Sveta Selivanova

Sveta is from Irkutsk (Russia) and escorted clients from east to west and in-between for Sundowners Overland for 4 years. Her interest in tourism started from reading fascinating books and seeing colourful images of cities and landscapes, and this developed further in 2004 when she conducted her first excursion as a local guide around Lake Baikal and then dog sledding in Siberia. Extensive product knowledge and interest in the travel industry led to taking the next step and settle for the office life in Melbourne – getting experience in many areas of Sundowners Overland, and to learn different aspects of the travel industry while sharing her diverse destination knowledge built from leading.

What do you love most about overland travel?
Encounters. It is the best part of overland travel when you meet new people who come from such  backgrounds and who give you an exposure to the different facets of their lives.

Which of the Sundowners Overland destinations fascinates you most?
The Caucasus with Georgia and Armenia being some of the most incredible countries I have ever been to. Hospitality of this land’s people, its wonderful cuisine and absolutely incredible scenery make them amazing travel destinations. Architecture of Uzbekistan cities can’t stop to fascinate me no matter how many times I’ve visited the country.
 
Give us your best tip for travelling on Sundowners Overland journeys.
When packing for your journey don’t forget your sense of humour!

What is your most memorable travel experience?
Meeting a Russian boy in Bukhara, Uzbekistan who showed me the Russian Orthodox church hidden among the blue tiles of Mosques and told me the fascinating story of his short life.

Which Sundowners Overland journeys are on your wish list?
I’m fascinated by Iran and therefore Silk Road Caravan would be a fantastic  trip to take.

What is your favourite season to travel? 
Having come from Siberia I love summer for travelling  I can never get enough warmth and have enjoyed having prolonged summers leading our September Grand Asian Caravans.

Where have you travelled in the world