Where better to start the series than with the director of the Luxembourg City Tourist Office? Antje Voss loves city trips, preferably by motorbike.
Paperjam: When it comes to holidays, are you a planner or spontaneous?
Antja Voss: For me, holidays are often taken on the spur of the moment, even if some trips are planned in advance. That was the case with a recent motorbike expedition to Morocco.
How do you choose your destinations?
I often choose my destinations on a whim. Like Galicia, for example, where I used to live and where I have friends whom I visit regularly. Otherwise, I let myself be guided by a desire for adventure and cultural discovery.
What’s the minimum number of days a holiday must be to be worthwhile?
I think that a long weekend is already ideal to recharge your batteries and regain your energy. I love city trips, and a long weekend is perfect for making the most of them.
Is it difficult to switch off?
Yes, disconnecting is sometimes a challenge, but I manage to disconnect by riding my motorbike, which really allows me to escape. I also love literature, so reading is another way for me to immerse myself in fascinating worlds, to escape and relax.
What’s your favourite holiday activity or ritual?
For me, holidays are all about exploring and meeting new people. A holiday ritual? Living like a local by sometimes taking part in local courses, such as painting or history classes, as well as trying a typical dish or going for a walk or bike ride to discover the surrounding area.
What’s your favourite holiday memory?
There are lots of them because I’ve travelled a lot. One of my best memories is without doubt in Patagonia, with its vast expanses, glaciers and penguins. Riding a horse in the natural park was a moment of pure freedom. I remember a little boy, Moncho, sitting proudly on a horse almost as big as he was. Moncho, with his big curious eyes and bright smile, invited me to follow him. It was the end of the day, the sun was starting to set and Moncho took out an empañada made by his mum, which he shared with me, looking silently at the changing colours of the sky. Those memories still resonate with me, and every time I think about them I feel the urge to return to this magical place.
Do you prefer an active or relaxing holiday?
I much prefer active holidays.
What’s your best trick for decompressing?
Riding my motorbike. It allows me to clear my head and make the most of the moment.
What’s one thing you can’t do without on holiday?
A good book!
Do you continue to follow the news while you're on holiday?
Yes, I follow the news even when I’m on holiday; it’s important for me to stay informed.
How do you plan your holiday budget?
I plan my budget carefully, taking into account the destination. For really special trips, I’m prepared to invest more. However, I love simple, authentic experiences, like sleeping in my tent or in a small bungalow in the middle of nowhere. This approach allows me to have memorable adventures while remaining financially responsible.
Have holidays ever inspired you to develop your business in a new way?
Yes, holidays often inspire me, not only to develop new strategies, but also for practical aspects such as designing new guided tours or improving our services. Travelling is always a source of enrichment; you never stop learning. You come back with new ideas and discover things that help you work on the destination and meet future challenges.
Your worst anecdote, or a lesson learned on holiday?
On a trip to Slovenia, we had planned to cross a mountain pass to get to our campsite. Unfortunately, heavy rain had caused the pass to close, forcing us to look for another route. With no other option, we had to take an unmarked dirt road in the middle of the night. The drive was perilous and testing, with potholes and sharp bends slowing our progress. After four hours of difficult and stressful driving, we finally arrived at our campsite, exhausted but relieved. This experience taught me the importance of trying to check the weather and road conditions before setting off, and always having a backup plan for the unexpected.
What’s the first thing you usually do when you get back?
I make the most of all the impressions and encounters I’ve brought back with me.
Where in Luxembourg do you feel you’re on holiday?
In Luxembourg City, the magnificent parks offer true oases of calm and natural beauty. One of my favourite spots is the waterfall in Pfaffenthal, where I often sit and reflect. The soothing murmur of the water and the surrounding greenery make this place a real haven of peace in the heart of the city. These moments of tranquillity remind me that, even in an urban environment, you can still find places to recharge your batteries. Beyond the city, the Eislek is a place where I really feel like I’m on holiday, thanks to its natural landscapes and the calm that invites you to relax. This contrast between urban and rural greatly enriches my life and my appreciation of our beautiful country.
This article was originally published in French.
