Amber Kelly

How long have you been working in travel industry and what type of roles have you held?

An amazing 20 years. Starting as a travel consultant, I have worked across so many parts of the industry including wholesale, retail, product, contracting, supplier management, marketing, events, and sales. The travel industry has gifted me so many opportunities and I am grateful for each and every one of them. 

What sets nib apart from others in the industry?

The people! The culture of teamwork, both internally and with our partners, is wonderful to be a part of. It’s inspiring to work amongst such smart, hand-working, and supportive colleagues and partners. 

What’s been your most memorable experience from your career in the travel industry?

The very best memories always come from the people I’ve met along the way. The travel industry has delivered life-long friendships, through workplaces, partnerships, famils, trade shows, conferences and more. I love how the experience of travel fast-tracks connections and bonds people for life. 

How do you stay up to date on the latest travel trends and destinations?

Travel is my job but it’s also a passion, so I happily consume lots of travel media both for work and fun. Keeping in touch with travel industry friends and colleagues to hear about what is happening in different businesses. I also really value attending travel events, they are a great source of inspiration and help me step back from the day-to-day to reflect on the bigger picture. 

What do you think is the key to making a great travel itinerary?

Not over-planning or trying to do too much. Spending quality time in each place to really get immersed and always allowing space to go with the flow or take up local recommendations. Often the most memorable experiences come from the unplanned or unexpected.  

What's the craziest travel story you've ever heard from a client? 

I once had a client whose bag went missing on her return from Japan. It was raining on the day she left so her jeans were packed on top - wet. Her luggage, however, got lost for 2 weeks so by the time it arrived home, everything in her bag was mouldy! I’ve never forgotten that story, so I always take a proper dry bag with me to store anything wet. 

What's the most underrated travel destination in your opinion?

India! The people are wonderfully warm, welcoming, and good-humoured, the food is incredible, the colour, culture, diversity, history, wildlife, and more. Plus, they deliver luxury and service like nowhere else. 

If you could travel with 3 famous people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Anthony Bourdain for the food, fun and conversation. Louis Theroux so he can ask all the awkward questions, and David Attenborough for his immense knowledge, kindness, and passion for the natural world. 

Have you ever had a travel mishap or funny story that you'd like to share?

Staying in a London hostel many years ago, we were woken in the middle of the night by the fire alarms. Once we realised it wasn’t a false alarm, we quickly evacuated. It was pretty cold, so they had the nearby pub open the doors and we spent the rest of the night in the bar playing cards and charades in our pyjamas. A memorable way to meet some new friends! 

My favourite holiday was...

Antarctica, no doubt about it. The true sense of wonder and amazement hits you at every turn. Seeing the untouched beauty, the abundance of wildlife and that feeling of being at the end of the earth. It’s magical, wonderous, awe-inspiring, and if you ever get the chance, I say JUST GO.