'Absolute lifesavers': The items seasoned tour host never travels without
As the founder of a group travel company, Marion Bunnik knows a thing or two about packing.
She has been dragging her suitcase around the world for more than 30 years, visiting 118 countries over all seven continents with family-owned firm, Bunnik Tours.
Speaking to 9Travel, she reveals some of her top her packing tips, plus where she still wants to go.
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As the founder of a group travel company, Marion Bunnik knows a thing or two about packing. Supplied
What are the items you never travel without?
"I never travel without my own small travel pillow and a cosy blanket. They're my little comfort essentials, especially on long flights or train journeys.
It's the small things that make all the difference when you're on the go."
What are your best packing tips?
"Packing cubes are absolute lifesavers. They magically shrink your clothes and keep them in perfect shape, so I can fit more into my suitcase.
Marion said packing cubes are 'absolute lifesavers.' Getty
And always pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage. Trust me, it's a game-changer if your luggage decides to take a different route and doesn't arrive when you do."
What has been your worst - or most amusing- travel mishap?
"There have been a couple of close calls. I've left my laptop on a plane. I was panicking but luckily, they found it and got it back to me. Another time, I may have missed a flight at Dubai Airport because I fell asleep in the terminal. I had a mad dash to catch the next one.
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Where is still on your bucket list to go to?
"Ethiopia and Iran are at the top of my list. Both have such rich histories and cultures that I'm really eager to explore. There's so much to discover in both places, from ancient ruins to vibrant local traditions."
Iran is on Marion's travel list. Getty
Where is your favourite destination to travel?
"I have a real soft spot for South America. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the energy of the culture is contagious – it's a place that really makes you feel alive.
But I also can't go past the Middle East and Turkey. I'm so lucky to have visited Egypt more than 20 times, and each trip feels like an adventure.
The history, the people, the landscapes – there's something about it that always draws me back."
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