Interview with a Marketing Manager – Lori Petteplace, Goway Marketing
How long have you been in the travel industry?
I’m a newbie to the industry with 9 months under my belt. Given the Australian bushfires in January and the times the world finds itself in with the current Covid-19 situation, it’s been a roller coaster ride, to say the least.
Where were you born?
Just down the highway from Toronto in Hamilton, Ontario (Canada).
How many countries have you visited?
I actually hadn’t counted before! It tops off at 18.
Why did you start your career in travel?
Wanderlust and the chance to bring this beautiful world to others. I was drawn to the industry’s sense of adventure and wanted to satisfy my own curiosity about this planet we occupy. I was specifically drawn to Goway because they specialise in places I’ve visited and treasure such as New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. I was further drawn to their focus on destinations that remain on my ‘to do’ list such as Peru, Africa, and much of Asia. Travel is an intoxicating, always surprising privilege. When we emerge from this pandemic, it will be with a greater sense of respect. A commitment to purposefully share not only the beauty of our destinations but observe more closely each others’ cultures, traditions, and characteristics that define and unite us as global citizens.
What was the last vacation you went on?
This spring, I had the opportunity to embark on an African safari through Kenya, visiting some of the best national parks in Africa. I went hoping to observe the ‘Big 5’ with my own eyes and visit a Masai village. It was exhilarating, mixed with a certain amount of nerves, which is rare for me. Those nerves quickly dissolved into pure wonderment, as my first day’s adventures included visits to the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and Karen Blixen House (Out of Africa), with a stop for lunch at the Karen Blixen Museum.
The next day, I met up with my dynamic group and our ever-knowledgeable driver/guide, and we were off on our 8-day safari adventure. I quickly found myself immersed in the breathtaking scenery, seeing incredible wildlife and connecting with locals, whose warmth and generosity of spirit will be forever cherished.
It’s difficult not to recount this trip without a deep sigh and a far-off glance, it’s like no other journey I’ve taken and ought to be experienced firsthand. A trip to Africa is love affair that will have me returning again and again.
If you were going to the airport (once COVID-19 has passed), where would you want to go?
Japan seems to be my most recent obsession. I’m drawn to its rich history, beautiful scenery, distinct culture, rituals, and traditions. Of course, while in Asia, Vietnam, Laos, Bhutan, and Thailand are so relatively close that adding an extended tour through one of those countries wouldn’t be out of the question either.
What has been one of your favourite trips?
Our family vacation in New Zealand is certainly a highlight. We were in the wedding party for our close friends who live Auckland, so that became our base for the first week. After that, we set off on a 14-day self-drive of the North and South islands. We made stops in Rotorua, Christchurch, Akoara, drove through Marlborough wine country, Nelson, and Abel Tasman before returning to Auckland.
What is will likely be your next family vacation?
Once travel returns, I think we’ll likely explore Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. We took our daughter on her first exploratory journey through Costa Rica when she was five. When she turned seven, we set off on a train/hiking trip through Mexico’s Copper Canyon. I think Machu Picchu and the Galapagos will offer us that balance of nature, culture, wildlife, and outdoor adventure my family craves.
