Why Travel Beyond
Working at Travel Beyond is so special because you get to be surrounded by people who prioritize travel and experiences. I admire the depth of knowledge that Travel Beyond employees have and their ability to use that to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I look forward to coming to work every day to learn something new about the world.
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Latin America: Costa Rica
Additional Countries: Bahamas, Canada, Netherlands
Education
BA in Anthropology, St. Lawrence University
Career History
Right out of college I worked for a publicly traded chemistry company. While there, I held many roles ranging from Administrative Assistant to the CEO to Bid Writer. I then took several years off from paid work to be a stay-at-home mother and to help my family settle into the different regions of the US to which we moved- from New York to Alabama to California and finally to Minnesota. Most recently, I worked at the Chanhassen library and loved helping to get books into people’s hands.
Where I’ve Lived Abroad
During college I studied abroad in Kenya and traveled to Tanzania.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
During my semester in Kenya, I took part in three homestays which included living with a mother/daughter duo in Nairobi for several weeks, living with a family in the Meru countryside for one week, and living with a Samburu family for two days. I was also fortunate to spend a day walking with and learning from the Hadza. While there were several other highlights, such as spending time on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, it was the connections I made with the local people that made my time in Kenya truly special.
My Most Recent Trip
I recently had the amazing opportunity to explore Kenya and Uganda. My adventure began with stays at various lodges in the Maasai Mara, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and nearby regions of Kenya, before heading to Uganda for an unforgettable primate trekking experience. The highlight of the trip was my time with the Rushegura gorilla family in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The family had an adorable 10-month-old infant, whose playful antics were so much fun to watch! The little one climbed on its mother, tumbled down the hills, and played with another juvenile. The serene, loving mother remained unfazed, calmly lying down as her baby pulled and nibbled on her. It was a truly unforgettable experience to witness these magnificent creatures in the wild!
Favorite Properties
Shinde Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Upon arrival at Shinde, you are greeted by the most welcoming staff. The feel of the camp is that of a treehouse, as the main area is spread over multiple tiers of dining and lounging spaces set in the trees and overlooking the Shinde Lagoon. Activities on offer include game drives, night drives, mokoro excursions, motorboat rides through the canals of the Okavango Delta, and fishing. The variety of activities, the treehouse feel of the camp, and the people make this property one of my favorites.
Ol Donyo Lodge
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Nestled in the Chyulu Hills, between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, Ol Donyo lodge offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day and an unparalleled sense of tranquility. The property itself is stunning, with beautifully designed suites that seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape, complete with rooftop star beds for magical nights under the African sky and private plunge pools. The staff, especially the guides, make the experience truly unforgettable. Their warmth, expertise, and passion for wildlife and conservation ensure every guest feels at home and leaves with a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s natural beauty. In addition, professional cameras are available for guests to use on a complimentary basis, with photos downloaded to a memory stick upon departure, providing a great added value!
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Located on the banks the Zambezi River, this property offers luxury tents at their main lodge, Island Treehouse Suites on secluded Kandahar Island, as well as two villas with not only privacy but also unparalleled architectural design. From the lodge, you can enjoy game drives in Zambezi National Park, sunrise and sunset river cruises, as well as guided tours of Victoria Falls. The combination of the unique location and the thoughtfully designed accommodations make this a great stop for any Southern Africa trip.