I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Many of you will be familiar with Holiday Creator JY Will, who has spent plenty of time teasing the JY Community with new tours before they are launched and getting your thoughts on various aspects of our holidays. It with some sadness that I am to announce that JY Will has decided to leave JYHQ. The great news is however, that the entire team of Holiday Creators were chomping at the bit to become the new representative for their team on the Community and after some hard fought competition, I’m pleased to welcome the victor… JY Alicia.

Those of you who took the Highlights of Tuscany tour in June last year will have already met Alicia, but we thought it would be great to introduce her to the masses with a quick Q&A…

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself - what qualifies you to be the coveted JY Community representative for your team?

A: I have worked in the travel industry for many more years than I care to say!! At first living and working overseas in different countries for over 15 years. I lived in Italy for 6 years and so I feel this is an area of my expertise, so I'm thrilled that Just You has a diverse and great selection of Italian tours (some of which I have updated and improved thanks to the JY Community feedback). Since I have been back in the UK I have been creating holidays with a selection of different well-known tour operators, travelling to some superb destinations all over the world and learning exactly what makes the best holiday experience. I’m very excited to be the new JY Community representative and so looking forward to hearing from all of our JY Community members to help me and our team here at HQ offer the best single traveller holiday programme.

Q:Where is your favourite holiday destination (and, you're not allowed to say Italy on this occasion)?

A: I have to say anywhere that has mountains - the Alps, Canada and North America...

Q: Which Just You tour would you most like to take and why?

A: The Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure. This tour takes you to the edge of the Arctic circle, which is pretty cool, literally! I enjoy Arctic white scenery, the cold and I have heard its really has an eerie atmosphere, very intriguing. You travel on the Tundra overland vehicles not a ship which suits me as I tend to get sea sick. And, the chance to see all the wildlife including the bears as well as the northern lights is a huge draw for me. The food is great, all home-made and you get to try some local specialities. I see this as a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed, so is at the top of my list.

Q:Where do you get your inspiration from when creating Just You holidays?

A: I have always been passionate about seeing the world, experiencing new cultures & destinations. When I visit a new destination the first time all I want to do is share the experience and I immediately want other people to try it. Also, when I return to a destination and find new things to do and see again, I just have to pass it on.

Q: What items do you never go on holiday without?

A: Tiger balm - for those itchy mosquito bites and the relaxing effect it has on me and my iPhone is crucial, I love capturing the moment on my iPhone and I can immediately share this with friends, family and now I'll get to share it with the Just You community too (where there is WiFi of course !!)

Q: What is your favourite style of food?

A: Seafood , Seafood and more seafood, I love cooked and raw fish so Sushi would be top of my list.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not planning Just You holidays for our travellers?

A: My favourite past time and it has been all of my life is horse riding. Since a young age I have ridden classical English style, until I lived in Italy where I learnt western riding. I have my own American Quarter Horse and I have competed in Italy & Germany in Western Horsemanship which is a very technical sport a bit like English dressage. When I’m not hanging out with the horse I love to travel, ski and I am a real foodie and of course like the odd glass of wine!

Q: And finally, who is your celebrity crush?

A: Aiden Turner, the new POLDARK , yes ladies if you have not seen him yet, you need to check out the new series!

So, there you have it - I hope you all join me in welcoming JY Alicia to the Community!

Kindest regards,

Julia

Welcome to the Community Alicia, hope you will enjoy your new post, I look forward to seeing what great ideas you will come up with in the future.

Avocet

I'd also like to offer JY Alicia a huge big welcome and I hope you continue to create exciting and diverse holiday experiences for us to enjoy! I hope you have a long and fulfilling time working for JY and I look forward to seeing what new destinations you come up with in the next few years!

Best wishes,

Bob

Take care Will. Thank you for being so much fun and all the best to you! 🙂

sorry to hear will is going but someone else who loves italy wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

looking forward to new ideas

warm welcome

hilary

All the best Will.

Mike

Jan

Welcome Alicia

I hope we do not cause you to many problems along the way, I hope that you will be open minded to what we say, and of course we shall try and be the same to you

Welcome to Alicia, enjoy your new role.

Mick

Alicia, best wishes and good luck in your new job.

You have been an asset to Just You. Good luck in your new venture.

Welcome Alicia. We are a friendly crowd so don't worry.

I should also like to mention that Julia you are also a major asset. You are always helpful and always respond to all our queries. We would be lost without you.

Warm regards Julie

I've been lucky enough to sit next to Alicia for the past year and I can definitely say you are in safe hands!

I sincerely you hope you all keep enjoying the wonderful holidays that Just You offer.

Keep exploring!

Thanks very much for the warm welcome .I’m so excited about catching up with everyone and keeping in touch with all of our Just You crowd.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but I have been busily working on our new tours for 2016 !! So “watch this space” . I will be continuing the taster and teaser spot as we finalise our new programme for 2016, I am sure you will be please with some of our new ideas.

I am also looking forward to some help regarding what you would like to see and do in the future so again keep your eyes peeled for the odd question here and there.

One of my first questions would be ( because I love the mountains and snowy destinations ) Would you like to see more winter destinations in our brochures where you can experience the wonderful winter landscapes and some winter activities , such as snow shoeing, sleigh riding , sipping mulled wine and maybe a fondue or two ?

Any thoughts and comments would be much appreciated

Had you asked me the question this time last year I would have said no to cold destinations however having done the Polar Bears and just coming back from Iceland I am a convert. The mix of snow and blue skies brings a fabulous air quality which is superb for photography and I would be glad for the chance to get my monies worth out of all my thermals!

Sally

Winter, Snow, cold, not for me unless i can have one of them big dogs with a barrel of Brandy under its chin tag along. :idea:

Only joking the more varied holidays the better as far as I'm concerned.

Mick

I would love to see snowy scenery, but NO WINTER SPORTS!!! But I would love to take in the air while drinking something hot.or alcoholic or both!.. A horse drawn carriage whilst under a fur rug and hot water bottle would be great. Cable Car up the mountains or a venicular thing to see the sights..

Cindy

Alicia I bought this up when the Slovenia Mountains and Coast trip first came into fruition but I honestly think the first part of the holiday should be based actually IN the mountains. I mentioned Kransjka Gora and I know for a fact that there are hotels there, quite a few of them. Also a village and bars that people could use at night instead of being in a hotel where the bar closes at 10pm (unless it is changed from last year). That way the tour could still have a full day in Bled (which is a hour away by coach at the most), and half a day in Bohinji and leaves people to have half a day in the village where there nice walks etc.

Just a suggestion! :thumbup:

We knew Will and have been introduced to Alicia but it has crossed my mind that I know nothing about the rest of the team, all working hard to create great holidays for us and all deserving credit. How many are in the team and who are they?

Avocet