“So I get to talk about something I am passionate about every day.”

She says travel has brought so much happiness and freedom to her life and helped her grow as a person. “I love that I get to help other people experience that too,” she says. “My job is a challenge and I love constantly learning about new places all over the world; I feel like I get to go with my customers.”

With 39 countries alone that Carly has physically stepped foot in, her inside knowledge and travel expertise already spans the globe – from Botswana and Costa Rica to Switzerland, Oman, Jamaica, China, Fiji and so many more incredible locations.

While she can piece together even the most complex itineraries in any part of the world, she’s particularly passionate about snow holidays and journeys through Europe and Africa.

She says she recently booked a bucket list getaway for a customer chasing the Northern Lights. “I tailor-made a trip for them taking in the highlights of Scandinavia: Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. I love the chance to craft a diverse trip featuring tour, self-discover and cruising.” Carly also loved that her clients shared their special memories with her, sharing photos along the way.

On her own travels, Carly says Italy won her awe and attention the most. “The food, wine, cheese, gelato and the people – they are all so colourful and passionate.” Her top tip? “The mornings are the best time to explore the busy sights, as the locals like to take it slow in the morning, and it really comes alive in the evenings.”

Perhaps her most life-changing travel experience however was at the age of 15, when she picked up a snowboard and discovered a passion for chasing snow. This experience encouraged her to “see the world through different eyes”. “I have been so lucky to snowboard all over Canada, the USA, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Now, nearly 25 years later, that one moment has given me a career I love and ability to travel the world.”

Other unforgettable moments in Carly’s travel repertoire include “walking along the Great Wall of China far away from the crowds”, “sitting on the Malecon in Havana, Cuba, and watching the sunset while listening to salsa music”, and “seeing the Cinque Terre by small boat, with wine, pesto and bread in hand and swimming in the Mediterranean”.

She also recommends “hiking up Kings Canyon to watch the amazing sunrise and watching the sunset with a champagne in hand at Uluru on the same day”.

Near or far, Carly at Travel Associates Shellharbour can take you there.