Mr Brad John-Davis speaks to e-Travel Blackboard about falling into the travel industry by mistake, making a difference and his admiration for Geoffrey Kent.

What drew you to work in the travel industry?

Many of my friends left university and became investment bankers, management consultants, or lawyers. I was always sure that I wanted to do something more wholesome than that, even if it would be less lucrative. The truth is, though, that I never really knew what I did want to do in life and I very much fell into the travel industry “by mistake” when I moved back to South America after finishing my education. I haven’t looked back since, though!

What do you like most about your job?

Making a difference. It’s all about making a difference. I love the fact that I am able to help people enrich their lives by providing meaningful cultural experiences. I grew up with travel and culture at the centre of everything that I did and believed in, and it is extremely satisfying to be able to help people to do the same.

Who do you admire and see as a role model in the travel industry?

Probably Geoffrey Kent. Back in the day (so in the 1960s and 1970s), he was a true pioneer, taking people to some of the wildest and remotest places on the planet in comfort and style.

What do you want to see improve in the industry?

More focus on quality and fewer price wars! The struggle to differentiate offerings by price alone has brought about a constant diminishing of customer experience and I am glad to work for a company like Back-Roads that truly represents quality!

What destinations are on your travel bucket list?

I’ve already been extremely lucky to have travelled extensively across the globe. My remaining targets are… Within Europe: Bulgaria, Hungary, the Baltic States and more of Turkey. Outside of Europe: Nepal, Tibet, DRC.

What's a memorable travel experience you've had (good or bad)?

It’s a tough question – I’ve had so many. If I’m honest, despite all of my very memorable travel experiences, my multiple visits to Granada in Southern Spain – I must have been 10 times or more – always stand out as creating the best memories. It is such a magical city – the unique hybrid of European and North African heritage, urban bustle and the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, along with phenomenal food, wine and free tapas is quite simply unbeatable!

What are three things you must always take with you when you travel?

Laptop. Hair gel. Nail clippers. Nothing glamorous, I’m afraid – if I have those items I can get by for months.