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

South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, Indonesia, Mexico, Canada, Trinidad, Spain, Italy, Norway, Belgium, Portugal

Education

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

Where I’ve Lived Abroad

Seville, Spain

Most Memorable Travel Experience

Growing up in Minnesota and living near lakes plus loving to swim, I have always been especially fond of staying at properties near bodies of water when traveling. Changa Safari Camp is one of the properties I’ve enjoyed visiting the most due to its’ location on the shores of Lake Kariba within Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe. This tented camp also provides the comfort of feeling like you are home due to their incredibly friendly managers and staff. One minute you can be lounging at the pool and the next you are on an exhilarating walking safari with a high probability of approaching elephants or lion. The lake offers such as activities as seasonal fishing, Sanyati gorge trip, or a leisure sunset cruise.

Recommended Right Now

I would highly recommend based off my coworkers’ experiences and my own experience to visit Kenya. The game is abundant, the people are welcoming and full of cultural experiences you have never heard of before. I am dreaming of my return so I can explore even more areas!

My Most Recent Trip

I traveled to Rwanda for a quick one-week stay, where I was fortunate enough to experience my first gorilla trek! I visited the Hirwa family, which had 16 members, and it was fascinating to see them eating Eucalyptus trees outside of the forest and in the farmers’ fields! I spent some time exploring the city of Kigali and visited the Genocide Museum for an emotional journey through Rwanda’s past. Then I visited Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes, and The Bishop’s House to become familiar with those accommodations. I was also fortunate to take a day trip into Akagera National Park for a game drive – there were huge crocodiles and some of the biggest pods of hippos I’ve ever seen! Rwanda is a very safe country and the community takes a lot of time to keep it clean, and it shows.

Favorite Properties

Favorite hotel: La Residence in Franschhoek, South Africa

Each room is decorated elaborately and differently. You will open your windows to the most majestic views of vineyard, mountains, and city. You feel and are treated like royalty when you are there.

Favorite luxury lodge: Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This lodge is really a shock to all of your senses – in a good way! From the moment you trek up the hill to your room to the friendly waves goodbye from the nearby community as you depart, you feel at home. The large thatched rooms are incredibly comfortable and afford picturesque views of the rolling hills. Your meals are well-prepared, delicious and often made from local produce from nearby villages or Bisate’s garden. When you are not out on your gorilla trek experience, you could be planting a tree on the property to help reforest the area, go on a nature walk above the lodge, visit the nearby village, or treat yourself to some spa pampering.

Favorite tented camp: Shinde Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

This is a classic camp that has a little bit of everything! Situated on a lagoon, you have the opportunity to go boating, fishing, and on mokoro excursions, in addition to game drives and walking safaris to see abundant wildlife. The main areas provide a fun atmosphere to enjoy the company of other guests and swap stories at dinner, near the fire pit, at the pool, or as you’re looking out over the lagoon. You won’t find Wi-Fi here, which brings the staff and the guests even closer together! It’s a wonderful spot to disconnect and really enjoy a peaceful vacation.