Erin Staunton Assistant Manager

I originally started in tourism in 2007, working for Kangaroo Island Sealink. After nine months in the Adelaide office, I took a six month secondment to live and work in Penneshaw where I stayed for two years. I loved selling Kangaroo Island but by 2010, I was eager to sell the world – after all that is what I studied to do!

After a short stint in a small boutique agency, I started at Phil Hoffmann Travel in September 2010. I couldn’t imagine working for another company now or in a different industry. I have such a passion for travel - exploring what the world has to offer in order to learn about different cultures, sample different cuisines and meet new people. And I love cruising - having cruised on Princess, Royal Caribbean, P&O Australia, Oceania, Uniworld, Carnival and Cunard.

travel tips

• For the foodies – book a food tour early in your stay at your destination, that way you have time to go back and visit restaurants you liked that you might not otherwise have found.
• Planning a trip to America, get away from the big cities and add a tour through the Canyon Lands, the scenery is spectacular.
• Looking for a different mode of travel, check out Travel Marvel’s rail journeys.
• Whilst travelling get out of your comfort zone and try something different, whether it be an activity, food or destination. 

hot picks

• Dubai, UAE - splurge and treat yourself to High Tea in the Sky View bar at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, I recommend pre-booking.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina – whilst in the Paris of the Latin Americas, the Argentine Experience has to be done! It’s a dinner party that showcases what being an Argentine is all about. Learn how to make your own empanada, order steak in Spanish and how to prepare your own ‘mate’ drink. Terrific fun.
• Penang, Malaysia – stay at the beachside resort of Batu Ferringi, and eat local with a visit to the Long Beach Café Hawker centre. Eat from the stall that makes only Bak Kut Teh (Claypot Delight). It’s the only thing they sell and it’s delicious.
• Hoi An, Vietnam - make sure you try the local specialties as the dishes in this region are completely different to the rest of Vietnam. Cao Lau – a noodle dish is one of my favourites.