Why Travel Beyond
Working at Travel Beyond is so special because you get to be surrounded by people who prioritize travel and experiences. I admire the depth of knowledge that Travel Beyond employees have and their ability to use that to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I look forward to coming to work every day to learn something new about the world.
Destinations Visited
Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania
Latin America: Costa Rica
Additional countries: Netherlands, Bahamas, Canada
Education
BA in Anthropology, St. Lawrence University
Career History
Right out of college I worked for a publicly traded chemistry company. While there, I held many roles ranging from Administrative Assistant to the CEO to Bid Writer. I then took several years off from paid work to be a stay-at-home mother and to help my family settle into the different regions of the US to which we moved- from New York to Alabama to California and finally to Minnesota. Most recently, I worked at the Chanhassen library and loved helping to get books into people’s hands.
Where I’ve Lived Abroad
During college I studied abroad in Kenya and traveled to Tanzania.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
During my semester in Kenya, I took part in three homestays which included living with a mother/daughter duo in Nairobi for several weeks, living with a family in the Meru countryside for one week, and living with a Samburu family for two days. I was also fortunate to spend a day walking with and learning from the Hadza. While there were several other highlights, such as spending time on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, it was the connections I made with the local people that made my time in Kenya truly special.
My Most Recent Trip
In late-March/early-April 2023, I traveled to Botswana and Zimbabwe with my colleague Maggie Telitz. This was my first trip to Southern Africa, and it was truly a delight! While in the Okavango Delta and Linyanti region of Botswana, we experienced exciting game viewing including spotting leopards, lions, wild dogs and more! We went fishing and cruised on motorboats through the channels of the Delta and saw oh-so-many hippos over the course of our travels! A doors-off scenic helicopter tour was the highlight of our time in Botswana. Zipping along and spotting game from the sky was indeed an unforgettable experience.
Our last stop was Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where were encountered elephants playing and swimming in the Zambezi River before we’d even made it to our accommodations. We visited Victoria Falls or Mosi-ao-Tunya (Thundering Smoke,) considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You can see the mist of the falls from miles away and once you get up close you can feel how truly massive this natural wonder really is.
Favorite Properties
Shinde Camp—Okavango Delta, Botswana
Upon arrival at Shinde, you are greeted by the most welcoming staff. The feel of the camp is that of a treehouse, as the main area is spread over multiple tiers of dining and lounging spaces set in the trees and overlooking the Shinde Lagoon. Activities on offer include game drives, night drives, mokoro excursions, motorboat rides through the canals of the Okavango Delta, and fishing. The variety of activities, the treehouse feel of the camp, and the people make this property one of my favorites.
Victoria Falls River Lodge—Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Located on the banks the Zambezi River, this property offers luxury tents at their main lodge, Island Treehouse Suites on secluded Kandahar Island, as well as two villas with not only privacy but also unparalleled architectural design. From the lodge, you can enjoy game drives in Zambezi National Park, sunrise and sunset river cruises, as well as guided tours of Victoria Falls. The combination of the unique location and the thoughtfully designed accommodations make this a great stop for any Southern Africa trip.