Why Travel Beyond
Travel is my passion. There is nothing I enjoy more than deciding on a destination to visit, followed up by executing every tedious detail that goes into trip planning. From budgeting to reviewing every hotel and restaurant, I’ve always been a natural at taking the reins on trips for both myself and for larger groups. I feel so lucky to surround myself with people who have the same appreciation for seeing the world as I do, and to have a job that truly doesn’t feel like work.
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Additional Countries: Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, England, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Monaco, Spain, The Netherlands, Canada, Antigua, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, U.S Virgin Islands, Various states throughout the U.S, including Hawaii
Education
I received my B.A in Journalism/Strategic Communications, with a minor in English, from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Career History
I left the University of Minnesota very set on the idea that the advertising and marketing industry was where I should be. I spent several years in a few different account management positions, but never felt truly fulfilled, and knew that there was more out there for me. As I began incorporating some of my own personal interests into ‘side gigs’, I realized that it was time to pursue a career that would keep my interest full time, not just on the side. I am so happy that my love for travel and planning eventually brought me to Travel Beyond.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
Living abroad in another country is an incredibly unique experience. As a college student, I spent the summer of 2009 living and working in Adelaide, Australia, where I did my best to blend in at a local advertising agency. While not working, I made a point to see as much of the country as I could, often taking the lead on planning weekend excursions to other cities with a handful of other interns who were based in Adelaide along with me. Although I’d done plenty of traveling prior to this summer, it was my first time experiencing true independence while abroad. I ended up seeing all corners of the continent, with activities ranging from snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, and even sleeping under the stars in the Outback. My travels to that corner of the world came to an end with a weeklong excursion to New Zealand, where I capped off my trip by bungy jumping from one of the world’s tallest structures.
My Most Recent Trip
With two trips to Africa in 2024–one to Tanzania and the other to South Africa, I was able to experience many days on safari paired with the equally exciting city life of one of Africa’s most iconic destinations–Cape Town.
In December 2024, my husband and I made our second journey to Africa as a couple, this time with the majority of our days allocated to Cape Town and the nearby Winelands. Although only on safari for a few days this time, we still managed to see many “new to us” animal encounters and I enjoyed being able to experience Kruger National Park in a different season compared to my last visit.
In Cape Town, we were reminded of why this city is consistently ranked among the world’s best in food/dining–and returned home with a few pounds added! With so much to do and see, we packed our days with as many activities as possible–I’m excited to share more about my recommended experiences with future clients!
In January 2024, I spent nearly three weeks with two of my colleagues in Tanzania, where we spent the majority of our time in various parts of the Serengeti as well as with the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains National Park. With the Serengeti being just over the border from Kenya’s Masai Mara, I appreciated being able to compare and contrast the two ecosystems and came away with a new all-time favorite property (Singita Grumeti) that I can’t say enough amazing things about. Another place I can’t wait to return to someday!
Recommended Right Now
This changes with each trip I make to Africa! On my first ever visit to the continent, I fell in love with South Africa, and the multitude of activities and options (other than safari) one can consider when planning a trip to this country. Next, I visited Kenya…and adored it so much that I brought my husband back with me only months later, eager for him to experience the same culture and amazing animal encounters on safari that I had.
In short, there is a reason we create custom itineraries–each person/group wants something a little bit different from the next person, and I love being able to dream big for our clients, no matter what it is they are looking for.
Favorite Properties
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Kruger National Park, South Africa
The moment you step onto the property, you feel instantly pampered. The lodging, food and wine simply cannot be beat, and the resort-style pool is the perfect place to relax after a morning on safari. Although all of these are reason enough to stay at Lebombo, my personal favorite part was the service we received. Everyone on staff was incredible, but our safari guiding team in particular really made my stay here (and my first time on safari) second to none.
La Residence
Franschhoek, South Africa
What’s not to love about a stay at La Residence? From the moment you arrive, you immediately feel taken care of, with any stress left over from traveling simply melting away. With beautiful views of the vines and mountains, it is simply heaven on earth. I highly recommend a three-night stay to ensure ample time to enjoy the property in between visiting the various wine estates in the area.
Grootbos Garden & Grootbos Forest Lodges
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
Both of these properties are perfect options for those looking for a spa-like experience pre or post safari. Spend your mornings relaxing with a cup of coffee on your private patio overlooking the ocean, followed by afternoons at leisure with plenty of activities available right on site. With both Gansbaai and Hermanus nearby for shark cage diving, whale watching, wine tasting and more, you are free to do as much or as little as you want—just how a vacation should be!
Singita’s Faru Faru Lodge & Sabora Tented Camp
Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
These Singita properties, located on their private Grumeti Reserve bordering the western Serengeti, are phenomenal options to consider for your safari grand finale. Whether it’s the intimate, under canvas experience on the plains at Sabora, or the ultra-luxe Faru Faru with breathtaking views from above, you truly can’t go wrong. Just as you’ll receive the very best in lodging, food and service with Singita, the greatest benefit of all is the epic wildlife experiences you’ll encounter during your stay. For best chances of seeing the migration, visit late spring/early summer, as thousands of wildebeest and zebra make their way through the reserve.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
While a visit to see the Falls can be made rather quickly, I highly encourage you to spend at least three nights in the area with a stay at Victoria Falls River Lodge’s Island Treehouse Suites. Accessed via boat, this special place gives you all of the benefits of being on the water, while also offering the more traditional safari experience on land. Nestled amongst the trees and overlooking the Zambezi River, you’ll feel completely at peace and want for nothing on this island oasis.