Our Hearts Are with Australia . . .

Let’s Put Our Travel Dollars There, Too:

A Q&A with The Tailor’s Kylie Damen

Kylie with a wombat

Bush fires have been raging in Australia for months now, but Kylie Damen, Senior Travel Designer at The Tailor, wants us to know that the country is still open for business and ready to welcome visitors. She also urges us to keep in mind that the vast majority of Australia is unaffected by the disaster. We believe that the best way to offer support is to keep visiting. In this spirit, we bring you the following Q&A.

POE TRAVEL: Any particular experiences/destinations you’re excited about for 2020 and beyond?

KYLIE DAMEN: I am super excited to showcase the best of Australia—whether that be our high-end lodges and island experiences OR our personal experiences where guests stay with locals and get a true sense of what life is like in Australia. This style of travel often uncovers regions of Australia that you would never have known existed if you stuck to the main “tourist” destinations, and feedback from these personalized experiences is always positive.

I’d also like to ensure that guests don’t discredit Australia as a destination despite the current weather conditions we are experiencing. The vast majority of our favorite regions remain totally unaffected and are ready for you to visit. For example, lush Tropical North Queensland, the wondrous Great Barrier Reef, the rugged Kimberley and Top End of Australia along with Outback, Tasmania, South and Western Australia all remain largely untouched. They continue to be fantastic places to enjoy pure, pristine landscapes, great food and wine, iconic Australian wildlife, fabulous guides, hospitality, and extraordinary adventures. Some regions that may have been affected by recent fires are now back up and ready to welcome guests. The best thing we can do is encourage travelers to visit these regions and show support for our fellow Australians. These areas will regenerate in the coming months, and I’m sure will be showstoppers again before we know it.

PT: What is something people may not know about travel in Australia?

KD: Guests often don’t realize the vastness of Australia and just how far it can be to link up destinations. This is where our expertise comes into play; we’ll assist with making recommendations to ensure a seamless itinerary so you can spend more time enjoying each destination rather than spending time travelling between locations! 

PT: What’s something special you’ve arranged for a client?

KD: Over my time at The Tailor, there have been a number of special things I have helped arrange—some have included surprising newlyweds by placing their wedding photos around the honeymoon suite and sending flowers to different hotels for a husband who bought his wife flowers every few days (at home and abroad!). Another favorite was for a family whose young daughter loved wildlife. At each destination, we set up a challenge relating to wildlife (with prizes). For example, on the Great Barrier Reef, she had to find her prize buried on a sand cay. The finale was having an Aboriginal Elder spend New Year’s Eve with them, teach them about traditional music, and share Aboriginal Wildlife stories.

PT: When you travel, where do you like to go? 

KD: Personally, I spend a lot of time with my family (husband and two daughters, ages 10 and 8) in the Riverland, South Australia, where I spent a considerable amount of my childhood. We enjoy water-skiing and kneeboarding with other extended family members on the Murray River.

Further afield, my favorite recent trips have been to One & Only Wolgan Valley where we, despite being Australians, were blown away by the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. On the Great Barrier Reef, I loved my time at Orpheus Island—which it only takes 28 guests at any time. There was nothing better than waking up in a South Suite and looking out over the bay and the Great Barrier Reef.

PT: What’s a carry-on essential you’re never without?

KD: I always carry my iPad for reading on a flight and sunscreen—an essential in Australia!

PT: Name one of your top travel tips.

KD: Take the time to stop and really enjoy the location you are in; these days, everyone is constantly on the go! Even better, if possible, turn off your phone. Take a break!