Sonia Jones
We met Sonia Jones
SONIA JONES TRAVEL
Sonia is the owner and lead travel advisor at Sonia Jones Travel. Sonia loves planning detailed itineraries, especially for discerning travelers and families. Sonia started traveling when she was just two years old and she has passed her passion for different cultures, countries and cuisine on to her children. Her favorite destinations are Japan and Italy, thanks largely to her ability to speak Japanese and her Italian heritage.
During Sonia’s 19 years in the travel industry, she has been recognized for her achievements across several platforms, including being a Flight Centre Global Achiever nine times, Platinum Consultant with MTA travel three years in a row, Winner of the MTA Innovation & Marketing Engagement Award in 2016, Telstra Women in Business Award Nominee in 2018, Finalist for Virtuoso’s Most Innovative Advisor Asia/Pacific 2018 and Finalist for Virtuoso’s Most Admired Advisor Asia/Pacific 2019.
Let’s speak with Sonia
Planning 5-star travel is often seen as the dream job by many, when did you start your career as a travel agent ? What prompted you to do it ?
I started 20 years ago as a novice consultant with Flight Centre. I loved traveling and had just returned from 2 years overseas and thought “why not?” – and here I am all those years later and with my own travel agency.
Knowing wonderful destinations and being able to stay in any hotel must sometimes be difficult to choose what to suggest to your clients. What has been the dream trip you have already taken for your clients ?
A real bucket-list trip was to the Maldives in 2019 – the water color is incredible, the resorts are out-of-this-world and the marine life is a snorkeler’s ultimate paradise. Everyone should go there at least once in their lives.
Working with the best suppliers around the world and being used to having impeccable service, what do you think makes the difference when choosing who to partner with ?
It’s essential to have trust and a good communication with the supplier. My favorite suppliers are those who not only have great product and competitive rates but also make it easy for us to work with them. Detailed documents and on-ground support for our clients adds to this.
Among the many experiences that can be organized during a trip why did you decide to try and propose a professional photo service ? What makes this experience so special ?
As the “family photographer” on our trips, I am rarely in a photo. I am sure I am not alone with this! Having a photo shoot arranged allows all of the family to be in the photos as well as to capture a special location or travel memory as well. And personally I’d rather have family photos taken in the Villa Borghese or on the beaches of Waikiki than here in Brisbane!
Where would you like to have a really special photo shoot ?
I’d love photos somewhere really iconic like the Amalfi Coast or at the Eiffel Tower.
Why do you recommend Pix Around ?
Pix Around offers a great service and is excellent value. They communicated well with us and the photos were absolutely fantastic.
Thank you Sonia !! See you soon
