Lana Kanchik: 30 Years in Travel

When people ask me how long I’ve been in travel, I usually smile and say, “long enough to have seen almost everything”. 

But the truth is, after more than 30 years in this incredible industry, including the last 10 with TravelManagers, there’s always something new to discover, both in the world and in the people, I meet along the way.

Travel has been my lifelong passion, but it’s also been my greatest teacher. I started in a time before smartphones and online bookings, when travel planning was built on handwritten tickets and trust. Over the years, I’ve seen the world change dramatically, and our industry evolve right alongside it. We’ve weathered so many storms: the collapse of Ansett, the shock of September 11, the global financial crisis, and the unimaginable challenges of the pandemic. Each event changed the way people travelled, but it also reminded me why experience matters more than ever.

During those moments of uncertainty, clients don’t just need a travel agent; they need a calm, steady hand. Someone who can navigate the chaos, find creative solutions, and ensure their dreams aren’t derailed. It’s in those moments that my three decades of experience truly come to life. Whether it’s rescuing a booking when borders suddenly close, rerouting travellers around volcanic ash, or finding last-minute alternatives when airlines collapse, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from turning challenges into triumphs.

But despite the hurdles, I wouldn’t trade a single day. Because at its heart, travel is about connection. It’s about helping people see the world through new eyes and witnessing their excitement when a long-awaited journey finally comes to life. From families discovering Disneyland for the first time, to couples watching the Northern Lights, or retirees ticking off their bucket-list cruises, being part of those memories is an incredible privilege.

Working under the TravelManagers group for the past decade has allowed me to combine the independence of running my own business with the strength and support of a national network. It’s given me the tools, technology, and flexibility to focus on what I value most – my clients. And just recently, standing in Bali at the annual TravelManagers conference, I had the honour of receiving my 10 Years of Service Award. That moment wasn’t just about longevity; it was about pride, gratitude, and reflection on how far we’ve all come.

Personally, I’ve been fortunate to explore many corners of the globe myself. I’ve walked through ancient cities, witnessed breathtaking landscapes, and shared countless laughs with locals and travellers alike. Every journey I take deepens my understanding of what travel really means – not just destinations and itineraries, but perspective, empathy, and joy. That’s what I try to pass on to every client I work with.

Looking ahead, I’m as passionate about travel as ever. The world is changing faster than we can sometimes keep up, but that’s what makes it exciting. There’s always somewhere new to discover, a new culture to learn from, or a new experience to share. And after three decades, I still feel that same spark I did when I booked my very first trip for someone – that thrill of knowing I’ve helped make a dream come true.

Here’s to the next adventure, wherever it may lead.