Our People
We hail from all countries and all areas of expertise; analysts, marketeers, brand strategists, developers, designers and writers. We draw from a wide pool of talent and there is certainly no set type at 80 DAYS.
Many of us come directly from the hotel and travel industry while all of us are truly, madly, passionate about travel and hospitality. Collectively, we are a formidable team.
Discover some of our favourite travel stories below.
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Mark Forrester
Chairman
Having a sundowner with friends and family whilst in Laikipia, Kenya. As the sun set near a watering hole, over 100 elephants came out of the trees to drink and play in the water. The best natural high you could ever experience. Amazing.
David Gardner
Managing Partner
One of my favourite places to return to is the courtyard at the Louvre Museum. During the day it is impressive, but at night-time (when the crowds have gone) it becomes simply magical.
If it wasn’t for the occasional distraction from lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Gardens, I would stare at the illuminated Pyramide du Louvre for hours.
You can’t walk away without looking over your shoulder to take one-more-final-look (or the occasional photo!).
Chris McGuire
Managing Partner
Back in 2012 when we were expecting our first child, I surprised my wife with a ‘Babymoon’ holiday to Bordeaux and San Sebastián (pictured).
Every menu in every restaurant in both cities was an eclectic range of red wines, soft cheeses, cured meats and fresh seafood … most of which poor Mrs McG couldn’t eat! To top it all off, it rained almost the entire time we were in France & Spain... whilst back home in Scotland everyone was enjoying an unexpected heatwave.
It’s the one and only holiday where I’ve tried to book an earlier flight home. We were miserable at the time, but can laugh about it now.
Andy Whiteside
Director of Digital Communications
An unforgettable and epic four week tour of Brazil, travelling 1,500 miles down the coast from the island paradise of Boipeba in the northern state of Bahia, to the southern city of Florianópolis – stopping en-route in Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Ilha Grande and Celso Ramos. Along with incredible India, Brazil is a country that just pulls me back again and again.
Murdoch Macrury
Product Director
I was sitting in a café bar in Banos, (below the Tungurahua volcano), Ecuador and asked the Jamaican gentleman playing the guitar to the customers if I could have a go. I took the guitar from him, cranked up the amplifier and hit my first power chord – simultaneously the whole town’s electricity supply went down and we were plunged in to complete darkness!
Douglas Hunter
Sustainability & People Director
Out for a romantic dinner with my wife in Italy, and she decides to order our meal as she speaks a little Italian. It sounded really good to me, but the waiter responded (in English): “Sorry, we don’t have cannabis toppings on our pizzas”.
Katrina Blunden
Business Development
One of my most memorable holidays was to Thailand. It’s postcard perfect islands, friendly locals and breath-taking scenery were difficult to beat. We spent several hours searching the night-market stalls in Bangkok for some trinkets to take home but a white-knuckle ride in a motorised (and highly-dangerous) tuk-tuk ended badly as we screeched to halt in front of luxury hotel and our bag of souvenirs flew out and were discarded across the road.
Angus Rose-Bristow
Business Development Strategist
After I left school, I went to work and travel abroad for a year. Part of my travels took me to India, where I took a motorbike over the Rohtang pass, through mountains with views comparable to those in Switzerland!
The road itself is infamous for being one of the ‘most dangerous in the world’ and living up to its name there were some daunting moments as we weaved in and out of locals and their cows whilst trying not to fall over the edge of the cliff.
However, this ride still proved to be one of the most exciting and beautiful experiences of my life and I came back with wonderful memories and quite a bit of sunburn!
Sam Weston
Marketing Director
My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Italy, touring the North, from Venice to Milan.
During our time in Venice, we were enjoying a romantic sunset on the small island of San Giorgio Maggiore when a small film crew approached us and asked if we'd mind if they photographed us for a shampoo advert.
We were game for a laugh so said yes, but the irony that I might appear in a shampoo advert given that I'm follicly challenged was not lost.
Lynne Sadler
Head of Account Management
One of my favourite travel memories is visiting Spreepark – an abandoned theme park in Berlin. It was quite an eerie experience, especially when the Ferris wheel started spinning slowly and creaking in the breeze.
Benjamín Ulecia
Account Director Europe
December 31st 2010 I was in Sydney, Australia. We woke up early and travelled to Bondi Beach where I met a friend who took us to a remote spot at the wilderness reserve there and we spent the day surfing the most incredible waves. In the evening we returned to the city to watch the fireworks over the harbour and the famous Sydney opera house. That was a good day!
