Specialties
Regions: East Africa, Southern Africa and Egypt
Travel Types: Luxury Travel, Adventure Travel, Active Travel, Family & Multi-Generational Travel, Romance & Honeymoon Travel, Primate Treks, Safaris, and Special Celebrations.
Special Interests: Beach, City Tours, Conservation, History, Art & Culture, Food & Wine, Nature & Wildlife, Active & Wellbeing, and Photography
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Southeast Asia: Indonesia
Additional Countries: Netherlands, Mexico, England, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Singapore, Aruba, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Canada and various parts of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.
Why I’m a Travel Consultant
Growing up with parents who were both teachers gave me the unique opportunity to travel every summer. From those experiences, I developed my passion for travel, wildlife and seeing different landscapes/biomes. I found myself creating my own trip itineraries and started helping friends plan theirs. Seeing that spark of excitement in someone’s eye when they return from a trip is what it’s all about for me. I knew that I wanted to work in the travel industry and help others get the most out of their travel experiences. After using Travel Beyond to plan my honeymoon, I knew their knowledge, service, attention to detail, and passion for travel set them apart from other companies in the industry. I got my dream job at Travel Beyond in 2019. Today, I am thrilled to be a travel consultant, planning custom journeys that immerse clients in our world’s most inspiring destinations!
Career History
I started my career off doing affiliate sales and marketing for a company that is a distributor of television programming networks. I learned a lot about sales and how to tackle numerous different duties that a small company requires. After 11 years, I decided I wanted to make a career change and work in an industry I was more passionate about; travel.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
In October of 2019, my husband and I embarked on a dream trip to Egypt! We wanted to see as much as we could, so we opted to do a cruise on the Nile River and additionally spend two nights in Cairo to see the Great Pyramids. Getting to explore Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wander some of the many temples located just minutes from the banks of the Nile and visit the tombs of Egyptian rulers scattered throughout the Valley of the Kings and Queens made the cruise an exceptional experience. Ending our trip in Cairo to see the Great Pyramids was eye-opening. I learned that it took around 20,000-30,000 workers to build it and they are much bigger in person. My husband and I left Egypt with more than we bargained for, as it really is a true ancient marvel of the world. To read the full trip details, check out my blog post here.
Most Recent Trips
Uganda
In November 2023, I visited Uganda and went into the heart of one of Africa’s most enchanting landscapes and wildlife destinations. Two highlights of this trip for me were chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking. Embarking on a trek through the lush jungles of Kibale Forest National Park, I encountered the lively and intelligent chimpanzees, witnessing their playful antics and social interactions. Moving on to the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the anticipation built for the momentous encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking through dense vegetation while being rained on was part of the magic of the forest. I reached the gorillas after about 2 hours of hiking, and enjoyed seeing them in their natural habitat, spending an intimate hour observing their familial bonds and distinctive personalities. These treks not only offer a glimpse into the fascinating lives of primates but also contribute to the conservation of these endangered species, making my visit a meaningful and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Uganda’s biodiversity.
Botswana
This was my second visit to Botswana, and it was even better than the last. I was able to dive deeply into different parts of the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas, as well as enjoy another epic visit to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. I think the special thing about Botswana is the varied landscapes and the water of the Delta. There is nothing like boating or riding in a mokoro through the Delta’s water channels, seeing a kingfisher hunting, hippos peeking their eyes above the water and then disappearing, or an elephant delicately eating a nutritious lily flower. The wildlife makes this such a unique and coveted destination. In one day, I was lucky enough to see the Big 5 in baby and adult form. On other drives I watched wild dogs and a leopard hunt for their morning meal and encountered a “super mom” cheetah care for her 6 cubs. While here, there was something that happened each morning and every afternoon that made me excited for the next game drive. I think Botswana needs to be on everyone’s travel list!
Recommended Right Now
What I love about working here at Travel Beyond is that we take the time to really get to know our clients, so what “I recommend right now” is truly what I feel best suits what clients are genuinely looking for. I believe Africa is the gift that keeps giving, you can continue to go time after time and still see and learn something unique and new.
A Southern Africa safari is a personal favorite as you can combine an amazing food, wine and city experience with a well rounded safari. My heart also belongs in East Africa, as I feel it’s really that quintessential Africa trip many are looking for. I have a passion for all things wildlife, so being able to see mountain gorillas or chimps combined with going on safari offers you an incredible immersive experience that is truly wildlife focused.
Favorite Properties
MalaMala Camp
MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa
Sandwiched between South Africa’s Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve, MalaMala Camp boasts incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. From leopard and lion to rhino and elephant, each day on safari here is exceptional. If you love leopard, MalaMala has a great track record of providing its guests with sightings. It is perfect for families, single travelers or honeymooners, as they offer two other camp/lodge options within their reserve. There is something that suits everyone. MalaMala also pairs well with Cape Town and the Winelands as it’s a quick easy flight.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Nkuringo, Uganda
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda is a luxurious retreat nestled on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Offering an unparalleled blend of comfort and proximity to nature, the lodge provides stunning panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the clouds (which the property is appropriately named for). Known for its eco-friendly practices, the lodge is an ideal base for travelers embarking on mountain gorilla trekking adventures, providing a serene and immersive experience in the heart of one of Africa’s most biodiverse and captivating landscapes.
Ngare Serian
Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
Nestled in the private Mara North Conservancy and dotted along the riverbank, you’ll find Ngare Serian. With a classic yet a slight bohemian vibe, the large marquee tents have spacious decks that allow for a relaxing space for you to drink your morning coffee while soaking in the sights and sounds of the bush. Ngare Serian prides itself on its lack of WiFi, as it really allows guests to be fully disconnected from the outside world. All guests get private vehicles which is special added bonus when staying here.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Singita Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
Located in the western corridor of the legendary Serengeti, Singita Faru Faru Lodge offers guests world class food and wine, top notch service and gorgeous accommodations. This property is contemporary chic, comfortable and luxurious, all the while offering guests some of the best wildlife viewing in the western Serengeti! I personally love this area of Tanzania and Singita has four other properties within this reserve. So whether you want a tented or lodge style accommodation, you pick that which best suits your needs.
Duba Plains Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Duba Plains Camp is an exquisite safari property set within the iconic Okavango Delta. Known for its unique location on a private concession, the camp offers a pristine wilderness experience. Guests can relish in luxury tented accommodations and witness the extraordinary wildlife of the region, including the lions, wild dog, lechwe, elephants, leopard, and more. With its immersive safari activities and unparalleled natural surroundings, Duba Plains Camp promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking an authentic and exclusive safari experience in Botswana.