Why Travel Beyond
At its heart, Travel Beyond is a family business – and my colleagues and I all truly feel like family. We support each other and celebrate our successes. When one of us needs ideas or advice, we are all there to assist. We all continually challenge each other to look for fresh and creative ways to serve our clients. I am fortunate to work with the best of the best in the travel industry. I learn something new every single day I am here!
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Arctic: Svalbard (Norway)
South America: Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
Additional countries: Antigua, Barbados, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Dominica, France, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, United Arab Emirates.
Education
BA, Public Relations & Communications, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Career History
Over the course of my career, I have held a variety of marketing, communications and branding positions – but my love for communications goes all the way back to when I was a kid and I first fell in love with the written word (I may have been born holding a pen and paper, because I just don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing!). My job at Travel Beyond has been especially rewarding because I get to support and grow our incredible brand as we delight our customers in each of our core destinations.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
It’s hard to top a person’s first visit to Africa – and my trip was no exception. The experience is still top of mind, even though my trip was over eight years ago. I fondly remember sitting safely on the deck at a camp in South Africa with some friends. In the quiet of the night, we sipped champagne and watched a young (naughty!) bull elephant eat his way through the camp’s carefully groomed plants and trees. It was so funny (and, yes, a little self-indulgent on my part!), but mostly, it was a reminder about the strength and beauty of these creatures. There was no mistaking that we were the visitors here and this was HIS place.
My Most Recent Trips
NAMIBIA
Everyone MUST visit Namibia! I recently returned from my first trip and it was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s hard to pick out just a few highlights, because there were so many! I loved seeing the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the surreal beauty of Deadvlei. The Skeleton Coast was appropriately moody and mysterious – and full of so much history! Quad biking and sand boarding in the desert got my heart pumping, but just taking in the enormity of the surrounding dunes me had me in awe. I had an opportunity to visit the Himba people and observe desert-adapted elephants in their rugged environment. One of the most moving experiences was tracking and observing three endangered black rhinos, including an adorable baby. Namibia’s landscapes are endlessly varied and breathtaking – a truly unique safari destination unlike any other. For anyone with an interest in photography and/or birding, Namibia is the place for you! I capped off the journey with a few days in Cape Town, South Africa with my favorite guide, David Patrick. We visited some of the iconic sites and I discovered a new-to-me gem: the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, which was a personal highlight. We dined at fantastic restaurants and I enjoyed exceptional stays at three stunning Royal Portfolio properties: The Silo, La Residence, and Birkenhead House. Each offered its own charm, and together they showcased why Royal Portfolio sets the bar for style and service. This adventure was the perfect blend of wild beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious comfort.
THE ARCTIC
In June of 2024, I had the opportunity to explore the rugged arctic beauty of Svalbard. Svalbard is a remote Arctic archipelago and I loved learning about the region’s wildlife, culture and landscapes. I loved trying a number of new experiences for me, such as an ATV excursion and a dog wagon ride (sleds weren’t possible due to the lack of snow). A highlight was visiting the northernmost brewery in the world and dining at some excellent local restaurants. A boat trip in search of the elusive walrus added to the adventure, though spotting the charming Svalbard reindeer was particularly memorable. These smaller, uniquely adapted reindeer differ from the ones in storybooks and they definitely captured my heart. Svalbard offers a mix of thrill and serenity, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for this Arctic wonderland.
ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
This trip was magical. We spent our first two days exploring the country’s capital of Quito. The city’s charming 16th century old town is a quaint step back into the days of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautifully maintained businesses and houses. Quito is a must see and a great launching point from which to head to the Galapagos. On arrival in the islands, I was thrilled with the wildlife experience, primarily because of our proximity to the animals in their natural settings. It was an incredible experience, seeing all of these unique and special animals. After the Galapagos, we were able to enjoy two magical days at Hacienda Zuleta, in the Ecuadorian highlands. Hacienda Zuleta has 21 rooms, each of which is uniquely appointed with beautiful décor and its own wood-burning fireplace, stoked as often as you request. There are plenty of relaxing areas to sit, and a library filled with hundreds of fascinating old books from the family’s personal library. Outside, the property is full of flowers and gardens. Activities abound and you can try your hand at everything from horseback riding to trout fishing.
Favorite Properties
Onduli Ridge
Twyfelfontein, Namibia
My stay at Onduli Ridge was truly unforgettable. Set among massive natural boulders, the rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a unique, comfortable, and immersive experience. The sunsets were absolutely magical, best enjoyed with a drink in hand at the west-facing patio. The staff was warm and attentive, delivering exceptional service with really genuine care. One of the highlights was the ability to roll the my bed out onto the deck for an outside sleepout. I felt like I could reach out and touch the stars. Truly an experience I’ll never forget! With tons of character, thoughtful touches throughout, and even the chance to spot desert-adapted elephants nearby, Onduli Ridge is something truly special. For an exclusive use option, try Onduli Ridge’s nearby sister property, Onduli Enclave.
Birkenhead House
Hermanus, South Africa
I absolutely loved my stay at Birkenhead House in Hermanus, South Africa just a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town. Tucked into a beachside residential area, it immediately felt like home with its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The food was outstanding, the spa was top-notch, and the staff struck the perfect balance—attentive without being intrusive. From my room and the outdoor dining areas, the views were simply breathtaking, overlooking long stretches of beach where surfers ride the waves and, in the right season, whales breach just offshore. Although I missed the whales this time, everything else more than made up for it.
Hacienda Zuleta
Imbabura, Ecuador
Just two hours outside of Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, you will find Hacienda Zuleta. Located in the Andean Highlands, the hacienda welcomes you warmly and gives you an immediate feeling of peace – as if you have just returned home. I stayed at Zuleta after a Galapagos Island cruise and it was the perfect way to enjoy my last few days in Ecuador. The Hacienda is beautiful, with cozy rooms that are simply but tastefully decorated. Dining areas are quaint and comfortable and the food (sourced locally) is some of the best I have ever had. You will love sampling the various cheeses they produce on site! There is much to see and do and with its natural beauty, wide variety of experiences, unique setting and spectacular service, you will love your stay at this incredibly special place.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a beautiful lodge perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. It’s placement offers breathtaking views and is newly rebuilt, making it a luxuriously comfortable option when visiting the crater. The cottage-style rooms are superbly appointed, the food is top notch and the expert guiding is the icing on the cake. It blends seamlessly into its surroundings and you really feel a harmony with nature when you are there. Given its proximity to the crater, you can head out to explore early and beat the crowds! Entamanu si an unforgettable base for exploring one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.