Why Travel Beyond
I have always wanted to learn more about travel and the experiences that come with it. I also wanted a job where I could help create something for others that would really bring them happiness and lifelong memories. When I learned about Travel Beyond, what really spoke to me was that employees aren’t motivated by commissions, but rather by the desire to help create an amazing experience for their clients, for the sake of helping. I hope to provide the same amazing experiences for future clients.
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
Education
BS in Early Childhood Education, Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Career History
I started out as a part-time substitute teacher and house cleaner. When the pandemic hit, I became a distance learning teacher and taught summer school until I became a lead teacher of a Pre-K classroom in Chanhassen. After some time, I found that I wanted to move in another direction and while searching for a new way to help people, I discovered Travel Beyond.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
My trip to Kenya was filled with breathtaking experiences and some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. Wild Hill, perched 7,000 feet above sea level, offered jaw-dropping panoramas, while the vibrant sunset over the Masai Mara was absolutely mesmerizing. A scenic biplane flight over rolling hills, rushing streams, and herds of wildlife felt like something out of an adventure movie. However, the highlight of my trip was the unforgettable helicopter ride along the Mathews Mountains. We soared past waterfalls and monkeys in the trees, eventually landing on a peak for a champagne stop. The exhilarating flight and the view from the top of the mountain, immersed in untamed wilderness, filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy and empowerment!
My Most Recent Trips
I recently visited South Africa for the first time and had many unforgettable experiences! In Cape Town, the Winelands, and Hermanus I stayed at The Silo Hotel, La Residence, and Birkenhead House where I enjoyed fascinating activities. In Cape Town, I went to the top of Table Mountain where I saw some of the best views of my life, visited two different African penguin colonies and other interesting spots around the Cape Peninsula, and ate fantastic cuisine. In the Winelands, I visited various wine estates to taste South African wine (my new favorite!) and took in the breathtaking views of the landscape. In Hermanus, I enjoyed the coastal atmosphere, collected and learned how to cook mussels straight from the beach, and tried my hand at surfing for the first time. I also ventured out to Thornybush Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa, where I stayed at the incredible Waterside at Royal Malewane and Malewane Lodge’s exclusive use Africa House. Not only were the lodges and service top notch, but the guide and tracker teams were some of the best I’ve experienced! They really showed off their elevated skills as we ended up seeing all of the Big Five in addition to many other animals within only 3 days of safari.
In January 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Kenya. At the Lewa Conservancy, I enjoyed various activities, including a tour of the organic farm, a horse ride near giraffes and Grevy’s zebras, a visit to Lewa Headquarters, camel rides, a walking safari, and game drives where I saw my first rhino. The experience at Private Wilderness quickly became a favorite. Next, I visited Kalepo Camp in the Mathews Mountain Range, where I immersed myself in the Samburu culture, meeting blacksmiths, visiting a school, and participating in the Warrior Games. My trip concluded at Wild Hill in the Masai Mara, where I enjoyed stunning views, wellness treatments, yoga, and sound baths. I also had an unforgettable close encounter with rhinos at a nearby sanctuary. This transformative trip left me eager for my next visit to Kenya!
Favorite Properties
Private Wilderness (Lewa Wildlife Conservancy)
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Private Wilderness is an exclusive use camp in Kenya just a short drive away from its main camp, Lewa Wilderness. The camp is spacious, yet homey and rustic with its high ceilings, thatched roofing, and handmade furniture. The camp offers the same variety of amazing activities found at Lewa Wilderness, but with the perk of having the entire camp to yourself – allowing you flexibility to experience so much more with your time in the bush and do it on your own schedule. You have comfort and adventure right at your fingertips. The area is also home to a diverse range of animals, including endangered species like the Grevy’s zebra and both black and white rhino, making it a fantastic destination for game viewing.
Birkenhead House
Hermanus, South Africa
Birkenhead House is a bold blend of coastal luxury and personality, that is perched dramatically above the cliffs of Hermanus. The design is eclectic with vibrant colors and curated details that give the property a distinctive character. The service is warm and attentive, and the setting—overlooking the ocean—is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a place that feels both indulgent and inviting, perfect for travelers who want to relax with a front-row seat of the sea.