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
Latin America: Mexico
Additional countries: Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, England, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, 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 four trips to Africa between February 2023 and January 2024, my life as of late has been a complete whirlwind—in the best way possible! During that time, I was able to experience my first, second and third visit to East Africa, falling in love with Kenya so much that I needed to return six months later with my husband in tow. I was lucky enough to experience gorilla trekking for the first time with him as well, which made our first trip to Africa as a couple all the more special.

My time exploring Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in May of 2023 brought so many new experiences. Be it the boating, fishing and mokoro in the Okavango Delta, or the quad-biking and meerkat adventures in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the options available in Botswana were unlike any previous trips to Africa. There is nothing quite like an African sunset and I loved having the chance to experience it on the water. Seeing elephants and hippo along the way made our evenings out on the boat even more exciting!

My most recent trip in January 2024 was to Tanzania, where I spent the majority of my 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!

Favorite Properties

Singita Lebombo Lodge- 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.

Grootbos Garden & Forest Lodges- 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 – 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, Island Treehouse Suites – 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.