Meet Alex Hilton: alex@admiraltravel.com
Director of Content and Strategic Partnerships
A little background:
Hi! I’m Alexandria but my friends call me “Alex.” I was born and raised in sweltering, sunny, spectacular Sarasota, Florida. Small Alex teetered the line between television enthusiast and star volleyballer. Small Alex also traveled the world with her family (some whose names you may already know). Older Alex went to college and attained a CSW wine certification and a degree from The Dedman College of Hospitality. After graduating from THE Florida State University in 2023, I started a working-holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand. There, I did some bar work, hiked around a bit and found my way back here, where my heart is. I am currently participating in a yoga-teacher-training and trying to find other ways to keep moving as a retired athlete! Lately, I find I am most passionate about good story-telling, fresh ingredients, phone calls with faraway friends and a strong yoga practice.
What are your key accomplishments in the field/on the job?
As the freshest of the bunch, my pool of accomplishments is not exactly overflowing. My points of personal pride mostly exist in my experiences at Florida State, working hard for a really special team and within a culture of extraordinary tradition. Not unlike Admiral Travel, Florida State is well-known for excellence and I am eager to do my part in upholding the reputation of this company.
Why did you choose to work in this industry?
Having grown up in and around not only this industry but Admiral Travel specifically, I would like to think I have a bit of a head-start… and I love a cheeky footrace!
What’s your approach to customer service?
I best serve others when I myself am happy and healthy. “I can only pour from a full cup”… or however that one goes…!
What would your pet say about you if we asked for a reference?
I do not have any pets but my plants would tell you that we drink from the same cup and it makes them feel safe. Take from that what you may.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
That not all advice is for taking. And that excess never leads to better things. And to wear sunscreen.
Describe yourself using only film titles.
Don’t Worry Darling! Moana and Good Will Hunting spent Midnight in Paris, Footloose on the Dune.
What is your favorite/most recommended travel movie/documentary or book?
- Book: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
- Movie: Wild.
Describe the most incredible view you’ve ever seen.
When it comes to spectacular vistas, not much holds a candle to New Zealand’s South Island. Spoiled for choice, I would choose the Motatapu track, in the Otago region, North of Queenstown. I did some of my most strenuous hiking here, almost two weeks after I began. Only in this section did I start to realize that these views were the whole bloody point! The sun shone upon the mountainsides for almost 15 hours each summer day; a lake sparkled in the distance, reminding me of how far I had come. Another lake called to me from ahead, laughing at how far I still had to go. Jagged rock peeked out from under the blanketed hillsides, interrupting the gentle imagery, reminding me of the power of a steep climb. Rivers ran and ran and ran and somehow never got tired.
What is your favorite travel memory?
In April of 2024, I visited Byron Bay, NSW, and I fell head-over-heels in love. On my final night, two of my roomates and I headed to our favorite little spot for a beer and some live music. We ended up making a friend and dancing for hours. In the wee hours of morning, we found ourselves sat in the parking lot, just outside our new friend’s van, listening to him strum his guitar, singing and laughing and listening to the waves in the not-so-far background. While it was happening, I knew it would be worth remembering; I will cherish this memory forever and ever.
Finally, what is your ultimate dream/bucket list adventure?
My ultimate travel dream shifts constantly. At this very moment, I am itching to get to India to study yoga in a traditional setting.