Richard Grant
Account Director Middle East, Africa & Indian Ocean
Having moved to Dubai in 2016, I quickly became amazed with how multi-cultural the city is; making friends with people from all over the world and learning about so many different cultures. I no longer have an amazing view of Edinburgh Castle, but the year-round sun makes up for this tragic loss in my life.
Susann Kruger
Account Director
While working and travelling in Latin America, a friend and I rented bikes to explore Death Valley near San Pedro the Atacama, a town set in the Atacama desert in Chile, the world's driest desert. We set off for a quick cycle on slightly questionable looking bikes and, of course, firstly got lost in another valley. Then halfway through the Death Valley (when we finally found it) my bike pedal decided it no longer wanted to stay attached to the bike. Repair attempts involving chewing gum failed. Going forward, the involuntary mode of transport was either pushing the bike up sand dunes or legs-up-in-the-air/one pedal cycling downhill. We (in contrast to the bike) made it back in one piece after 7 hours, just a bit dusty and dehydrated. The amazing scenery I witnessed in the desert (and the adventurous tale to tell) will stay with me forever.
Cameron Agnew
Senior Account Manager
This year I was lucky enough to go away on Honeymoon to Mauritius with my wife, Aisling. We spent one of our days visiting just about every major tourist site on the Island, including the 7 Coloured Geopark (pictured), the Black River Gorges National park, the Sacred Lake of Grand Bassin and most importantly the Chamarel Rum distillery, where we sampled around a dozen types of incredible Rum. Sadly, our honeymoon ended on a sour note as I managed to get a serious bout of food poisoning 30 minutes before our 11.5 hour flight. I now actively avoid all fast food restaurants in airports - lesson learned!
Kirsten Stavasius
Senior Account Manager
From re-visiting old holiday spots or stomping new territory, I always find a way to appreciate the city and destinations through different eyes every time - never tired of London, New York, or even home grounds in Edinburgh.
In fact, I fell in love with Amalfi Coast so much that I had to return the same year. From scooting along long windy coastal routes on classic red Vespas, the beautiful views while hiking along the Path of the Gods, floating between mountains and clouds, the incredible dining, and not to forget limoncello under lemon trees - a little paradise on earth.
Oh, and no matter where you find me on my travels - I'll stick to my Dutch roots riding a bike and can ALWAYS be spotted coffee in hand.
Katie Rose
Senior Account Manager
Whilst living in Hong Kong, I was really fortunate to be able to travel all over Asia very easily (and cheaply!). During the Chinese New Year holiday in 2017, I travelled to Myanmar for a once in a lifetime trip. It was truly the most beautiful place I have ever seen! One morning we decided to get up to see the sunrise over the temples in Bagan as it had been highly recommended by our guide who led us up onto the top of one of the ancient temples. Every day at that time, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies in Bagan and the resulting view is unbelievable. I’m definitely craving another big trip like this post-Covid!
Hayley Ruxton
Account Manager
From a very young age I have always had such a passion for travel and discovering new cultures. The most memorable being when I decided on a complete whim to travel to the NE of Thailand to a town called Krasang (much to my parents delight) to gain my TEFL certification, teaching English as a foreign language. I was then offered a job to help others gain their TEFL as part of Camp Thailand. This was short lived as soon after I managed to contract Typhoid after being dropped headfirst into Krasang’s largest ‘monster fishing lake’ on a day trip.. Its fair to say I will never be setting foot in a fishing park ever again!
Kendall Smith
Account Manager
My love of travel started from a very young age, brought on by visiting countless different cities around the United States for cheerleading competitions. After graduating high school, I wanted to go further; I packed everything up and moved to Scotland in 2013, which became my gateway to the rest of Europe. Even though I now consider Scotland my forever home, nothing can compare to autumn in New England, so I head back to Connecticut every year to enjoy the changing leaves, pumpkin picking, and hot apple cider.
Emily Findlay
Account Manager
My recent trip to Barcelona in December was filled with unexpected adventures. While cycling through the city, I got lost and ended up at a lively local market, where I enjoyed watching street performers and sampling delicious tapas. Soon after, a flat tire left me stranded just off Las Ramblas, but it led me to a local café for an impromptu feast of patatas bravas and cerveza. I was taken back by the joy of embracing the delightful surprises Barcelona had in store…despite the flat tyre!
