Why Travel Beyond
Quite simply, being passionate about travel. The world is a huge place and there will always be another destination to discover, you can’t put a price on the memories created when you travel!
Destinations Visited
Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya
Additional countries: India, Canada, Mexico, China, Bahamas, Nevis Island, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Italy, Türkiye, Greece, the British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and various parts of the USA including Hawaii.
Education
BA in Public Relations and a Communications Minor at the School of Journalism, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Career History
My passion for travel and ultimately my career path was chosen quickly after college graduation through a program called Bunac where I was a granted a 6-month work visa to work abroad in London, England. Following this experience of working and traveling abroad, I returned to the US and began my first “real job” post college as a travel staff employee at the former Carlson Marketing Worldwide (a branch of the Minneapolis based, Carlson Companies). After almost 5 years of working quite literally all over the world, I got off the road and learned about the world of non-profit and event planning at Sierra Vista Child & Family Services in Modesto, California where I was living at the time. In 2011, I returned to my roots in Minnesota and a friend of mine referred me to Travel Beyond where I returned to my original passion for travel and have been ever since.
Where I’ve lived Abroad
London, England
Most Memorable Travel Experience
My first walking safari in Kenya in March 2014 with my husband and two guides. To be on ground level, feet from animals and not knowing what to expect with every step, was by far the most thrilling travel experience I’ve ever had.
My Most Recent Trip
In January of 2023, my mom and I were lucky enough to take the trip of a lifetime to Kenya in celebration of her 70th birthday. We had such an amazing time seeing the sights in Nairobi including visits to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Karen Blixen Museum. Then we headed on safari and explored 4 different conservancies including Chyulu Hills, Lewa, Laikipia and the Masai Mara. Our highlights included spending time at Ol Donyo Lodge’s watering hole, planting a tree at Mara Expeditions and all of the special touches the camps and staff provided in celebration of my mom’s milestone birthday.
Favorite Properties
Vumbura Plains (Botswana)
I loved the sleek, modern and opulent décor and spacious feeling of this camp. We had an excellent guide, food was impeccable, and I had my first sighting of wild dogs at this camp, so it will always be a favorite.
Lewa Wilderness Lodge (Kenya)
Located in the Lewa Conservancy, this lodge will forever have a special place in my heart. This is where I experienced my first walking safari mentioned above and met my most favorite guide on safari thus far, Karamushu.
Mara Plains (Kenya)
Located in the Masai Mara, this camp was magnificent. The night I stayed there I was able to enjoy a sundowner and appetizers (also known as bitings) on a blanket by a fire overlooking a wide open grassland of giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and even a hyena making their way across the bush before sunset. It was such a special and unforgettable memory.
Ol Donyo Lodge (Kenya)
As the only lodge in Chyulu Hills, a stay here feels extra special right from the start. Beyond the friendly staff and delicious food, this property also boasts an amazing photographic hide situated right alongside a watering hole. Inside, you are literally feet away from wildlife, which makes it an ideal place to spend time between game drives. Watching the Big Tusker elephants during the day and waking up to the lions roaring there in the middle of the night are moments I will never forget!
Mara Expeditions (Kenya)
Located in the famous Masai Mara the staff at Mara Expeditions pulled out all the stops to make sure my stay was extra special. They offered the chance to enjoy dinner at the kitchen bar alongside the chefs and I was able to plant a tree onsite as well, an activity offered to guests as part of their carbon reduction initiative and one that really makes you feel like you are leaving your mark on Africa.