I love all kinds of travel and have experienced so much diversity," says Melissa, whose own travels have seen her embracing everything from beach breaks in Fiji to navigating trains in Europe and Japan and embracing the delightful chaos of family holidays with two children in tow. Exploring Africa was a particular highlight though. “From jungles and mountains to deserts and open savannahs as you travel through the continent, the landscape constantly changes but its beauty remains. The human and animal encounters are unique - spending time in an orphanage with local children and trekking the gorillas in Rwanda are moments I will never forget,” she says.

Her passion for her role as a travel advisor stems from the joy of turning an idea into a tangible itinerary. "I love seeing the excitement they feel as the reality of their journey begins and hearing their amazing stories once my clients return."

A standout moment in her career was rebooking a family's dream holiday after their initial plans were cut short due to their son's battle with Leukemia. Melissa took on the emotional task of recreating the trip on their son's return to health, though with a few twists so as not to remind them of what had been. The family’s epic four-week journey took them from snowy adventures in Canada, staying at the iconic Fairmont in Lake Louise, to the theme parks and excitement of Orlando, before finishing with an all-inclusive beach break in Mexico. "Seeing them return, having created the most amazing memories as a family was truly rewarding," says Melissa.

Clients are drawn to Melissa's warm and focused demeanour. She explains, "I am calm, patient, and entirely focused on the client with me. I love to build a connection with them, that has seen many of my clients become more like friends."

Melissa is waiting to help you craft your next extraordinary adventure at Ashmore, Harris & James Travel Associates.