Last updated 14:36, Friday, 25 July 2008

Interview with Sandra Harvey, travel adviser for Graham’s Travel

Helping others: Sandra Harvey of Grahams Travel in Jane Street, Workington wants to share her love of travel with others

What attracted you to the travel industry?

My husband was in the Army so I’ve travelled all over the world with him. I worked previously in a travel agents in Germany where I mostly dealt with service families. I know a little German and it was enough to get me by.

But having lived in lots of different countries myself, the travel industry was something I knew a lot about.

We moved back to Cumbria 18 months ago and I began working here at Graham’s Travel; I really like this kind of work.

Have you had to undertake any training?

I’ve had a lot of on-the-job training whilst I was in Germany but most of my official training has taken place here at Graham’s Travel.

I have certificates with various crusie lines and holiday companies.

At the end of August I will be attending a one week education cruise which is organised for travel advisers to help them get a better idea of what is on offer for customers and the range of services and facilities available to them.

What does the job involve?

Every day is different and I can be booking train tickets and hotels one minute then doing window displays, organising cruises and once-in-a-lifetime holidays, the next.

We get a lot of cruise customers and for those who haven’t been on one before we will spend time with them discussing the offers and what exactly what they want. For those who have been and know exactly what they want and where they want to go we will give them the best service possible.

Why do you enjoy the job?

I’m so used to travelling that I enjoy helping others to do it. It’s really interesting learning about new places and experiences and there are always new things to find out about.

I also really enjoy meeting new people; having a husband in the Army has meant I have developed some great communicational skills and I like the interaction with people.

What places have you visited?

I’ve visited various countries in Britain and Europe. Recently I’ve been to Glasgow, London, Liverpool and Dublin so when you’re there you tend to take more notice of services and facilities just in case a customer is interested in visiting any of those places.

I enjoy looking at the travelling side of things and picking up hints an tips which I can pass onto my customers such as the different regulations for the different airlines.

What is next for you and your career?

I would love to learn more and get more training. There are still places I’ve never heard of so I would like to develop my geographical skills.