This month we caught up with Simon Cox from Conacu Voyages…
Travel has been part of Simon Cox’s life for as long as he can remember. His passion started young, shuttling between his dad in London and his mum in Toronto. By the age of 11, he had crossed the Atlantic so many times that British Airways awarded him a Junior Jet Club Certificate for flying the equivalent of the earth’s circumference – 25,000 miles! He can still picture how proud he felt with his UM (Unaccompanied Minor) pouch around his neck, being guided through the airport, looked after by cabin crew and sometimes even invited into the cockpit.
After a career in the performing arts, including work across the UK and South Asia, travel became Simon’s professional career in 2008, when he joined one of the UK’s largest travel companies, eventually becoming Cruise Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland. After leaving, he set up a coaching business, helping tour operator teams improve their customer service, while continuing to specialise in cruise and polar expedition travel.
Simon has travelled extensively across the Polar Regions, Japan, French Polynesia, Australasia, the Americas, South East Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Oman, Dubai, South Africa, Egypt, the Baltics, the Norwegian Fjords, the Caribbean, the Maldives and Europe.
Conacu Voyages specialises in bespoke travel experiences shaped around you.
What inspired you to start your own travel business?
If you’re going to go once, get it right. I’ve got extensive experience, as well as a desire to look after people, setting up a travel business seemed a natural step.
Tell us about the travel experiences that you offer
I offer once in a lifetime experiences, to Antarctica, Machu Picchu, Costa Rica, Japan, Cruise… etc. Being a destination expert, I offer a personal, Concierge / Personal Assistant-like authenticity that stands me out from the crowd.
What does your business name mean?
The name ‘Conacu’ was plucked from the ether by my then 8 year old. Turns out it has a resonance with Romanian/French grandeur. My thinking was, a bit like a Swedish flat pack furniture and meatball outlet, you never forget it!
What do you particularly love about South Cambs?
I love the community, the villages, the walks, and being close to working farms.
Where do you enjoy eating out?
I love coffee shops! Hot Numbers, Kooky Nohmad, Horsebox. And a shout out to the Waggon and Horses in Steeple Morden! A lovely pub with a great Sunday Roast!
What is your favourite local shop?
Litlington Village Store and Post Office, Sarah’s Farm Shop. Both excellent, with great stock.
When you’re not working, what is your favourite way to spend the day?
I love to walk. And I adore tennis.
What are you looking forward to most this September?
Our girls start a new year at Steeple Morden Primary, and I’ve been invited to go to Costa Rica to learn all about this amazing destination.
Who do you most admire?
Stephen Bartlett.
What has been the most valuable life lesson that you have learnt?
Think less and do more. Procrastination can be inhibiting. If you have a good idea, sure think it through, but don’t delay getting on with doing it!
What inspirational quote sums you up?
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day
www.conacuvoyages.com – 07956 55 33 92 – FB @conacuvoyages – LinkedIn @conacu-voyages
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To read our previous interviews visit: My Local Life Articles – Local Recognition Articles
