Specialties
Regions: Latin America, Antarctica
Travel Types: Luxury Travel, Adventure Travel, Expedition Travel, Family & Multi-Generational Travel, Romance & Honeymoon Travel, Small Ship Travel
Special Interests: History & Culture, Eco-Tourism, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife
Destinations Visited
Latin America: Argentina (10x), Bolivia, Brazil (5x), Chile (10x), Colombia (2x), Costa Rica (3x), Ecuador (20x), Galapagos Islands (17x), Guatemala, Panama (x2), Peru (20x), Uruguay
Africa: Botswana, South Africa, Zambia
Arctic: Churchill (Canada)
Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula
Additional Countries: Australia, Canada (7x), France, Mexico (14x), Morocco
Press “Clippings”
I was recently featured in a Conde Nast Traveler article about travel to the Galapagos Islands. I am always happy to share my love of the islands!
Why I’m a Travel Consultant
My passion for travel has taken me many places, and allowed me to learn about life and this big great world in the process. Having the opportunity to share that knowledge and experience with others is a joy. Connecting with my clients and learning more about them enables me to suggest destinations, accommodations and experiences that best suit their style. I approach each trip as a puzzle, and feel a great sense of satisfaction when I’m able to fit the various pieces together into a comprehensive and thoughtful whole that is customized to suit each unique traveler. There is no greater satisfaction than helping someone have their own experience of a lifetime!
Education
BS in Education & Earth Science, University of Kansas
Career History
During college I worked in both front desk and reservations roles for two major hotel chains. My primary travel experience before joining the Travel Beyond team in 2013 was as a Sr. Adventure Director at Natural Habitat Adventures, where I spent 14 years overseeing operations for group trips throughout Latin America, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.
Professional Awards & Accomplishments
- Top Travel Specialists – Condé Nast Traveler 2021-Present
- Luxury Travel Advisor Trendsetter 2016
- Int’l Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) – Board Secretary
Most Memorable Travel Experience
In 2001 I took my first trip to Latin America, visiting the Galapagos Islands and Peru. I instantly fell in love with the friendly people, vibrant culture, varied nature, and unique wildlife. That trip inspired the direction of my career. I have since made my way around the region many times over, and also ventured to other exotic parts of the world; but it’s these two places that feel as comfortable as home and bring me back time and again. I was even married on the shore of Tortuga Bay in the Galapagos and honeymooned in Peru. My dear friends there feel as close as family. With each visit I uncover new layers and find familiar delight in the old ones. If I could only travel to two places for the rest of my days, it would without question be these.
My Most Recent Trips
In March of 2025, I visited northern Patagonia in Chile. This less-frequented region was a delightful surprise. Starting in Futaleufu, I finally realized my dream of whitewater rafting on the river of the same name, considered one of the world’s “top three.” I loved this tiny, eclectic town with its stunning vistas and river vibe, and the class IV+ rapids did not disappoint! After an inspiring stay at the sustainable Pata Lodge, I set off with my driver-guide along the famed Carretera Austral, passing through some of Patagonia’s most remote and pristine landscapes. Along the way, I stayed on the shores of a fjord where I soaked in natural hot spring pools, and later explored the magnificent Marble Caves by boat. My stay at Explora in Patagonia National Park brought an epic puma sighting and the chance to experience the place held so dear to Douglas and Kristine Tompkins, who purchased and later donated the land to the country of Chile. My trip was capped off with a stay at seaside Mari Mari in Chile’s Lake District, where I was spoiled with sumptuous accommodations, mesmerizing views, and a bit of relaxation before heading home.
Last year, I ventured to Antarctica to travel aboard the Magellan Explorer. Instead of sailing the infamous Drake passage to and from, we flew between Punta Arenas, Chile and the South Shetland Islands, replacing several days of high seas with a few easy hours in flight. The ship awaited us not far from the airstrip, and we set off for five nights sailing around the Antarctic peninsula. Each day revealed new wonders as we visited massive colonies of Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins, glided among towering icebergs, observed whales just feet from our Zodiacs, and marveled at the ever-changing landscape. The Magellan Explorer was a dream with its generous space, upscale amenities, and just 76 passengers to ensure an intimate experience. I especially loved my front row seat to watch humpbacks and orcas from my veranda! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will forever cherish.
Recommended Right Now
The wildlife of Brazil’s Pantanal, a wetland area in the country’s southwest, is arguably richer than the Amazon Basin, and without a doubt easier to spot! In addition to resident wildlife such as anteaters, giant otters, capybaras, tapirs, peccaries, hyacinth macaws and jabiru storks, a major highlight of this region is its jaguars. These can be seen from land-based safaris in the southern Pantanal, and from the comfort of a private speedboat along the Cuiaba River in the north. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is truly an epic experience not to be missed!
Favorite Properties
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes, Peru
This hotel has topped my list of world favorites for over a decade. Set along the river on the outskirts of Aguas Calientes, Peru at the base of the Machu Picchu ruins, this lodge is full of character and offers cozy accommodations in individual casitas amidst a jungle-like atmosphere surrounded by over 300 species of orchids and numerous nature trails. Truly a fabulous experience in itself.
Hotel Sol y Luna
Urubamba, Peru
Sol y Luna is located in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This lodge offers upscale accommodations in individual casitas, surrounded by colorful gardens and flanked by the Andes Mountains. The Deluxe and Premium Casitas are a special treat, with spacious bedrooms, natural finishes, and impressive luxury baths.
Hacienda Zuleta
Imbabura, Ecuador
Located north of Quito, Hacienda Zuleta is a country home and working farm belonging to the family of a former Ecuadorian president. A stay here provides guests with a lovely combination of highland culture, nature and wildlife. A range of excursions including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and visits/activities with the nearby community are included with a stay here, along with delicious home cooked meals. This is easily my favorite lodge on Ecuador’s mainland.
Montemar
Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Nestled in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, and aptly described as “eco-luxury”, this property includes modern amenities, special touches, and friendly service. An extensive menu of excursions and experiences is offered to create a tailor-made stay. Enjoy island visits, active adventures, wildlife, chef-prepared meals, and the chance to live like a local at this sustainable off-grid property complete with a bountiful organic farm. Montemar offers two villas (one with 2-bedrooms and one with 4-bedrooms), which makes this an especially appealing option for families.
Awasi Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Tucked into the forest about 15 minutes from the famed falls, Awasi Iguazu elevates a visit to this region to another level. With just 14 tastefully decorated cozy villas, each with a private plunge pool and assigned a private guide and 4WD vehicle, this is truly a unique and exclusive way to explore the Iguazu area and beyond.
Awasi Patagonia
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Located on the outskirts of Torres del Paine National Park, this lodge provides cozy accommodations surrounded by some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the world. Each spacious guest villa has a designated guide, so activities each day are private and totally customized. The attention to detail and level of service at this lodge are unrivaled. This is the most exclusive way to visit the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia.
Rosewood Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Rosewood Sao Paulo is an experience unto itself! Designed by Phillippe Starck, the details are colorful, whimsical and sophisticated. Located just steps from the city’s fashionable Avenida Paulista, this property combines modern with traditional, incorporating lush greenery both inside and out. With a variety of top dining experiences, inviting spaces, sumptuous rooms, and no amenity overlooked, this stunning hotel rivals some of the world’s top 5-star properties.