Hannah Ritchie
Account Manager
The Amalfi Coast has always been a somewhere I’ve wanted to visit – and definitely lived up to expectations when I was there this summer.
Whilst we enjoyed one too many Aperol Spritz’ and plenty of pasta, the highlight of the week was without a doubt the boat trip to Capri. We departed from the quaint Marina della Lobra and headed for Anacapri, sailing past the Faraglioni rocks and swimming in the crystal water amongst the fish before arriving at Capri. We spent a few hours wandering the busy streets, sipping on a lemon slushy, and paddling in the bay before boarding the boat to return. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit the Blue Grotto due to rough seas but were treated instead to some traditional limoncello and Italian music for the journey back.
Claire Shaw
Projects Director
Coming from the city of Glasgow where the underground goes round in a circle – the subway system in Tokyo coupled with my terrible sense of direction was very challenging…and for some reason basic Japanese spoken in a lovely Weegie accent results in much laughter from anyone you try to ask for help!
Emma Lynas
Project Manager
What’s the perfect way to end a month of travelling around Bali? To climb Mount Batur, an active volcano.
After getting collected in the middle of the night, at around 4am we were equipped with head torches before heading to the base of the volcano – it’s a strange feeling starting to climb in the pitch black.
Two hours later we reached the top of Mount Batur to catch the most amazing sunrise. Quite an achievement before 6am.
However, at a staggering 5 ft 1, I’m not blessed with the longest legs in the world, so the hike was definitely not what I would call easy.
To top it all off, I lost my breakfast to some overly excitable monkeys on reaching the peak.
The 2.30am start, aching legs and no breakfast? Still absolutely worth it!
Al Morris
Project Manager
From Paris to Florence, London to Toronto and everything in between, my favourite travel moments are my more recent family holidays in Canary isles. The excitement of the night before flying, buying your sweets at the airport, arriving at the hotel, and getting to the pool as quickly as possible to play with my daughter, followed by the obligatory line “ah, now I’m on holiday’. I’ll get back to the exploring the world, but for now I’m happy to build memories at the pool, and watch as every year my daughter gets taller and taller, before she is off on her own world travels.
Kelly McDonach
Project Manager
One of my bucket list travel destinations has always been Thailand so imagine my excitement when that dream was about to become reality. I spent the upcoming months bursting with excitement thinking about all the adventures I was about to embark upon. Flash forward to my very first night at our first hostel, exhausted from a long journey I decided to take a quick nap to rejuvenate myself and when I woke up, I felt revived and raring to go. So much so that when I climbed down the ladder of my top bunk bed I slipped and came crashing to the ground. In my instinctive attempt to break my fall I had broken my wrist! I spent the next three weeks bandaged up abroad.
Chloe Johnson
Brand Manager
I did my undergraduate degree in Paris so I had many a long haul flights from San Francisco to Paris and I almost always connected in London. Through the years on these flights I perfected comfortable travel hacks, some of which include no makeup, lose clothing, the best neck pillows money can buy and a very messy bun. On one of my more particularly comfortable trips from London to Paris I ended up sitting in the row behind Margot Robbie… She’s a bit more put together when she travels.
Victoria Duncan
Brand Executive
On a trip to Italy in 2023 I spent the week seeing the sights of Milan including The Duomo and The Starbucks Roastery, as well as making a day trip to the beautiful Varenna in Lake Como, which is absolutely my favourite place in the world.
As an avid Aperol Spritz fan, my trip to Italy was nearly 70% Aperol and 30% carbs. Having had my fair share and now considering myself an expert in this field, I can confirm the Aperol Spritz pictured above from Terrazza Aperol, coming in at a whopping €19 (ouch) is the best - and absolutely worth every penny.
Dan Haythorne
Design Director
Before we were married, my wife and I spent four amazing weeks touring Chile. One of the greatest experiences of the trip combined our love of travel and the great outdoors – a five day circular trek of the Torres Del Paine National Park. It combined all the elements we were looking for, incredible scenery, challenging terrain and the peace and tranquillity of the wilderness.
