She conquered the surfing world and now focuses her energy into igniting human potential through the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation. From surf board to board meeting, Layne steps us through her top travel tips and favourite holiday moments.
7 Time World Champion: Layne Beachley is widely regarded as the most successful female surfer in history. The only surfer, male or female, to claim six consecutive world titles (1998-2003), Layne then went on to win a 7th world title in 2006 before retiring from the World Tour in 2008. As a 16 year old, Layne made her debut on the Women’s World Tour in 1988 and won her first event in 1993. By the time she was 22, she was ranked number 3 in the world. Today, Layne can be found carving it up to equal acclaim at the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation, a not for profit organisation created to nurture talented young women through mentoring and financial support.
Tell us a little about you…where are you from, what are you passionate about, what do you do for work and play
AI’m from Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia. I am passionate about health and wellbeing, personal growth, giving back to others and making the world a better place. I’m a speaker, workshop facilitator, chair person, director of my own foundation, mentor and media personality. The remainder of the time I go surfing and do yoga.
Why do you travel?
AAs a motivational speaker, I share my messages with audiences around the world so my main purpose for travel is work but I do take plenty of holidays, especially with my husband. We love to visit a new destination every year.
Is travel a big part of your job, or do you make time for it outside of your career?
ABoth. I started travelling when I was 4 years old and have had the “travel bug” ever since. I love visiting new places, experiencing different cultures, sampling local delicacies and meeting new people.
How is travel different for women?
AWe like to pack a variety of outfits so our bags may end up a bit heavier than most, we also need more shoes and jewellery, etc. so we need greater baggage allowances. We also like to keep our skin feeling hydrated and looking fresh after a long-haul flight so the lighting in the bathroom is important. Healthy eating options, variety of entertainment and pyjamas that don’t look like potato sacks will be nice! If you can afford Business Class… Also many women have to travel with children and require a bit of extra support.
What do you think of our gender pay gap discount?
AI love the idea and feel many more businesses will attract more female customers with this kind of incentive. It also sends a message to the financial decision makers that until this gap is narrowed and ultimately diminished, it’s only fair to be compensated for the unfairness and inequality.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
AThe Virgin Australia VIP club. So spoilt! So special.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
AA bikini, headphones, earplugs, vitamin C tablets, water bottle.
What are the top 3 destinations left on your bucket list?
AThe Greek Islands, Croatia and Sri Lanka, also Cuba and Costa Rica… sorry that’s 5!
Where would you go back to?
AVenice. Absolutely loved it.
What do you do to stay healthy when you travel?
AOn all domestic flights, I consume 1000mg of Vitamin C for every hour I’m in the air and on international flights I also add slices of lemon or fresh squeezed lemon juice to my water bottle as it’s very alkalising and supports my immune system.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
AI do a bit of research on the area I’m heading to before departure and trust my instincts.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
AVisit a popular local establishment, talk to the locals, ask them where their favourite destinations are and read the reviews on the travel sites like Trip advisor and Lonely Planet.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
AHola!
How has travel changed in your lifetime and how will it change over the next 25 years?
AIt was certainly a lot more relaxed when I began travelling over 40 years ago. No restrictions on liquids for example, but they are nicer today when it comes to surfboards! Seats now go flat and there are no longer smoking sections at the back of the plane. Technology has transformed the way we travel, flights are shorter, cheaper and a greater variety of destinations to choose from.
