Most of my favorite travel memories come from last minute decisions. One of my most memorable ones was my decision to start scuba diving! On a whim one day, I went to Koh Tao to hang out before Songkran. Once I was there I decided to get my open water diving certification. From my first day in the water I knew I loved it and continued to learn more about diving and get more certifications. Now when ever I travel I always make it a point to go diving and see more than just the island. It is has given me a greater appreciation of the ocean, a stronger desire to explore, and a will to push my self farther than I ever imagined.
Staff Spotlight: Caroline Byerly
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Group LeaderPhotos
Caroline Byerly is 23 years old and from Greensboro, North Carolina. She moved to Thailand when she was 21 and has since made SE Asia her home!
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have been working for INTRO for almost 8 months now and have appreciated how much room there is to grow as a person and in the company with this job. I have become more patient with my time and others, value new cultures and ways of life, learned to maximise my productivity time, and have become more confident in myself. Living in the “Land of Smiles” truly does give you a more positive outlook on life!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
My favourite thing to see across all groups is when strangers from around the world create life long friendships!
On one group, I had return customers who had met the previous year in Bali on a tour and have decided to do a reunion INTRO tour every year in a new country! It brought a smile to my face to watch their friendships grow while exploring a new place together. I look forward to seeing where they reunite next year!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would love to do our Vietnam + Cambodia 21 day combo tour! I think it is a great way to take a step further into authentic SE Asia and see the best of both countries.
From the 5 Star boat we stay on in Ha Long Bay to having custom clothes made in Hoi An, and of course a Vietnamese cooking class...what is not to love about our Vietnam itinerary? Then traveling over to Cambodia for 10 days to learn about their interesting history, visiting a pepper plantation, beach front accommodation in Koh Rong, and finishing it all with the iconic Angor Wat!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What makes INTRO stand out from the rest is our #SmallChange program. Small Change is INTRO Travel’s socially conscious initiative aimed at making the world a better place to explore! Small Change encompasses four key goals: Protecting the Environment, Supporting Local Communities, Cultural Exchange and Education, and Animal Welfare. Across all countries we work towards these goals daily while also all having unique projects and activities. Everyone in the company takes their part in getting involved and our customers always smash it!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
One of the things INTRO Travel excels in is how well they take care of their employees. In a non traditional job like this they go the extra mile to give you support, make you feel at home, and everyone becomes family. It is a company where you can grow as an individual but you can also help the company grow. INTRO values our feed back as Group Leaders and takes on our suggestions. Having this supportive backing makes doing our job to the best of our ability an absolute joy!