The moment that will stay with me forever came as we conquered Paso John Gardner – a mountain pass and at 1,200m the highest point of the trek. Having negotiated the scree and patches of snow which made up the ascent, we stopped to take in the view of Glacier Grey beneath us and mountains of Patagonia that seemed to go on forever. After a good rest, we reluctantly began our descent. As we did, a magnificent giant Condor flew in to view, his huge wings outstretched, effortlessly gliding above the white glacier beneath us. It was a beautiful combination of location and nature which we will never forget.
Kirsty Leckie-Palmer
Head of Copy
Back in 2012 when I was a film student, I had the chance to enjoy a short trip to Paris. On my last night in the city, I was determined to visit a cinema and watch something – anything – to have an authentic French film experience. I stumbled into a quaint little art cinema in Montmartre where the last screening of the evening was about to start. I asked the guy in the box office if there were English subtitles. He enthusiastically waved me in, despite my broken protestations – ‘Mais… je ne comprends pas le Francais!’
As I settled into my seat and the lights went down, I knew my high school French would be far too rusty to fathom what on earth was going on. But I needn’t have worried. The film was The Artist, a modern film styled on silent cinema. The best part? It’s entirely without spoken dialogue! It was a dream happenstance, and a travel memory I’ll always cherish.
Jake Burgess
Senior Copywriter
My stag do was basically a sports camp. Tennis, golf, disc golf, sim racing, garden cricket – the works. In a spectacular display of self-sabotage, I dislocated my shoulder three weeks out.
I tried to cancel, but my friends rejected my self-pity. With a bit of pain relief and left-handedness I managed to take part in every activity and have a brilliant time – and even set a PB on the golf course!
In the end, I’m very glad I shouldered on…
Kirsty MacDonald
Digital Media Manager
After 3 months of working at a kid’s summer camp in Pennsylvania, some friends and I headed to the West Coast, where we found ourselves on Hollywood Boulevard in a run-down hostel dorm with no air conditioning (in mid August!)
As I was walking into the hostel the next day, I was approached by two “TV producers” who told me they worked for the Jimmy Kimmel show in the studios next door. They asked if I’d take part in a game show to win an upgrade to a 5 Star hotel at the end of the road. I was convinced it was some sort of Hollywood scam and showed no interest, but it soon became clear they were serious. Next thing I knew I was mic’ed up, speaking to Jimmy Kimmel and had bagged myself the luxury suite (Woo!)
Unfortunately, my time as an A-lister was shortlived and we had to head back to the Hostel after our 1 night of luxury, but my YouTube legacy lives on.
Douglas Guthrie
Paid Media Manager
Learning to surf in Noosa, Australia. All was going swimmingly until I caught a massive 1 foot wave, fell over and twisted my ankle. I haven’t graced the waves since.
Siobhan McMorran
Digital Marketing Manager
I had the incredible opportunity to explore Japan for a whirlwind two weeks, delving into both the bustling life of Tokyo and the disciplined traditions of karate at one of the city's leading universities as well as some of the local dojo's.
It was an incredible experience, with unforgettable memories like an evening spent enjoying a traditional Japanese BBQ hosted by one of the rural dojos. The warmth and hospitality of the locals, coupled with the energy of people gathered from across the globe, is truly something I won't forget in a hurry. To some amusing hiccups along the way such as a moment in a Tokyo subway when I confidently followed a crowd out of a subway station, only to end up even more lost than when I started.
Lesson learned: when in doubt, consult a map, not the crowd!
Martina Riu
Digital Marketing Executive
I visited Naples with two friends to try the local cuisine, to the point that when organising the trip, we had a longer list of places to eat rather than sightseeing. We were so disorganised about what we wanted to see in those days that we visited the wrong places multiple times, such as the historical undergrounds.
On the same weekend we were in Naples, Argentina was playing in the World Cup final. Naples is well known for being a major fan of the footballer Maradona. Therefore, while strolling around the old town, we stumbled upon a large parade with thousands of people dressed as Argentina’s national team, walking, dancing, and celebrating. We decided to join the parade, and it turned out to be a beautiful and memorable day!
Huw Morgan
Digital Marketing Executive
During my post university travels in Australia, I took a tour boat out to the great barrier reef where we had a choice of semi-submersible and snorkeling for morning or afternoon. I swam with nothing but jellyfish and coral in the morning and saw nothing of note in the sub. I returned to the boat to hear that the reverse group had spotted sharks and turtles on the morning sub ride, and the jellyfish were absent for their afternoon snorkel.
