This Wednesday, I want to introduce you to Una, our Woman of the Week. Una has spent many years working in the travel industry and although she is from Seattle, she now resides in Australia where she writes and is involved with UNESCO. After you read her interview, check out Una’s blog at the links below and get a glimpse at how she makes the magic happen.
Connect with Una: BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM PINTEREST
Tell us about yourself?
1) I’m a Self Employed PNW gal who grew up on an island near Seattle. I have been helping businesses, mostly in the tourism sector, create better engagement and increase their bottom line for a good chunk of my career, as well as having owned and operated BB’s, Bars and Restaurants. I am currently writing content for a variety of tourism entities and facilitating the engagement and interest of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
Why do you travel?
I travel because I love to explore other cultures and to push the envelope of what I think I know. This helps the businesses I work with to increase international traffic and their bottom line. I also travel for work, as I am the “face” for travel and trade shows and interaction with other operators and tourism agencies spanning the globe.
How do you balance work and travel?
As a long time entrepreneur it is in my blood to multi task and work all the time. I have never been one to embrace 9-5 weekends off. I work consistently throughout the week, and go on a hike or go fishing or wander a botanical garden, when and where I want. If I have a laptop and wifi, I will travel and be happy.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from your travels?
That everyone is the same. Regardless of their shape, background, religion or ideology….everyone has sad times, everyone can be happy. If we forget our differences and instead hone in on what makes us human, the world would be a better place.
I was in a situation where I spent 4 days in a remote village off the Momon River, an off shoot of the Amazon. The most incredible week of my life. They had never seen blonde / blue eyes. I got to go hunting in the jungle and live an extreme simplified life in an poverty stricken village in the middle of nowhere. It was amazing.
Just like at home, always be careful, but there is nothing to fear in traveling, except fear itself. People in general will be kind and generous and through that you will gain oodles of confidence in any situation. Go with the flow. Don’t be too structured. Say yes, in a non dangerous situation, to something which you have never done or considered.
Thanks for reading! Want more travel tips from Una and women like her?
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After you sign up, you’ll start receiving the following freebies: 50 Practical Travel Tips from Solo Lady Backpackers (a 6-page PDF), 20 Tips for Sustainable Travel (a checklist), and 30 Jobs to See the World.
Want more interviews? Head to our Woman of the Week archives for the full library.
