We’ve recently been lucky to welcome travel and marketing guru, Mel, to the GG Team who will be our new Destination Diva! She’ll be helping to get new packages up and running, brainstorm all things creative and share her travel advice via a regular GG blog section! To get to know her, we sat down and ticked off a few critical questions…

What’s your favourite thing to do with the girls?

It would have to be a big afternoon group picnic with all the girls, located close to the beach and with plenty of food and drinks on hand! It creates the perfect atmosphere to catch up, relax and unwind from the week that’s been.

If you’re at a cocktail bar, what’s your signature drink?

I do love the traditional mojito, you can’t go wrong with it! However, when on holidays my go-to is a refreshing strawberry daiquiri.

You’ve recently been on a three-month trip to Europe, what are three experiences you would recommend to other travellers?

It is ridiculously hard to sum up three-months of travel into just three experiences that I would recommend for other travellers! But here it goes!

Italy is a chaotic and vibrant destination with so much variety in each city, but I would definitely recommend slowing things down and trying to take in all the beauty. To do this, jump on a sunset boat ride in Cinque Terre or sip on some Chianti wine in Tuscany. These Italian experiences were unforgettable and worth every cent.

Although Austria is known for its incredible snow season, I visited in summer and would definitely recommend it! It is incredibly green and full of adventurous activities that you should not pass up. Over my few days in the Tyrol Alps region, I went paragliding, white water rafting and mountain biking. I would encourage other travellers to get to explore their thrill seeker side in this picturesque country.

Finally, indulge yourself in all traditional foods of each country you visit, no matter where you are! From the freshest seafood in Greece, to Spanish paella, Polish pierogi’s, goulash in Prague, and ALL of the gelato in Italy. You won’t be disappointed.

If you were planning a weekend away with your girlfriends, what would it involve?

I have remained best friends with all the girls that I grew up with as a child, and I am lucky enough that two of these girls’ family own a holiday house at Lake Macquarie. What we call ‘The Lake House’ has become almost a second home to us girls, so whenever we get the chance we will plan a weekend getaway there. Our time is usually spent out on the boat, soaking up the sun on the jetty, and enjoying cheese platters and drinks on the balcony as the sun goes down. There is always plenty of music, swimming, and laughs shared.

On a free afternoon, where would we find you?

In summer you will find me relaxing at home poolside with my dog and a good book. During the colder months, I would be catching up with friends over dinner or watching a movie cozied up on the couch.

What will be your role at Girls Getaways?

I am undertaking the position of Marketing Coordinator and Administrator within the GG team. This will involve working alongside our Dream Designer, Jesse, to bring our social media platforms to life. I will be regularly researching and developing new packages for our GG sisterhood, and offering travel tips and ideas through refreshing blog posts. I will also be assisting with our Hope in the Hunter Events and liaising with many of our suppliers and clients.