Natalya is part of the team at Travel Associates Elsternwick. She is a destination specialist for Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe and the South Pacific, and is an Adventure Specialist, All-Inclusive Holiday Specialist, Family Holiday Specialist and Small Group Specialist.

Considering a holiday to Russia? Speak to Natalya. She was born in Russia and lived there for 20 years, so she knows everything there is to know. “For one client, I created an in-depth Trans-Siberian rail journey - starting from St Petersburg and Moscow travelling all the way through Siberia and passing the iconic Lake Baikal before rocking up to Vladivostok, Russia's easternmost city,” she says.           

On her own holidays, Natalya fell in love with Italy. “It’s an amazing food destination,” she says. “Every single little cafe - even if it doesn’t look fancy - once you step inside to order, every single dish is amazing.” She also travelled to Ischia Island: “We went to the island’s hot springs - they are right by the sea, so you can swim in the sea and then jump straight in the hot springs after. It was definitely the highlight of the trip.”

For stopovers, Natalya recommends Singapore. “It’s very modern, the taxis are cheap and there’s so much to see from Universal Studios to Gardens by the Bay.” Next up on her holiday radar however is Greece. “Greece ticks all the boxes: nature, sea, history and food. I love swimming and ancient culture, and because Greece is a base for modern European culture it’s a fascinating region to explore.”

Wherever she goes, Natalya appreciates the local experience. “When I am on holidays, I like to rent a car and travel around with my family, checkout local cafes, shop local markets, find hidden beaches. I enjoy wandering around the streets or just sitting in a cafe and watching the locals live out their everyday life.”