Clare Burkey
Country Director
For a number of years before joining Steppes Travel in 2007, I lived and worked in Europe as a tour representitive. My passion for travel has lead to many exciting opportunities from working alongside Aboriginal communities in Kakadu, Australia, to studying the ancient art of Thai massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and exploring India from its northern border to the balmy south using only road transport - a challenge that took over 3 months to complete! I now specialise in tailor made itineraries to the India subcontinent and Asia, while also creating unique Villa Holidays around the globe.
Countries you sell?
India and Malaysia and the world wide villa programme.
What has been your favourite travel experience?
Travelling through the high altitude passes of Ladakh in the Indian Himalaya.
The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
Baghvan Lodge in Pench National Park, India.
What has been your most remote travel experience?
A boat journey off the Northern Sumatran coast, accompanied by a cook and radio operator to an uninhabited island in order to study turtles.
Most embarrassing travel experience?
Disembarking a boat in Thailand and falling between boats while carrying an overloaded backpack laden with presents.
Your one luxury when you travel?
Spa treatments.
What’s your best piece of travel advice?
Be open to suggestions even if they detour from your plans, and enrich your holiday experience by spending time in the company of locals.
Where you would like to visit next and why?
The remote tribal area of Nagaland in Eastern India, and the far reaching islands off the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula.
Alternative Suggestions
Malaysia
Offering a wonderful mix of culture, wildlife and pristine beaches.
India
One of the most colourful countries on the planet.