Why Travel Beyond

Travel Beyond provides me with world knowledge that I would never have otherwise gotten and keeps me up-to-date on world news as well. It also allows me to travel to places that I have always dreamed of visiting but likely would not have had the opportunity to go to if I wasn’t in the industry. My co-workers are some of the best people out there, and we have created a powerful work environment and team – and we know how to have lots of fun together!

Destinations Visited

Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
Latin America: Chile, Mexico
Southeast Asia: Indonesia
Additional countries: Canada, Trinidad, Spain, Italy, Norway, Belgium, Portugal

Education

BA in Psychology and Spanish, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Career History

I actually started as an intern at Travel Beyond during my college’s summer and winter breaks, and after graduating couldn’t see myself launching my career anywhere else. Within my first year of full-time employment, I was fortunate enough to embark on my first trip to Africa; and following that trip, as my passion for travel and travel planning grew, I knew this was what I wanted to do long-term. While at Travel Beyond, I have worked my way through a few positions and am now contributing to operations decisions and training for growth within our sales team. It brings me joy to help others and ensure our clients’ trips are not just once-in-a-lifetime.

Where I’ve Lived Abroad

Seville, Spain

Most Memorable Travel Experience

My first trip back to Africa after Covid was my honeymoon to Kenya. Finally being able to travel again, plus showing my husband what these trips to Africa are all about, was such a special experience. I loved seeing the joy it brought him. We enjoyed visiting Nairobi, Chyulu Hills, Amboseli National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and the Mara North Conservancy on our 11-day journey. The diverse landscapes and various animals we were fortunate to see make Kenya my favorite country to visit and recommend to other travelers. His favorite part of the trip was the many cats we saw and learning about the local way of life as told by our guides at each camp.

Recommended Right Now

For those planning their first African adventure, I would recommend a South Africa safari along with touring in Cape Town. It’s a great introduction to wildlife and game viewing experiences. Plus, you have a high propensity to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) within one or two game drives. Adding on time in Cape Town is also a must, as you can explore the city’s beautiful sights, enjoy fine cuisine, and sample all the wines you can imagine!

For those looking for a combination of great animal viewing and cultural experiences, then Kenya is my recommended country to visit. Often the guides are from local villages and are able to discuss animal/bird facts as well as interesting anecdotes about their upbringing.

My Most Recent Trip

My colleague, Melanie Reger, and I recently traveled to Tanzania and Zanzibar with two other travel advisors. This was my first time exploring the country, and I was thrilled to check another destination off my bucket list! We spent time visiting shops in Arusha, such as the Tanzanite Experience and Museum, Shanga, and Sidai Designs. Then we made our way to the Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcano. It was even more beautiful and vast than I imagined! Next, we traveled to the Grumeti Reserve and Serengeti National Park, where we checked off the Big 5 during our game drives over the course of a few days. Lastly, we enjoyed some relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar and toured Stone Town too!

Favorite Properties

Tierra Patagonia (Torres del Paine National Park, Chile)

After visiting a few hotels in the park, I can confidently say that this was my favorite place to lay my head after a full day of excursions. From the variety of excursions to the memorable meals & service, this hotel is sure to make you feel a level of luxury you’ve been waiting for! I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the heated indoor infinity pool, steam room, and outdoor hot tub at sunset to enjoy the views of the Paine Massif and relax my muscles after a tough hike!

Ol Donyo Lodge (Chyulu Hills, Kenya)

This beautiful lodge sitting hillside between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks is the perfect addition to the beginning of your journey in Kenya. While visiting on my honeymoon, some of my favorite parts of our stay was visiting the permanent hide to watch animals take turns drinking water, sleeping under the stars on our skybed above the spacious suite, and taking a day trip to see the Big Tusker elephants in the nearby Amboseli National Park. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the ways of the Maasai culture from our guide, Dan, as well!