Why Travel Beyond
Growing up with parents who loved to travel definitely instilled within me a passion for the industry. I love how traveling can open our eyes to new cultures, adventures, and experiences. It can broaden our education and understanding of the world.
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya
Latin America: Peru, Chile, Mexico
Southeast Asia: Indonesia
Additional countries: England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, China, Singapore, Canada
Education
BA in Psychology from University of St. Thomas
Career History
Previous to Travel Beyond, I worked for 7 years as a Travel Director for a marketing group that planned incentive and corporate travel. I also worked for a nonprofit for 1.5 years.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
My most memorable travel experience happened in 2018 when I was lucky enough to experience a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara in Kenya. To witness the game from this perspective was truly awe-inspiring. To this day, it is still one of the best moments of my life!
My Most Recent Trip
Chile, 2024: My most recent travels allowed me to check off my second country in South America: Chile. Along with my colleague, Katie Gomer, we explored the longest country in the world, covering various climates and regions. We began in the north, in the Atacama Desert, staying at Alto Atacama. We took in breathtaking views, visited the salt flats and the Tatio Geysers, and even floated atop the Cejar Lagoon. The Atacama Desert is known as one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, and we had the opportunity to experience it firsthand at the property’s open-air observatory.
From the north, we traveled south to Santiago for an overnight stay before heading to Tierra Patagonia, just outside Torres del Paine National Park. This was my absolute favorite part of the trip. I had seen pictures of Patagonia before, but they don’t do it justice. Only when I experienced it with my own eyes did I realize how truly wondrous this place is. I now tell everyone they have to visit. There is something for everyone in Patagonia, no matter their age or fitness level. I even had my first horseback riding experience there! I visited just before having hip surgery, so I knew I’d be limited in the distances I could hike and the activities I could participate in. But I loved everything I did and never felt shortchanged. It only deepened my longing to return one day and tackle more moderate and difficult activities.
As much as I didn’t want to leave Patagonia, it was time to head to the wine region and Vik Chile. The red wine drinker in me loved this place—all the wines are red blends, primarily consisting of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This was the perfect spot to unwind and end the trip after the on-the-go pace of Patagonia. The 360-degree panoramic views were unmatched.
South Africa & Mozambique, 2023: I returned to South Africa with an added stop in Mozambique to cap off the trip. Alongisde my colleague, Melanie Reger, the adventure began on safari in a handful of the different game reserves around Kruger National Park. We also stopped at Jabulani, a place that, as an elephant lover, I knew would be a particularly special highlight. The Elephant Encounter experience offered the opportunity to immerse ourselves (alongside their caretakers) into the daily routines of the elephant herd, whose members were rescued as orphaned calves. While here we had three separate encounters with the elephants – elephant swim, elephant feeding and the elephant signature sundowner. I absolutely loved the feeding and sundowner, during which the elephants’ silhouettes and the setting sun are beautifully reflected in a small pool of water. It’s the most amazing photo opportunity ever and felt completely surreal to me. I would definitely recommend this for fellow elephant enthusiasts!
Mozambique was another “wow” of the trip and has now become my favorite beach destination. It is far less crowded than other locales, which makes Mozambique a special corner of the world for relaxing and the perfect way to unwind after safari. The turquoise blue water and sunsets were stunning! No filter needed.
Favorite Properties
Richard’s River Camp
Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
This is my favorite property, hands down. From the food to the accommodations to the décor, you can definitely tell that Richard’s wife (Liz Fusco) has an eye for interior design. The canvas fabric used on the roof of every tent, both individual and communal, is gorgeous. Located near the Ntiakitiak river, this property is also great for viewing the migration. Being surprised with a bush dinner while at camp was the icing on the cake.
Shinde Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
This is one of my favorite properties because of the overall experience you get while staying here. It’s a great value, there are a lot of activity options (water level permitting), and the staff are excellent! They make you feel right at home and it’s a very relaxing environment. I had one of my favorite soups here (Courgette Soup) and I’m not even a fan of soup (nor zucchini for that matter). When you’re in the main area of camp, it is like you are in a treehouse and when you’re out on game drive, the vehicles are very comfortable (only 4 people per vehicle). I would love to return to this property someday.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Between the food, expert guiding and tracking, accommodations, exceptional service, and having one of my favorite lion encounters ever, my time at Tintswalo Safari Lodge will always hold a special place in my heart! Located in the Manyeleti Reserve, home to just four other lodges, there is not only expansive terrain available for exploration but also incredible game-viewing without the masses of the Sabi Sand. This provides a more intimate safari experience which I appreciated. What’s more, the property also overlooks a water hole that is frequented by elephants and other game, so you can spot wildlife without even having to leave the lodge. I would love to return to this property someday with my family.