After a few years of managing bars and restaurants, Will decided it was time to do something exciting and move his life from Buckinghamshire to Australia. Having travelled the East Coast of Aus already, as well as parts of Southeast Asia and Europe, it was time for a bit more of a long-term trip away from the UK so Will decided to give Oz Intro a try.
After already traveling with INTRO in Thailand, it was a no-brainer: the staff was great and the trips were flawless, plus they sorted out his Visa, Aussie bank account, phone number and tax file number - none of which would have even been thought about, let alone sorted if traveling solo.
Then, straight after the 9 day trip, the opportunity arose to work for INTRO, so Will, with his limitless energy and unpredictable dance moves (as well as the passion to spread the travel bug) took it on and has been working as a Group Leader ever since!
What is your favorite travel memory?
Whilst in Koh Phangan in Thailand, after a few days of crazy adventures and activities, I had a few days with nothing planned. So a friend and I rented some scooters and just drove around the island - no plan, no direction, just driving. We came across some of the most amazing viewpoints and secluded beaches (which even had little wild piglets roaming around on them).
We ended the day just watching the sunset next to a waterfall we found with the most awesome rock pools at the bottom that we could take a dip in. It was so surreal and the spontaneity just made it a million times better; there was no time limit, no itinerary, and no cares. Best day of my life!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I've become a lot more interested in getting to know other people's backgrounds and cultures. Each week I get to meet a group of completely unique people with their own stories and it's so interesting to learn about how different everyone is! It allows us to learn more about ourselves and what we value in life.
I've also become way more positive in my attitude to trying new things, saying yes to as much as possible! If I'm scared to do something, it means I have to do it; otherwise, I will have wasted all that time and energy on fearing something for no reason!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
"After 3 years being stuck in an office job that I hated, I decided to up and leave, with no plan, move to Australia and start a new fantastic life. I booked Oz Intro just so I knew I'd make loads of friends and be set up for life in Australia.
It has always been my dream to learn to surf and I got to do just that in my first week. I went up to Port Stephens with INTRO and stood up first time! I don't think I've ever been so happy (I even started crying with happiness but the seawater helped disguise my involuntary tears of joy, it would really kill the Aussie surfer look if everyone saw...) but it finally happened and it was the best feeling in the world.
I've managed to go and perfect my surfing up the coast during my travels and I'm having the best time!"
A message a girl from a group sent me, she was considering starting a blog for her travels, with this as her first post!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Epic Asia! A 38-day trip that combines INTRO's 18-day Thailand, 12-day Vietnam and 10-day Cambodia trips. Not only would I make an endless amount of friends, with group leaders I know will make it the best experience, but I'd get to experience these amazing countries with all my activities and most of my meals included, not to mention the most awesome accommodation - I wouldn't have to worry about a thing!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our initiative towards responsible travel, SmallChange, is something that I think really puts INTRO at the top. By being active in how we reduce our impact on our surroundings and the planet, we can make a big difference. Whether it be reducing single-use plastics and protecting the environment, supporting local communities, cultural exchange or animal welfare - INTRO has it covered.
It's so great to watch groups week after week making a conscious effort to make little adjustments to their day to day to help make a big difference, and I'm so proud to be part of a team that successful encourages this and makes it happen!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Consistency with the help and support given by a company is personally the key to success.
Going above and beyond for each individual customer before, during and after their time with us is vital, even if it's 1 month, 6 months or even 12 months later. Making them feel like the most important person ever goes a very long way. In turn, it'll bring them back as well as friends and family, which will be essential to grow as a company and give people the best service and experience!
