Central Europe Destination Expert & Budapest City Host
Krisztina caught the travel bug early in life and this is why she decided to follow a career in the travel industry. With her passion for international wine culture, Krisztina is the perfect person to guide you through the distinct Hungarian flavours and history, or gastronomy. She’s also a people person, always keen to engage in fascinating conversations with people of different cultures and mentalities. After working as a tour guide in Budapest for over five years, she is the perfect fit for the JayWay team.
What's your favorite thing about traveling?Traveling opens up a world of new cultures, unknown natural landscapes, and new tastes to discover.
Why do you think it's important to travel?It enriches your worldview, enables you to enhance social sensitivity, and lets you experience different cultural values and backgrounds than your own.
What is your idea of a perfect vacation?It must give you a complete getaway experience, and make you forget about everyday's hustle.
What's the best place you've ever visited and why?Probably the place that's closest to my heart is the Cote d'Azur. While there, I fell in love with the landscape, weather, French cuisine, and unique style and mindset of the local people.
What do you consider to be your best finds from your travels and where was it?When I was traveling to Istanbul, I bought two scarves in the local market. Every time I wear them ever since I'm always reminded of the well-spent days there.
What destination is at the top of your must-visit list?I would like to visit Iceland, Madagascar and the Caribbean.
What was the most exotic dining or cultural experience you've had when traveling?In Georgia, I had the chance to visit a vineyard, where after being shown around the cellar and the vines, I was welcomed with an extraordinary freshly cooked traditional feast made by the winemaker's mom, of course, accompanied by their wines. With everyone sitting around one big table and sharing the meal, it was such a remarkable experience.
What's something you always bring with you when you travel?Normally a friend of mine, from the closest ones.
Best advice for travellers to Europe?Enjoy the colourful diversity and try to talk to locals to see the world through their eyes.
Mountains or beaches? Why?I was born in the summertime, and perhaps this is why I'm rather a beach girl.
Planes, trains, or automobiles? How do you like to travel and why?I prefer combining different means of transport. If there is an alternative to flying, I try to prioritise that option.
How do you manage pre-trip stress/anxiety and/or unexpected situations during your travels?During every trip, I am super excited from the very first minute. This adrenaline gives me a better skill set to solve unexpected difficulties.
When you travel are you more interested in history, relaxation, cuisine, or adventure?I am quite the foodie, so gastronomy is always a big draw for me, but I'm also interested in getting to know more about a destination's history. I always make sure I leave at least one day for relaxation, too.
What were your reasons for choosing to work in travel? And what value do you see in it?Since I love to travel, the prospect of finding a job related to what I liked seemed to be a good deal. Contributing to give the best first impressions and representing our destination to tourists is quite a noble mission which makes me proud to be a part of this progress.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t got around to yet?I would really like to visit some Asian countries, preferably on a long, slow trip.