Meet the team: Ian, HA Destination Manager

April 16, 2024 12:08 pm Published by gabby

What’s your role at Holiday Architects?

I’m a Destination Manager, specialising in designing holidays to Jordan, Malaysia and Borneo.

Before I worked at HA, my first job in travel was working in international school travel. Putting together incredible school trips for secondary school students so they can travel all over the world (just like I did). This was the first time I was able to combine my love for travel (and organising) with a job and it really was a game-changer for me. Post-pandemic, I was lucky enough to start at HA and now I’m able to continue on this exciting path of helping others travel the world!

Why do you love travel?

When I was young, I always wanted to travel. Whether it was our family holidays to Europe or school trips which led me to explore China, USA and Tunisia; I’ve always loved exploring new places (preferably in a nice hotel too!) I love learning about different cultures, traditions and eating the local delicacies of course!

What do you love doing when you’re not designing holidays?

If I’m not working, you’ll most probably catch me walking the dog, watching tv, cooking, eating or drinking! Myself and my wife are the proud pawrents of our 14-year-old rescue pooch, Lucy who spends her day sleeping, eating and listening to me talking about Jordan, Malaysia and Borneo! I also volunteer for my local food bank, organising the donations in the background ready to be put into food parcels for those in need.

We’re big foodies here at HA. What would be your dream three-course dinner?

If we’re talking dream meal, I’m going to assume that I cannot get full so I’m going all in.

Starter has to be some sort of prawns, maybe some garlicky chilli prawns with nice toasted bread.

Main, I’m going for pasta, maybe a carbonara or a bolognese, keep it simple – oh, and maybe a side of pizza!

I’m not a massive dessert fan but if there’s a tiramisu, I’m there. Of course, I would be washing it down with a nice pint, glass of savvy b or an espresso martini!

What’s your karaoke tune?

Karaoke is my nemesis but get me at the right time and I’ll give you a flawless rendition of Steps (with choreography of course) or Taylor Swift is always a winner.

Tell us more about Jordan…

What makes it special?

I love how much Jordan has to offer, it really can surprise you. Being able to explore a city, walk through archaeological sites, sleep under the stars in the desert and relax by the beach, all in 10 days is something quite special. To top it all off, the friendliness of the locals is second to none and they really go above and beyond to show off what a beautiful country it is to visit.

What’s your favourite memory of your time there?

My cooking experience in Amman was incredible. Visiting the cooking school, Beit Sitti, and making my own dinner with others was such an experience. Every one of us in the group spoke a different language but we were united with the language of food – of course being helped by a local family. I can still smell the spices and taste the chicken now, absolutely delicious (if I do say so myself)!

Where’s your favourite place to visit in Jordan?

Jerash is a fascinating site to visit, in my opinion is a must-see and really compliments the inevitable visit to Petra. The guides are fantastic and I especially loved the oval plaza. It’s an expansive site and there is so much to see and the guide really brings it to life and helps to understand the history of what you are seeing.

Tell us something most people don’t know about Jordan?

The Wadi Rum in Jordan expands over 183,000 acres which is almost as large as New York City!

Tell us more about Malaysia…

What makes it special?

What I love about Malaysia, is the mix of what you can see. From the city of Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands, the food in Penang or the beach in Langkawi. It has it all to offer for everyone! Plus, it’s lovely and warm which is always a bonus.

What’s your favourite memory of your time there?

It’s going to have to be food-related again for Malaysia; the chicken rice, nasi lemak, dim sum, laksa, I loved it all. I think my favourite was on my morning bike ride in Langkawi, stopping for a fresh roti on the side of the street, just what I needed.

Where’s your favourite place to visit in Malaysia?

I am a big fan of a city and Kuala Lumpur did not disappoint. The buildings, the monorail and just the whole vibe of the city everything I needed. To be able to pop my headphones in and easily walk to see the Petronas Twin Towers and Times Square, I was able to experience the hustle and bustle of the city and see what it has to offer whilst feeling completely safe exploring on my own. It’s somewhere I would not hesitate to go back to!

Tell us something most people don’t know about Malaysia?

The national flower of Malaysia is the Hibiscus. It symbolises wealth, fame and glory.

Tell us more about Borneo…

What makes it special?

Surely for Borneo, the best thing is the wildlife?! Boating along the Kinabatangan River, seeing loads of macaques, hornbills and even a crocodile. Seeing wild orangutans in Tabin and Danum were absolutely incredible! It’s an amazing destination where you’re guaranteed to seeing something special and stay in some beautiful hotels/lodges.

What’s your favourite memory of your time there?

Sitting in a boat on the Kinabatangan River, for a morning boat trip as the sun was rising, with a crocodile casually swimming next to us. Need I say more?

Where’s your favourite place to visit in Borneo?

The wildlife in Borneo is amazing so it is hard to pick a favourite place to visit as I was lucky enough to see so much. I’m going to play the wild card (or because I couldn’t decide) and say Gaya Island. After a week of rainforests, wildlife and business, it’s so nice to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. I would also highly recommend a massage in the spa – the perfect way to relax!

Tell us something most people don’t know about Borneo?

Borneo is the third largest island in the world (Greenland and New Guinea being the first and second). It is around two times the size of Germany!