Georgia Duff
Digital Marketing Executive
Back when all I cared about was giant milkshakes, playing dress up with my sisters and being just a general nuisance (I was 6), I went on a family holiday to New York and it checked all those boxes. It still feels like it was only yesterday I was on a giant Ferris wheel inside Toys R Us and trying to flag down a yellow cab for the 5-minute walk to dinner where the food was bigger than me. The city sounds and discovering something new on every corner has stuck with me ever since, so I will have to go back soon to see if the milkshakes really were that big or if I was just that small.
Holly Taylor
CRO Specialist
After graduating, I travelled around Southeast Asia for a few weeks with friends from school. One of my highlights was staying in a beautiful nature lodge on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. As well as midnight jungle tours (leech alert - very stressful), we enjoyed sunrise and sunset boat rides, during which we saw crocodiles, snakes, orangutans, gibbons, water monitors and more. We were told that if we were really lucky we might see an elephant. On our last sunset boat trip we heard there had been a sighting. Our amazing driver sped along the river in the hope we would catch a glimpse.
Much to everyone’s dismay, we ran out of petrol in the middle of the river. Whilst everyone was stressing about the petrol, my friends and I snuck in a quick photoshoot. We gathered our money together and bought some petrol from a boat passing by. The elephant chase continued! Finally, we neared the riverbank at a spot where the jungle cleared. As we approached the gap in the trees, I heard the elephants before I saw them ... we got there just in time to see the cutest baby elephant trot after their mum. What a very special moment.
Michelle Sawko
SEO Specialist
When I was studying in Malaysia, I went to Borneo for the weekend and visited a turtle sanctuary on Turtle Island. The overnight trip involved seeing the mother turtles come onto the beach to lay there eggs and release the baby turtles to the sea. But my friends and I hit the jackjot! We were chilling on the protected beach during the day when the beach security man called us over to see three baby turtles hatch which had been missed when the rangers collected the eggs when they were laid. We helped them to the sea; I will never forget that moment or how lucky we were!
Tiago Pereira
SEO Specialist
When I visited Montenegro, I decided to book a traditional B&B to get an authentic experience of the country. When I first arrived at my accommodation, I was surprised to find out that I was staying inside a cat sanctuary!!! As I’m allergic to cats, I found myself sneezing every 2 minutes, however, the warm hospitality and the amazing local food totally made up for it!
Lily Johnston
Paid Media Specialist
After I left school, three friends and I went interrailing around Europe for 3 weeks. We started off in Amsterdam, made our way to Berlin and then to Prague. When we arrived in Budapest, the ticket office noticed I’d somehow managed to purchase my interrailing pass for the month prior to our trip, meaning it was now expired. No one, including the train conductors had noticed! Luckily, I was able to purchase a new ticket at a much cheaper price due to the exchange rate in Hungary.
We then carried on the rest of our adventure and visited Ljubljana, Pula, Venice, Geneva and Paris. Despite the slight ticket disaster, it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever been on.
Josh Clarke
Senior Digital Marketing Analyst
Whilst not the most far-flung of destinations, I have always loved trips to Wales and had a particularly memorable time staying in a bell tent in St. Davids with my partner in 2021. This was our first proper holiday since the pandemic and a combination of stunning views of the sea, cosy “glamping” vibes, and a series of local adventures made it one of my favourites. My partner had arranged a powerboat tour of nearby Ramsey Island which involved lots of puffin and seal spotting and we were met at the port by a Welsh male chorus singing sea shanties making the experience feel like a period movie. We also enjoyed the “blue lagoon”, with stunning turquoise water but unfortunately without Iceland’s geothermal properties and finished off with a race against time to catch the sunset whilst, of course, grabbing fish and chips from the nearby town beforehand.
Ed Hipwell
Senior Digital Marketing Analyst
When I was in LA in 2016, I accidentally ended up getting a taxi to Skid Row whilst trying to find an afterparty. Some (luckily friendly) local residents noticed that we didn’t appear to be from around here and told us to wait at the fire station opposite and call a taxi back to our hostel asap!
Júlia Kajdi
Senior Digital Marketing Analyst
Ever since I moved to Scotland in 2015, I’ve been trying to explore as much of this stunning country as possible from hiking around the Highlands and kayaking on the lochs to visiting the historical castles and the distilleries; no matter how tiny they are. But one of my most memorable experiences was a trip to the gorgeous Cairngorms National Park where you can meet, pet and feed adorable reindeer. After a short walk in a forest, we got to a hillside where we were welcomed by 20 or more reindeer; and they were simply amazing. Not to mention the breath-taking view from the hill - even with the quintessentially Scottish gloominess and fog.
