CD Traveller talks travel with Wendy Wu – founder and principal of Wendy Wu Tours: the UK’s leading China specialist tour operator

What do you like to do on holiday?
I like to get out and about and meet the locals and to sample the local cuisine.

Where did you last travel?
China (I was born in Tibet but went to university in the far north of China in Harbin, famous for the depth of its winters!) and Australia where I moved after graduating. I have offices in both countries.

Do you know where you’re going this year?
Absolutely! New York, Shanghai, Sydney and Bangkok are all on the list for 2010.

Of all the places you’ve been to, what was your favourite and why?
Cambodia and also Laos. This was a life changing trip for me as I realised that you can have a very happy life with very little. The time I spent in Cambodia and Laos definitely helped me understand the meaning of life and what is important.

Which destination do you wish to travel but haven’t yet been?
I have travelled extensively around Asia (Wendy Wu Tours offers bespoke escorted tours to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and, of course, China) but I have never been to the Middle East or South America. I imagine these regions would be very different from Indochina. I’d also like to visit South Africa which is in the spotlight right now thanks to the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.

In your own country, what would you recommend tourists see that isn’t in the travel guides?
I’d suggest signing up for an evening cruise of Shanghai’s Huangpu River – the most significant shipping channel of Shanghai. In Shanghai the river is respected and honoured as the ‘mother river’ – you’ll soon see why.

How do you plan a holiday?
I use guide books to plan my itineraries and I also ask friends from the back packing community for their tips and opinions on a place.

How often do you go away?
Every year – apart from the last two when I was pregnant.

Who do you travel with?
Mainly by myself but often I’ll arrange to meet up with husband and friends along the way.

Where do you see tourism in your country in 10 years time?
I genuinely believe that China will become one of the top tourist destinations in the world within the next 10 years.

Thanks Wendy! For more information on Wendy Wu’s bespoke escorted tours to Indochina visit www.wendywutours.co.uk. To find out where other industry experts holiday, don’t forget to keep clicking back.