Andrew

Having first set foot in Asia in 1999, after many years of family holidays on European beaches, Andrew recalls being impatiently excited to be stepping further out into the world. That spark of excitement turned into a life-long passion for travel in Asia and beyond, journeying through China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore as well America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Egypt, Tunisia, all over Europe and parts of the Middle East.

Andrew’s career in the travel industry has been broad and varied, taking him from working for an Egypt specialist to a spell with a long-haul Caribbean tour operator, as well as time with a small company where he was instrumental in setting up tours to Korea. Before joining Selective Asia, he ran his own private tour operator focused solely on Japan, helping British travellers experience the beauty and diversity of the country he loves and knows so well. The Selective Asia team is lucky to have the benefit of his passion and expertise across many destinations, but we know it’s Japan which holds a special place in his heart.

In his words

“I love working in the travel industry and get great satisfaction from helping others shape their trips by sharing my own experiences.”

It all started whilst staying with local friends in Thailand, where I set about exploring what was, at the time, the most unfamiliar and fascinating destination I had ever visited. Shortly after, I spent a year travelling around Australia and vividly remember great white shark diving in Port Lincoln at a time when it was a rather unusual thing to do! Australia is also significant as the place where I met my wife, and after that relocation to Japan beckoned…

“Despite being surrounded by new and sometimes unfamiliar goings on, try not to put up your guard. A beaming smile and a genuine interest in what is going on will often open the door to all sorts of amazing experiences.”

I spent 11 years living and working in Japan, travelling extensively throughout the country and becoming fluent in speaking and reading Japanese. These skills in particular have enabled me to delve deeper into the country and its culture, helping me develop a local knowledge very close to that of those who have grown up with Japan as their home nation. Some of my best memories of working in Japan include looking after British tourist groups, showing them a side to the country that many visitors just don’t get to see.

“My favourite moment in any trip comes at about two or three days in, when you have begun to acclimatise and the confidence levels are up to try even more new things. After the initial confusion that abounds when you arrive in a new destination, this is the point when you start to understand the rhythms of the country. This is when travel begins to get really interesting.”

Andrew’s blogs & articles

Hanami: Japan’s Sakura Blossom Season

Q&A

Countries in Asia visited:

Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea

Favourite Asia-related book?

‘Black Rain’ by Ibuse Masuji. A sad but compelling story from a Japanese perspective.

Favourite Asia-related film?

‘Spirited Away’ – I love this film, it is utterly magical. I’m not usually a fan of anime, but this really is special.

Favourite place in Asia?

Osaka is such an exciting and almost gritty place by Japanese standards – it’s wonderfully loud and brash! It’s also famous for my favourite Asian food, takoyaki, which are just fantastic, though you really need to let them cool down before attempting to eat them!