Macarena Lopez-Hidalgo
Senior Digital Marketing Analyst
As a Spaniard passionate about mountains, I’ve always wanted to hike the highest summit in Spain: Mount Teide, elevation of 3,715 m. That dream came true during my last trip to Tenerife. But it was not easy. The natural park is protected so you need to request a permit to climb to the peak. I could not find any available dates. I didn’t give up and looked for other ways.
I’ve always wanted to watch the sunrise up there, but the shelter where mountaineers spent the night had been closed. The alternative? Walk all the way up during the night. I asked around and someone recommended a local mountain guide, as they usually have their own permits. He found another two people willing to do it. I landed in Tenerife, and I saw it from the coastal town where I stayed, it was massive.
6th November, midnight, we started walking under the stars. 7 hours later, I was sitting at the top, close to the crater, waiting for the sun when this picture was taken. Pink and blue pastel colours, bright orange too. The sun said hi, slowly, a bit shy. Then we saw it: the shadow of Teide projected on the sea, rising to the sky.
Cameron Lennon
Senior Digital Marketing Analyst
Whilst living in Oman when I was younger, every month was spent visiting amazing places such as the desert, oasis’ and fresh water springs (Wadi’s) with my family.
With only a couple months left until we were due to move back to Scotland, we drove for 2 days to get to one of the most remote and renowned Wadi’s in Oman. After a long drive and numerous detours, we finally made it, and with impeccable timing, we were greeted by people sprinting away from the Wadi due to incoming thunder, lightning and a flash flood!
Gokulnathan Shanthi
Digital Marketing Analyst
My first trip with friends after arriving in the UK was a memorable one, as we ventured to the historic Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Scotland. The ruined medieval fortress is located on a rocky headland on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, and it was a wonderful walk from Stonehaven town to the Castle. Despite the freezing cold weather, the journey was worth it as we got to explore the ancient ruins and learn about its rich history. The castle has a long history dating back to the 14th century and has served as a royal residence, a prison, and a stronghold during wars. People are currently experiencing some paranormal activity too!
Tom Smee
Social Media Manager
I was 20 on the final leg of my European summer road trip. Taking a break from my family, I was reading Game of Thrones by the blue waters of Italy’s Lake Garda when an unfamiliar stinging started to creep up my arms, face, and legs.
We don’t get sunburnt in my family, so I figured the feeling must have been from my earlier swim. Ten chapters later, I was a few shades off from lobster and slapping the Aloe Vera on with a shovel.
Lesson learned. Memories still made. Sunscreen always a must.
Eilidh Robertson
Social Media Executive
Whilst backpacking Southeast Asia, I spent 4 days riding a motorbike around the Ha Giang Loop, spanning a total of 350km in the north of Vietnam. I took the ‘easy rider’ option (basically means getting someone else to ride the bike for you while you sit on the back as a passenger princess). I loved every moment of it and the views were incredible. Each night I stayed in a Homestay where we had a ‘family dinner’ with the local people. Before family dinner started, we had to shot what they called ‘happy water’. I can’t even begin to describe what it tastes like but it definitely made everyone happy!
Phil Blythe
Digital Marketing Analyst
In May 2021, I graduated from Le Moyne, Syracuse, New York on a tennis scholarship. Studying in America whilst playing competitive tennis had always been a goal of mine growing up. During my final semester, our team had a very successful semester. We won the Conference Title and reached the Regional Finals, doing so earned us a National Ranking, a first in programme history. #PhinsUp
Soumya Zhaoui
Digital Marketing Analyst
Recently, I went to Ozoud Cascades (Morocco). The scenery and the view were just breath-taking, so the long hike was totally worth it.
In the area live a few friendly monkeys and I was lucky to take a picture with one of them. However, I had a minor accident: a baby monkey sat on my lap and bit me on my arm!
It was a bit sore, but I just couldn’t help but laughing about it, and obviously my sister made fun of me throughout the entire journey back home!
