- Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Tracey, a travel enthusiast and a keen overland adventurer. I travel for the majority of the year leading tours and have a couple of months down time during the Southern winter. My family and friends are split between Australia and New Zealand but I call the Gold Coast ‘home’ well, its where my car is parked anyway! I love to cook and seek out the more hidden areas and unusual things to do or dining experiences everywhere I go.
- What attracted you to the love of train travel?
The idea of a stress free and slow paced mode of transport, where you can be as engaged as you like with fellow travelers, or take a more solidary approach. Seeing the ‘back blocks’ and landscapes only the railway can provide you is a huge drawcard. Growing up in NZ, the main trunkline was a popular mode of transport for kiwis to get between places in the North Island, with relatives meeting you at the station and whisking you away to their homes for the school holidays. It’s a nostalgic feeling for many to board a train and feel a sense of excitement for what lies ahead.
- Favourite country in the world, and why?
This is always a hard question, however Japan has always been a favorite destination, and travelling by train is a drawcard due to the efficiency of the network and the speed! The food is varied and unique with a few ‘wow’ moments thrown in. Safety has never been a concern and the locals are always wanting to have a chat and share a laugh.
- Where haven’t you visited but is on the bucket list?
I have many places on my ‘list’ with Pitcairn Island high up the ladder. I love remote places and have a fascination with communities that are not easily accessible. The effort to arrive becomes a huge part of the tale. I also have a goal of finishing the world’s newest (in 2024) longest train journey (I’ve done most of it) Starting in southern Portugal and finishing in Singapore.
- How long have you worked with Railway Adventures?
I have just started my journey with Railway adventures and I am ready to get back on the rails, after a few years of Leading tours in the South Pacific, due to the pandemic.
- Your Favourite Railway Adventures Tour?
I guess Ill have to say the Kunming to Bangkok adventure!
- What is your favourite international cuisine?
I have always had a love of the Asian continent and because of this I adore many asian cuisines. A couple of absolute favorites that come to mind are Mongolian buuz, a flavorful dumpling filled with meat and more specifically local mutton, they are silky and rich and I can never have enough. I have a favorite restaurant in Ulaanbaatar that I can’t walk past! My other go- to would have to be Japanese sashimi, fresh off the boat and eaten straight away with a dash of soy and pickled ginger.
- What are your top 5 packing essentials?
- Pack as little as possible and if you are really brave, try for just carry on luggage, you’ll be surprised what you don’t need to bring with you on a tour.
- Be aware of all airline and train luggage restrictions that you will encounter on every part of your journey and pack for the lowest weight accepted, that way you’ll have no issues.
- Remember that all hotels/accommodations usually have complimentary toiletries, so unless you are fussy about what you use, leave all the clunky bottles and potions at home. This saves a lot of space and weight.
- Bring a few zip lock bags with you, these come in handy for wet clothing/cell phones/dirty shoes and they take up no room at all.
- Triple check you have enough essential medication to get you through the trip plus 25% spares. It’s a huge effort and sometimes impossible to get prescribed medication overseas, so be prepared.
- Tell us why you love your job!
I have been in the business of leading tours for over 3 decades and I love it. Not only do I get to see new places and enjoy experiences with other travelers, I love the day to day role of dealing with whatever comes my way when I have a group of travelers relying on me to come up with Plan B,C,D,E and F! I love walking around new places, exploring all the nooks of a city. I’m interested in local food and how it ties in with tradition and culture. I am a problem solver by nature and this is what I thrive on. Interrupt driven environments that keep the heart pounding! We often make our job look very easy but there is always a lot going on behind the scenes. I love helping people to achieve ‘micro moments’ on a tour, small things that they have always wanted to do/see or try but have not known how to arrange it.
Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures tour is more than just a holiday, it is a unique way to experience the world. By train you are completely immersed in culture and adventure, exploring the most scenic corners of the world in the comfort of a luxury train. Whether you are an experienced traveller or just beginning to explore this wonderful world, Railway Adventures have something for everyone. Transform your holiday into the most unforgettable adventure of a lifetime with Railway Adventures.
Call 1300 800 977 to request a brochure on our tours in 2024 and 2025.
