Tasneem Bader

About me 

As the Arabic Reservations Manager and Reservation Support at Viva Expeditions, I help travellers turn their ideas into real journeys. I work with clients across all of our destinations, helping understand what they are looking for and working with our specialist teams to create a trip that feels right for them.

I’ve been with Viva Expeditions since 2025, and what I enjoy most is that no two travellers are the same. Every person has a different idea of what makes a perfect trip, and I love being part of the process of bringing those ideas together.

 

From Design to Travel

My background is in graphic design, which I studied in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I’ve always been passionate about photography, travel and discovering new places, so moving into the travel industry felt like a natural step for me.

I enjoy creative work, and I think that has influenced the way I look at travel too. I’m always noticing details — the scenery, the little moments, the way a place feels — and of course, I’m usually the person stopping every few minutes to take another photo!

Photography has taught me to slow down and appreciate things that might otherwise be easy to miss. I love photographing places and scenery, creating little stories through photos, and, of course, food. I have far too many travel photos on my phone, and I’m still not sure there is such a thing as taking too many pictures.

 

Understanding Middle Eastern Travellers

Having lived in Saudi Arabia for around 30 years and being a native Arabic speaker, I have a strong understanding of the culture and the things that can make a trip feel comfortable and enjoyable for Middle Eastern travellers.

For me, it’s important to listen to what each traveller actually wants rather than assuming that everyone is looking for the same experience. For families, I make sure activities and arrangements are suitable for children. I also pay attention to halal food options and privacy requirements, so travellers can enjoy their journey comfortably and without having to worry about the details.

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that I can understand the client’s needs from both sides — as a traveller and as someone who understands their cultural background.

 

My Way of Travelling

I like a well-planned itinerary, but I also need some freedom in it. My ideal trip has a little bit of everything, with enough free time to explore on my own — whether that means walking around a new neighbourhood, taking a spontaneous drive or finding somewhere that wasn't on the original plan.

I’ve travelled around Bahrain, Syria, Jordan, Qatar and Turkey, as well as visiting many different cities across Saudi Arabia. I’ve enjoyed all of my travels, but Turkey holds a particularly special place for me because of the memories I made there with my family.

One of my favourite trips was a two-week journey from Antalya towards Rize and İyidere. It was amazing to experience such a contrast — from sunny beaches to being high above the clouds in the mountains.

One memory that has stayed with me is staying in a small wooden cabin in the mountains. It was cosy, had a fireplace and an incredible view, and the whole trip had a slower, more relaxing pace. It was very different from the kind of trip where you are constantly rushing from one place to another.

It also reminded me that sometimes the best travel experiences are the simple ones.

 

A Few Things About Me

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me playing tennis or Pilates, trying a new café or restaurant, taking photos, or listening to stories and podcasts.

I’m a big food lover — I genuinely struggle to choose a favourite because I love trying everything. And coffee? Definitely coffee all the way.

I also have a serious sweet tooth, so dessert is happening even if I’m already full.

I love animals of all kinds. If there is an animal nearby that I can pet, chances are I will find it.

And I have a little travel tradition: whenever I visit somewhere new, I like to bring home a small patterned sauce plate representing the place. Over time, I’ve built quite a collection, so my travels are slowly becoming part of my kitchen too.

 

 

Quick Questions

Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise.

 

Mountains, beaches, jungle, safari or cities?
Ideally, all of them! I want to see as much as possible. But if I had to choose one, I’d probably say beaches.

 

Planner or spontaneous traveller?
Both. I like knowing what I'm doing, but I always leave room for spontaneous exploring.

 

Luxury hotel or small local place?
Both — it depends on the destination and the experience.

 

What's always in your suitcase?
Probably too much! I’m definitely an over-packer. I like to be prepared for every possible situation.

 

What does a great trip look like to you?
A little bit of everything, with enough time to slow down and explore.

 

What's your biggest travel tip?
Don't overthink every little detail. Plan enough to feel comfortable, but leave some space for the unexpected. Some of the best memories happen when you simply take a different road, walk a little further or discover somewhere you weren't looking for.

 

Where would you like to go next?
There are far too many places on my list to choose just one! Africa is definitely high on my list, and I’d love to explore more of the continent.

 

What do you love most about travel?
The feeling of discovering something new — a place, a landscape, a meal, a story or simply a different way of seeing the world.