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: South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, 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/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

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. With so many days on safari, having the option to add in different activities apart from game drives was a complete gamechanger. 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!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the most epic water encounter of all on this trip—our visit to Victoria Falls. Although I’d always hoped to see it in person, this visit validated how important it is to add-on to a Southern Africa itinerary. I can’t wait to bring my family back to visit it with me 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!