Each week at 101 Holidays we interview one of the people behind the UK’s finest tour operators. This week we meet Kerry Golds, Director of Tour Operations at W&O Travel.

Kerry has worked in travel since the age of 17, starting on the shop floor of a travel agency. In 2007 she joined Western & Oriental as head of tour operations and in 2008 was promoted to her present post, managing the introduction of a number of newly-acquired brands including Rainbow Tours and Tropical Locations. Kerry has two boys, aged 8 and 11.

.       Where did you go on holiday last summer, and why? Any plans for next summer?

I spent two weeks in one of the W&O Travel villas from Villa Select in Pollenca in Majorca, surrounded by friends and family and a whole bunch of children. I decided on the villa as I love the independence that it offers and I never have to worry about how loud my children are. There was maid service during our stay which was a nice luxury and our local representative gave us lots of great advice on good restaurants for the kids.

.       What is your favorite bolt hole in the UK, and why?

Anywhere I can get away from the rat race. No TV, no gadgets, nothing but a good pub and some peace and quiet.

.       If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

I love Rome.  Everything about it makes me smile – the food, the drink, the ambience, the sights.

.       Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

An iPod (to drown out the noise of my children when they really turn the volume up), a corkscrew and an umbrella (it rains everywhere I go).

.       What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

The comfort of knowing that someone has really thought about the itinerary and has offered everything that can be arranged before they go, such as babysitting services and table reservations.

.       What has been your worst holiday experience?

In 1985, I walked for four hours in flood water up to my armpits after our coach broke down in floods driving from the coast back to Bangkok. I have never been so frightened and hope never to be so again.

.       Tell us your favorite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some beautiful places and I find it difficult to choose. My favourite hotel in the UK is Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh. My favourite worldwide hotels are the Four Seasons in Bali, Le Meridien Royal on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai (a brilliant family-friendly hotel) and Vatulele Island Resort (pictured above) in Fiji.

.       What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

We’ve just completed the main elements of a major rebranding exercise which saw most of our brands brought under the single branding of W&O Travel. It was a huge task but I’m really proud of what we have achieved.  Our new website and collection videos really capture the mood of what we are and what we do and we’re getting some great feedback from our customers.

.       Thank you, Kerry.