MEET THE TEAM
Here’s the place to put a face to the name. Meet our Encounter Travel team. At the forefront, your Travel Consultants, Cathy, Liza and Sue with a combined experience of over 80 years in the travel industry. Supporting your consultants are our crew in the Travel Support team including Theresa and Maeleen. Behind the scenes our Groups Administration team take care of all the in’s and out’s of our groups – no easy feat, but taken on with gusto and desire to deliver the best. And there's a wider circle of support with web development and accounts. And last but not least, led by Justine Waddington, passionately driven and dedicated to achieving the best ever travel experiences for solo travellers. Justine has solo traveller experiences over twenty five years and to date has visited 60 countries across the globe.
Back in 2006, we stepped in to fill the void for solo travellers, and we've never looked back.
Justine, Arctic Circle, Finland
Justine Waddington
Founder and Director
'My passion for travel lead me to starting Encounter Travel. I believe that travel expands your minds, reduces your prejudice and positively develops your values. I am blessed to be doing work everyday that I love.'
Read More of My Story
Cathy, Rome, Italy
Cathy
Travel Consultant | Airfares Specialist
'I've had amazing, priceless travel experiences which have changed my life and believe travel is a rite of passage. I enjoy sharing my experiences and help making other people's experiences as memorable as mine.'
Read More of My Story
Liza
Liza
Travel Consultant
'Experts say that experiences make us happier than possessions and I whole heartedly agree with this. I love the fact that by working in the travel industry I am able to help people create their own amazing holiday memories.'
Read More of My Story
Sue
Sue
Travel Consultant
'I have always loved the joy and excitement that travel brings, from new places, tastes, landscapes and experiences to spending time with loved ones and re-connecting. I have been lucky enough to spend the last 30 years creating travel memories for clients.'
Read More of My Story
Elaine @ Beijing Olympic Park, China
Elaine
Groups Coordinator
'My first overseas trip was to Europe in 1998; a great adventure. I have been fortunate enough to travel to many countries. I come away from my travels with new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It is a great way to educate your mind and create priceless moments.'
Read More of My Story
Pauline in Beijing, China
Pauline
Travel Support Team
'It's really exciting and lots of fun to work in the world of travel. It's also very rewarding to be able to help people find great holidays to suit their needs. And when our customers take the time to let us know later how much they liked their holidays - then that's the best feeling of all.'
Read More of My Story
Maeleen @ The Chinese Gardens, Singapore
Maeleen
Travel Administrator
'I’ve always liked to travel. Travelling has opened my eyes for new learnings. I used to travel with friends or in groups, and our friendships have grown stronger, bonded by travel. I hope soon, I'll be travelling with my own family, and sharing my passion for travel with them'.
Read More of My Story
Chocolate Hills, Philipinnes
Theresa
Travel Assistant, Travel Team
My first international started my love for travel. It is the ultimate way to destress and relax, away from the demands of daily life and work.'
Read More of My Story
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions from solo travellers, including the difference between 'Solos Only' and 'Solos Mix', what to expect on tour, and help with pre departure questions.
Some handy guides about what to know before you book, and about joining one of our solo travel tours or cruise.