With over 30 years as a Travel Advisor, Gayle Soloe has seen the industry change and develop. Advisors may no longer hand-write airline tickets, but Gayle has the same dedication to and commitment to her clients. She joined the Brownell Hosting Program in 2005 and uses Brownell’s deep industry connections to create custom travel experiences for each client. Gayle answers seven questions—including her tried and true travel advice—below.

What has been your best meal while traveling?

A couple of years ago I was the Voyager Club Host on a Silversea cruise that stopped on the Greek island of Cephalonia (Kephalonia), and we had a driver take us to a little fishing village called Fiskardo. There were several restaurants along the concrete pier. We finally chose one and sat down to a most memorable meal of authentic Greek salad, house label wine, perfect crusty bread, and freshly caught grilled fish. Luckier fish swam up to the pier as we threw bread crusts, local cats wound themselves around the chair legs and our legs, the sun shone brightly on the beautiful aqua water and it was perfect. Very simple, no fancy sauces, no fusion of cultures – purely simple Mediterranean food.

If you could leave today, where would you go?

If I could leave today, I would go to Switzerland. It may possibly be my favorite destination with a combination of great city culture and outdoor beauty and activity. The food is wonderful – never quite getting the hype of other countries’ cuisine, but divine. Things are clean, organized, civilized. Just put me on an Alp and I am happy.

Gayle in New York City.

How many countries have you visited?

Around 30

What is your best travel advice?

Just two words: PACK LIGHT. At some point along the way, you are going to have to lift that bag into the overhead, up on the baggage security belt, over a curb, up on a train, etc. Don’t count on having a porter unless you bring one with you

What is your travel motto?

Always travel with an open mind. It is fascinating to learn about new or different cultures that have developed all over the world. People have managed to create homes and civilizations in some very inhospitable (to some of us) places. It always amazes me that while some cultural aspects can be very different, people everywhere share common human traits.

What has been the most inspirational destination?

The most inspirational destination is always the last one I visited. While I can research before I go to a new place, I find that I return wanting to know more about what I just saw and experienced. For example, after traveling to Myanmar, I read George Orwell’s “Burmese Days” and learned about some of the not so lovely aspects of the development of the British Empire. And that Orwell was so much more than 1984.

Where are you headed next?

Next I am headed back to France for my first visit to Provence, Camargue and a re-visit of the French Riviera.

Gayle climbing Spencer Glacier in Alaska.

To learn more about Gayle or to contact her, visit her website.