Stephanie Giarnese

When did you start working in the travel industry?

2018 - My first job in travel was at Stansted Airport with Jet2holidays.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I love chatting to people and helping them plan something really special. Holidays are such special occasions, whether it’s a family’s first trip or a long-awaited getaway, and it’s amazing to be part of making those memories happen.

Where would you like to visit next?

I’d love to visit Edinburgh next, it’s been on my bucket list for ages, and since starting at Fred. Olsen Travel and seeing the packages we offer, I’d love to travel there on the Caledonian Sleeper! It looks like such a fun and convenient way to travel.

What is your dream holiday destination?

A safari followed by a beach stay. I’d love to see my daughter experiencing real animals in the wild for the first time! Especially her favourites like elephants, giraffes, and Raa Raa the lion. Watching her excitement and making those memories together would be the best part of the whole trip. Then to finish it off, I’d head to the beach to unwind and relax with a cocktail or two.

What were your childhood holidays like?

Camping trips and UK park holidays. We’d go to places like Wild Duck or Haven. I loved the swimming pools and the evening entertainment. It was all about being outdoors, making random holiday friends, and just having fun with family, those trips really stuck with me.

What are the first three things in your case?

My packing style is very strategic, I start with a giant pile in the corner of the house of everything I might possibly need, then spend the next few weeks constantly rearranging it. The final challenge is trying to get it down to the weight limit without second-guessing everything! So, there are never really the same “first three things” in the case, it depends on what finally makes the final cut.