Out of the mammoth 120 countries Gillian Woodley has visited, some stand out.
The travel agent – who has also been on 100 cruises – recommends three places for travel hungry Aussies.
”I love Iceland. It really packs a punch for the size of the country,” Gillian, who lives in Hobart and has been a travel agent for 28 years, tells 9Travel.
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”We’ve just got back from somewhere I didn’t expect to love so much – Mexico City. It was just absolutely outstanding,” she adds.
“Food, nightlife and amazing day tours – and the Mayan pyramids which are an hour out of the city. It is an amazing place.”
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“The other place we’ve been to twice is Portugal, the city of Porto.”
The 51-year-old says Portugal is really resonating with Australian travellers right now.
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However, she says she has learned it often doesn’t matter which exotic location you are in world, travel will always be special.
”Sometimes your favourite places also coincide with your favourite times of life,” Gillian, who is married to restoration plasterer, Darren, says.
“I think it is all about the memories and who you’re travelling with.”
Gillian was in the police force, but was inspired to do something different after going to Europe with Contiki on her honeymoon.
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She answered a job advert in the paper to work for Flight Centre. She now works for Travel Associates.
Meanwhile, on her list of places she still wants to go are Costa Rica and Colombia as well as Puglia in Italy.
As for where Aussies are holidaying in 2025, Europe remains popular.
Customers are also booking river cruises, particularly from Amsterdam to Budapest, as well as Japan and Korea, she says.
