong Skett, then call 07824 833134, email [email protected] or visit Nong's website here.