Ex revenue manager of international company Groupon (EMEA).
This man has visited in excess of 60 countries. A true travel connoisseur with amazing stories to boot! He also worked at Groupon Travel for over 8 years, and has gained considerable expertise in staycation / domestic travel advice for the U.K, building bespoke travel packages.
Let's get to know him!
Welcome, Brendan O'Neill.

Episode highlights:

• [01:10] - Based in North East Poland, Olsztyn, with polish wife Karina and son.
• [02:50] - Born & raised east coast South Africa, left at 21 to London U.K. after finishing degree
• [03:40] - Speaks about difficult history in South Africa, born during apartheid era. Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
• [05:15] - Love of travel began after moving to London, taking small interrail trip
• [06:14] - Saved for a trip by doing a clinical trial phase 2. 1x weekly injection insulin. Collected £2,800.00 tax free! Risk-Reward ratio, Phase 1 more risky but higher paid
• [10:40] - Connecting to nature through travel
• [12:50] - Inherited wanderlust from hippie parents, van life couple in 70's
• [13:55] - India, Cambodia, Thailand in 2008
• [15:58] - Chased wild asses through the desert of India
• [17:30] - Discusses Torres Del Paine / Galapagos string of islands / Maldives, cruise ships in Galapagos
• [20:40] - Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe. Malawi stood out for acts of kindness
• [23:30] - Diving in Zanzibar caused ear infection, choice of expensive medication vs food
• [25:00] - Growth through adversity when travelling. Appreciation of fellowship & fellow humans
• [26:55] - Integrate and engage in local traditions & cultures
• [28:10] - Eastern Europe trip with wife, 15 countries in 45 days
• [33:30] - Wife works in tailor made holidays/tours outside of Europe. Bespoke packages.
• [34:44] - Reducing emissions from travel - passionate about achieving carbon neutral world. Discuss carbon emissions per passenger km.
• [38:08] - Worked for Groupon for 8 years, expert in staycation travel. Revenue management. Customer demand, where/when people are travelling. Generate demand through packaging & pricing
• [39:27] - Been to every national park in U.K. Favourites: Lake District is world beating. Pembrokeshire coast, exmoor. Wild ponies in Exmoor. AONB parks - Area of Natural Beauty.
• [42:00] - weekend vs weekday pricing. City trip/National Parks. Hotels in cities full all the time except sunday nights. Importance of seasons.
• [45:21] - Thinks U.K. most beautiful country in the world in Spring. Bluebells, birdsong.
• [46:40] - Building vacation packages at Groupon. Most popular & recommended, ones with spa breaks or dinner included
• [49:00] - Groupon great place to buy gifts
• [49:30] - Since Covid pandemic, exploded demand for domestic travel. Similar trend worldwide. Some prices went 3 or 4x.
• [50:50] - Spoke about 'overtourism' and impact on local infrastructure
• [52:07] - Travel culture within Poland discussed, 23 national parks here!
• [53:20] - COVID / COP26 / Carbon footprint & future of Long Distance Travel
• [55:40] - Be a tourist in your local area when possible
• [57:10] - Climate tax / frequent flyer tax. Average flyer won't be affected too much
• [58:55] - Encourages local nature connection
• [59:30] - Brendan wants to get into the Sustainable Energy industry, will continue in Poland with his wife (who does photography) & son

Follow their work:

IG: @karina_fotografuje

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