Kelly Ah Kiau

Photos

Kelly doing a yoga pose next to a body of water

Travelling helps expand the mind, foster gratitude and personal growth. After wandering the globe for many years, Kelly has discovered a way to share her absolute love of culture and the outdoors by enabling others to get outside their comfort zone. Every day on tour is rewarding and Kelly is forever growing her travel family, by forming lasting friendships with the members of her groups.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Hiking Acatenango in Guatemala was absolutely life changing. To climb above the cloud forest and be rewarded with breathtaking views over the region was amazing. The mad scramble up the peak in a race against the setting sun sure got the adrenaline pumping and it was great to overcome my fears. To witness the power and force of nature as Fuego erupted through the night and see molten lava cascading down the volcano was something I will never forget.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Becoming a group leader for INTRO Travel has ruined me from ever choosing to work a "normal job". I absolute thrive in the ever changing conditions, love spending all my time outdoors and helping my groups realise their travel dreams. It has grown my confidence and developed further my ability to remain cool in unpredictable situations.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I once had a young traveller with a hearing disability who had.. 1.) Never caught a flight 2.) Never been outside Germany or Switzerland 3.) Was not confident in his english speaking skills. His mother had encouraged him to join my Vietnam Intro tour and it was a true pleasure to watch him absolutely blossom throughout the trip. He gained personal confidence, friends, improved his english and gave me the biggest thank you at the end of the tour. It was so rewarding to see how the whole group rallied around him and made sure he was involved especially when he removed his hearing aid during the water activities. I love that he was empowered and gained the confidence to travel the world.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to go on our tour through Sri Lanka. I have heard raving reviews about the Sri Lankan food and can't wait to dive into the wonderful world of curries. Described as the tear drop of Asia, catching infamous train journey to Ella or being on safari amongst herds of wild elephants sounds absolutely magical!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our team at INTRO travel is a real family. We are supported by an amazing network of locals who enable us to do what we do and share their amazing cultures with us. Our 'Small Change' program is a socially conscious initiative to have a positive impact in the countries we travel in. It is a way for us to give back to the communities and its great to see the impact we can have.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

A successful company always goes the extra mile to make their customers know that they are valued. Taking a personal approach the entire way. On top of this always growing, improving with the times and listening to what their customers want. I believe thats what sets INTRO Travel apart, in the way that we care. That's why we have so many customers who come back time and time again!