Today, we’re excited to introduce Anna – one of our exceptional Adventure Leaders, dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences and journeys for students across the globe.
Anna talks to us about what sparked her passion for travel, what she loves most about introducing students to new destinations and cultures, and the most rewarding aspects of being an Adventure Leader with The Learning Adventure.
How long have you been Adventure Leading with The Learning Adventure?
I’ve been with The Learning Adventure for less than three months, joining in January, but I bring nearly 20 years of experience guiding young people, mostly across Europe. It’s been an exciting new chapter, building on all that experience.
What ignited your passion for travel?
When I was a kid, I lived in London near an English school where people came from all over the world to study. My parents would host them, giving them a place to stay while they studied. So, throughout my childhood, we always had guests from different countries, and I absolutely loved it. I remember being fascinated by the languages they spoke and the food they ate – those experiences really sparked my passion for travel.
I also had the chance to visit France with my family as a child, and it gave me that same excitement about the food, language, and culture. By the time I finished school, I took a gap year and booked a round-the-world ticket. That was it – I was hooked on travel!
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had while guiding a tour?
This actually came from a chaperone on a trip, not a young person. Before this trip, she had never left her state and even got her passport just to join us. She was so open to everything, even though it was all new to her. It was such a privilege to be with her, watching her experience incredible things for the first time, like the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben.
It was a bit of a bittersweet moment as she kept saying she wished she had done this sooner. But at the same time, it was amazing to see all the students experiencing it at a young age, hopefully inspiring them to travel more while they can. Getting to share those new experiences with her was really special and honestly quite moving.
Can you share a story about a student who had a transformative experience during a trip?
I had a group from the Middle East who, despite being quite young, had already travelled a lot with their families. Many of them had been to London before, but their trips were totally different from how we do it on a tour. This time, we took them to new sights, had them experience things they’d never done before, and what I think was a real game-changer for them – we got them using public transport! It was amazing to see them explore the city in a whole new way.
At first, they were pretty nervous about using public transport – worried about getting lost or just not knowing how it all worked. But by the end, they were the ones leading the group, confidently navigating the tube like pros. They absolutely loved it, and you could see how much independence and freedom it gave them. For quite a few, it was a real game-changer. They came back from the trip buzzing, excited to visit again and even ready to show their parents all the new skills they’d picked up along the way
What is a skill or lesson you hope every student takes away from their Learning Adventure journey?
There are so many valuable lessons we want students to take away from a Learning Adventure, and a lot of them come naturally through travel. But for me, one of the biggest priorities is making sure every student learns how to travel responsibly. That means being mindful of where their money goes, supporting local businesses and communities, being conscious of resources and treating every place with the same respect they’d want visitors to show their own home country. Of course, I want them to have the best time, but I also want them to leave with a deeper understanding of how to make a positive impact wherever they go.
What do you hope students remember most about their time traveling with you?
Above all, the most important thing is that they have a great time – because if they’re not enjoying themselves, they’re not going to learn or remember much from the trip. But more than that, I want it to open their eyes to something completely new – whether it’s something they see, hear, or taste for the first time. I hope that experience sticks with them, creating a lasting connection in their minds that travel is all about discovery and new possibilities.
What’s the most rewarding part of seeing students connect with the destination during their trip?
Selfishly, it also reignites my own passion for places that can feel easy to take for granted. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, and it’s easy to think, oh, here it is again. But when you’re with people seeing it for the first time, and you watch their faces light up, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s like getting to experience it all over again through fresh eyes. And the best part? Seeing that excitement spark something in them – laying the foundation for a lifelong love of travel.
What’s the best thing about a Learning Adventure tour?
Meeting people from all over the world – it’s one of the best parts of what I do. While the tours are all about learning for the students, they’re just as much of a learning experience for me too. Everyone involved gets to discover new cultures, and having the privilege to introduce students to new places and experiences is incredibly rewarding.
What is your favourite hidden gem that only locals know about?
If I tell you my hidden gem, it won’t be a hidden gem anymore! When it comes to responsible travel, part of the magic is keeping those special spots undiscovered so they can remain just that – hidden gems.
