Cover Stars: Celebrating two work anniversaries with memorable Montengro trip

Althams Travel agent Suzanne Wilkinson tells Ella Sagar about her trip highlights and 25-year anniversary with the agency 

Q. Why did you enter the Cover Stars competition?
A. It was the perfect way to celebrate my 25-year anniversary at Althams Travel, as well as the business’s 150th anniversary. I was also really keen to see what being a Cover Star was all about.

Q. What was the highlight of the trip?
A. Visiting the Chedi Lustica Bay, where we spent a couple of hours in the spa. It’s an amazing hotel. I could see there was some development going on around the area, so it is definitely somewhere to look out for in future. We had a meal at the Hyatt Regency – another top-notch hotel. I enjoyed going around Porto Montenegro, which is like a marina with a fairly high-end shopping area. It was good to see another side of Montenegro.

Q. What was the VIP treatment like?
A. It started from the word go, where Jet2holidays treated us to lounge access at Manchester airport, which was a lovely experience. It’s roomy, airy and spacious – and you are away from the crowds, with complimentary food and drinks. We were all upgraded to suites when we arrived at the Iberostar Waves Slavija hotel in Budva. My suite was so huge, it could have fit all the Cover Stars in. The whole experience was gorgeous; everybody was so friendly and welcoming.

The whole experience was gorgeous; everybody was so friendly and welcoming.

Q. What did you think of the food and drink?
A. It was traditional Montenegrin food and the waiters just kept coming out with more and more. We ate in a traditional fish restaurant one night, which was great. Staff just kept reappearing with delicious food. We ate in the hotel a couple of times too so it was good to sample their offering as well as the restaurants. It wasn’t just your typical buffet options of chips and pizza.

Q. What were the other Cover Stars like?
A. They were all amazing – such a friendly bunch. We all clicked and got on from the first minute. There was a real mix of ages, which created a lovely dynamic. We have a WhatsApp group and still keep in touch.

Q. What was your photoshoot like?
A. It was amazing. Mine took place on the first evening of the trip. We flew in and mine was at 6pm that night in the hotel. Luckily, we managed to get everything done before the sun set. It was going to get dark at about 6.30pm, so there was a bit of pressure – but the weather held out and it was perfect. The backdrop was just incredible, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the picture turned out.

There was a real mix of ages, which created a lovely dynamic

Q. Have you booked Montenegro with Jet2holidays since?
A. Yes. I have mainly been selling three or four-night breaks because it’s not a long flight and doesn’t require long transfers. You can do it as more of a city break rather than a long holiday. We have sold a couple of weekend breaks and people have come back with really positive feedback. All of them say it was a lovely destination and the views were spectacular. I had never been to Montenegro before and people had previously compared it with Croatia and places like that. So now when people come in asking for those destinations, I can use this opportunity to ask if they have ever thought of Montenegro.

Q. Tell us about the Cover Stars’ trip to the Travel Weekly Globes in London in January.
A. Jet2holidays put us up in a hotel near the awards which was a lovely treat. We had a table together and had a meet-and-greet with Ella Eyre. With the food, the entertainment and the awards, the night just flew by. Suddenly it was 11pm – and I didn’t know where
the time had gone.

Q. What would you tell someone thinking of applying for Cover Stars?
A. I would encourage them to go for it. Even if they feel hesitant, it’s 100% worth it. I have to say thank you to Jet2 and Iberostar because without them, we wouldn’t have been able to experience it. And, of course, not forgetting photographer Steve Dunlop and Travel Weekly, who flew out with us.

Suzanne’s career

Travel wasn’t something that was on my radar, if I’m honest. It fell into my lap when I left school.

I started at Going Places when I was 16, then moved to Althams Travel a year later to finish my apprenticeship.

I’ve learned so much as I’ve worked my way through the ranks at Althams. I’ve gone from assistant manager to branch manager. In October, I moved to head office and am now training in HR.

I am so glad I took the opportunity and went for it. Once I got into travel, I absolutely loved it.

The business is growing. We’ve just opened branches in Wetherby and Harrogate, taking us to 33 in total. Althams must be doing something right.

I can’t tell you where 25 years have gone. The time has flown by – it hasn’t been a chore. I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m so thankful it fell into my life.