5 minutes with …. Ruhubia Akbor

October 2, 2023

Introducing .... Ruhubia Akbor, Brand & Marketing Manager

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

I'm the Brand and Marketing Manager at Different Travel primarily helping our charities plan and promote their challenges to ensure that we can help spread the word to their supporters and get them ready for the next big adventure. I've always loved to travel so to be able to now work in the industry really is a dream come true. I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie and love nothing more than disappearing onto the next adventure. Next stop - a solo trip to Kyrgyzstan to celebrate my 40th birthday!

How long have you been with Different Travel? How did you get involved?

My Different Travel journey actually began as a participant before I officially joined the staff team back in March 2020. I was a journalist on my local paper for more than 12 years before a change in circumstances and the urge to try something a bit new saw me jump at the chance to join the DTC team full time. I've never looked back since!

What was your first Different Travel trip? What made it special?

My first trip as a participant was a build project in Cambodia with a charity that I have supported for many years. What made the trip extra special was that I was able to meet and spend some time with my sponsored children while I was out there. It was a truly life-changing experience and I left with some friends for life.
My first trip as a tour manager was to Rwanda, coincidentally another build project with the very same charity that started my love of Different Travel! I've truly come full circle!

What has been your most memorable Different Travel adventure to date?

It's hard to pin down really as all the trips are memorable for different reasons. I've been lucky enough to experience both sides of the trip - as a participant and also as a tour manager. It's great to experience the challenges for yourself but even more so when you are sharing the experience and making it happen for people who you now consider as friends.
Meeting my sponsored children in Cambodia, seeing gorillas in the wild in Uganda and exploring northern Thailand in tuk tuks are certainly at the top of the list!
Really looking forward to making some new memories when I head out to the Sahara later this year!

If you could go on an adventure with three people (past or present, real or fictional) who would they be and why?

1. My grandparents - They took the decision to leave their motherland to start a new life in new lands. That was the ultimate adventure and if it wasn't for their sacrifices I wouldn't be living the life I am now.
2. Jeanne Baret - She is credited as the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in the 1760s - and did so disguised as a man! I'd love to take her on an adventure without having to hide her true self.
3. Phileas Fogg - Racing across the world in 80 days - why not!

What is your ultimate dream destination?

Antarctica. I was amongst the first group of people ever to take part in an expedition to spend a mid-winter’s night at the northernmost tip of Europe within the Arctic circle - It would only be right to be able to try and explore the southernmost point on the globe too!

Which Different Travel adventure appeals to you, and why?

I would love to go on our Zambia and Botswana Canoe and Safari Adventure - spending time experiencing nature from a canoe of the Zambezi! What's not to love!?
I'm also excited about our Explore Escambray Trek. Cuba is a new destination for DTC. I loved it when I was out there last and want all our participants to experience the incredible beauty of the country away from the tourist trail too!

What do you love about working with Different Travel

The people. We strive to offer a personal service to all our participants and honestly believe in giving back to the communities we visit. Each and every member of the Different Travel team are passionate about what they do and hold this ethos close to their hearts. This is truly what makes Different Travel different.

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