Miranda Robertson
Digital Marketing Analyst
I went to Morocco about 4 years ago and wanted to go to the famous Ouzound waterfall. I asked the tour-guide/ taxi driver who was taking us if it was possible to go there from Marrakesh. He recommended going to another place where we could in fact see 7 waterfalls and have a more cultural trip in the Atlas Mountains and it is a lot shorter car ride. We thought yes sure, that sounds great! Once we get there we start walking to the first waterfall that ends up being a bit of a climb, the next minute we’re on the edge of a cliff with no easy way down, me in a short dress flashing everyone near and around, my friend in a tight dress with restricted leg movement, realizing we were now climbing up the edge of a mountain in the worst hiking gear possible and no other option other than to carry on. The waterfalls…all 7, were more of a trickle of rainwater than a waterfall but it was still an amazing experience…and a good workout!
Anna Skelly
Junior Digital Marketing Analyst
In 2017 I was travelling through China visiting Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. On our first night our tour guide decided to take us to a locals house for dinner. We were all jet-lagged and running off of no sleep after a long flight, so not hugely in the mood for making conversation. However, upon arrival we realised he was none other than Jackie Chan's former mentor! Him and his wife showed us the upmost hospitality by feeding us local cuisine all night and even showing off his new career - cricket fighting. It was a bizarre but memorable night!
Joseph Tipper
Trainee Digital Marketing Analyst
In La Thuile, Italy, I went on my first skiing holiday. I found myself at the top of a dauntingly steep slope, its surface was covered with ice. To make it worse I had caught myself in a blizzard, reducing visibility and making it harder to get down. Not long into my descent, my skis slipped away from off my feet and went tumbling down the mountain. Suddenly, I was left on the slope without them. The only choice was to sit and slide down the remainder of the mountain on my backside. Despite the biting cold and stinging snow, I managed to get down the slope without any injuries.
Kirsty Robertson
Finance Manager
After university I spent a year backpacking in Australia and on the way home stopped in Thailand for a week. I saw the sights of Bangkok, did a Thai cookery course in Chaing Mai, rode an elephant and did white water rafting.
When it was time to fly back to the UK it was so hot I boarded the plane in shorts and landed back in Edinburgh to snow!
David Ward
Senior Designer
I had a misspent youth travelling around, playing in a band – most of which I can no longer remember, have blocked from my memory, or dare not to repeat in polite company!
Zoe Anderson
Head of Studio
If you were ever wondering if anyone ever wins these crazy holiday competitions – turns out they do! After doing some retail therapy I opted into the retailer’s newsletter at checkout, unknowingly entering myself into a 10-day Thailand trip competition. I remember getting the call to say I’d won late one night in supermarket car park, naturally thinking it was a scam I laughed it off… until I heard direct from the holiday provider(!) 6 months later I was jetting off to Bangkok!
Simon Boak
Technical Manager
I spent the summer in the Applecross peninsulain the Scottish Highlands, off-roading in my Land Rover over the ancient mountainous Bealach na Bà (Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle). The scenery was stunning, but the most awe-inspiring sight was watching a family of wild pine martens tucking in to a jar of jam.
Susan Sloan
Head of Support
On a dream holiday to Disney World I experienced an unusual form of transport delay when I got stuck in a Haunted Mansion ‘Doom Buggy’ during a technical glitch. Thankfully I was entertained by the dancing skeletons and animatronic bats who carried on regardless until the problem was resolved and I was returned to the mortal world.
Alasdair Gerrie
Senior Developer
Whilst fishing on a boat off the coast of Tenerife I caught an 85Kg sting ray, then as I was leaning over the side to get the photo and release it, lost my sunglasses to the Atlantic. Ally 1 – Sting Ray 1.
Laura Manson
Front-End Developer
One memory that springs to mind was when I decided to climb a couple of Munros. Beinn a’ Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich were the target for the day which seemed like quite a big trip to us. However, as we stopped for a break on a particularly steep section, we watched another walker cover the ground we’d walked over the last hour in a matter of minutes. He then proceeded to tell us he’d done the other two Munro’s to the west as well as the ones we were doing. He then promptly disappeared into the distance never to be seen again. It took us several hours to complete the remaining hill.
Julius Goddard
Front-End Developer
No one does food like the Italians and I was lucky enough to sample some of their finest here in a Milanese restaurant under the autumn sunset. Thankfully, the Italians managed to solve the problem of feeling too hungry before dinner, by inventing a whole new mealtime to come before it: the aperitivo, something we Brits could learn from.