Just You at 25: Marsha's Story

Time and again, you tell us how having the company of a Holiday Director on tour is the key element for a memorable adventure. We couldn’t agree more, and as part of our 25th celebrations, we caught up with Marsha, who has been leading Just You tours since we started out in 2000…

My first Just You tour in 2000 was to Lake Garda in Italy and, being among the first solo tours for the company, and having already led many tours for the sister brand, Travelsphere, I just went with an open mind. While it was ‘new’ essentially, I found that like the tours I was fortunate to lead prior to that, it’s just a case of supporting people’s desires to travel and explore the world, whether they’re traveling solo or as a couple.

During the early years, which included tours to Italy, city breaks and China, you do appreciate the difference of a solo break, and I loved that from day one. I like to treat my groups as friends, and I also enjoy my role more by giving the personal touch. I have found my services as a Holiday Director may be more leaned on with Just You tours versus those with Travelsphere.

That’s not to say that Just You travelers aren’t independent and well-traveled, they absolutely are, but as they only have themselves to please on their vacations, they’re often clearer and more determined with the things they want to see and do. From discovering the best restaurant to eat at, to recommendations on where to go off and explore next, it’s a pleasure to be able to assist and advise on how to tailor their experiences best.

Mostly though they like having that interaction with other like-minded people and just knowing that I’m there as a security blanket if they need anything, leaves them to relax and get on with enjoying their break away. That’s right from the word go, there’s always that little bit of uncertainty for solo groups initially, but I really get great satisfaction when I see people relax and form bonds with people. It is quite special, and the best part of my job as a Just You Holiday Director is that interaction – it goes without saying that you have to be a people person in this job!

I think the biggest change I’ve seen with Just You from then to now, is there are so many more tours to choose from and the demand to see new places is increasing, with customers who are always yearning to find out where we are adding next. It’s hard to believe that back then you could probably count the number of tours we offered on just one or two hands!

There’s a little bit more of a mix of ages on our breaks now too, so more 40s and 50s plus, whereas at the start I’d say it was much older. I love seeing such a variety of travelers from all walks of life on our tours.

I’ve just recalled a trip to Madeira where a gentleman and I enjoyed one of the wicker toboggan rides on the island. He was 90 years old, and I was quite surprised to hear him ask if we could go back to the top and do it all over again! That was just a fabulous moment, and it shows that all you need in life is a sense of fun and adventure – age is but a number.

And the one thing that hasn’t changed in 25 years, is the tour format and delivery, and the excellent standards of service. What we delivered then as part of a tour is the same that we offer now. There’s something refreshing in having that consistency over time, and probably why I see customers return time and again on my tours which is wonderful. It’s a great job I’m good with remembering names!

I’ve managed so many tours that it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one personal favourite, but my top two destinations from the early days would be Italy and Turkey as I love the cultural contrasts of these destinations. They’re wonderful countries to explore again and again, and through the eyes of different groups too. People have asked me in the past if I get bored of certain tours, but I like the balance of having my tried and tested ones, and then some brand-new places too – I recently led the Albania Uncovered tour which was amazing, a fantastic destination.

In reality though, you can visit a destination many times over and each time there is something different, especially the likes of Costa Rica. I managed a tour in April, and the weather and wildlife sightings were completely different to my previous visit. Nature as we know always has its own plan, so it keeps us on our toes and adds a little interest to our jobs – no two tours or two days are ever the same in travel.

In more recent years I’ve added some new ones to my shortlist including Norway’s Northern Lights and Huskies Adventure for the imposing monochrome panoramas of snow-covered mountains backed against the dark skies, and of course the sledding is a must-try too, it’s loads of fun. And then the Norwegian Fjords in summer and its tranquil nature, Iceland’s Golden Circle, Costa Rica’s wildlife… the list goes on!

The best thing about Just You? Customers come on tour not knowing anyone but leave with friends and memories made. And not only that but they come back for more and even tell me it’s been a life-changing adventure – well that makes me proud and I know then that it’s been a tour well done.

From my perspective solo travel has become much more popular and I know so many solo travelers who have grown in confidence as a result and become really well traveled, more open-minded and wanting to get out there and explore not just the traditional destinations but some of the more road less traveled ones too. Another fab thing with Just You, you never know when or who you’re going to bump into again on a trip, it’s like our own little travel club, and I wonder who I’m going to meet again next!