North America: one of the world’s great road trip destinations

North America is somewhere I have explored extensively over multiple trips and it remains one of my favourite regions for creating tailor-made itineraries.

I have travelled widely throughout both the United States and Canada, including road trips through New England, California, Nevada and the Canadian Rockies, along with stays in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

One of the standout experiences was a Rocky Mountain fly-drive through western Canada, combining spectacular scenery, mountain towns, lakes and wildlife with the freedom that comes from having the time to properly explore. I am a huge believer that Canada is best experienced at a relaxed pace, allowing time to stop in the smaller places and enjoy the scenery rather than constantly moving on.

I also love helping clients combine different styles of travel across North America. Some of my favourite itineraries include combinations such as:

• Rocky Mountaineer rail journeys with Alaska cruises
• Canadian Rockies fly-drives with Vancouver and the Pacific coast
• California road trips linked with Hawaii
• New England self-drives during the autumn colours
• US national parks itineraries
• Caribbean or Mexico beach extensions after touring

In the Caribbean, I have cruised with Royal Caribbean International, visiting destinations such as Jamaica, Cozumel and Haiti, while also experiencing luxury stays in Saint Lucia at incredible properties including Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach.

Mexico is another destination I know particularly well from both travel and planning experience, especially the Riviera Maya region. Exploring cenotes, visiting Chichen Itza and Tulum and understanding the differences between the various resort areas all helps me guide clients towards the right fit for them.

South America: one of the most unforgettable regions I have explored

South America remains one of the most fascinating and rewarding regions I have ever travelled through and it continues to inspire many of the itineraries I create today.

Over multiple trips I have travelled extensively through:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Peru
• Bolivia
• Chile

Some of the highlights included:

• hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• exploring Patagonia and the Fitz Roy ranges
• visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
• experiencing the Amazon rainforest in Peru
• seeing Iguazu Falls from both Argentina and Brazil
• wine tasting in Mendoza
• expedition cruising to Antarctica from Ushuaia

One of the things I particularly loved about South America was the sheer variety. In the space of a single trip you can experience world-class cities, glaciers, jungles, deserts, mountains, wildlife, beaches and incredible food and wine.

Some experiences still stand out vividly years later: trekking through Patagonia, spotting giant otters in the Peruvian Amazon, cycling Bolivia’s Death Road and standing on the surreal mirror-like landscapes of Uyuni where the sky and earth seem to merge into one.

That depth of travel experience now helps me create South American itineraries that feel far more immersive and balanced than standard “tick-box” routes.

Australia and New Zealand: destinations I know exceptionally well

Australia and New Zealand are two countries I know particularly well after travelling extensively throughout both, including long-duration independent travel and campervan journeys.

In New Zealand, I spent months exploring both islands and experienced everything from adventure sports and glacier regions to remote coastal areas and lesser-known stops many visitors completely miss.

Like many people, I was blown away by the scenery, but what really stood out was how much better the experience became when you allowed enough time to properly explore rather than rushing between destinations.

I have been lucky enough to experience many of New Zealand’s famous adventure activities including rafting, skydiving and jet boating, but I also loved the quieter moments: remote roads, mountain scenery and places far away from the crowds.

Australia is another destination where I have travelled extensively, including through:

• the east coast
• the Red Centre
• the Northern Territory
• Kakadu National Park
• Litchfield National Park
• Queensland
• New South Wales
• Victoria

I am particularly passionate about helping clients see more than just Sydney and the Gold Coast. Australia rewards travellers who venture further afield, whether that is exploring the dramatic landscapes around Uluru, discovering the tropical north or slowing down and properly experiencing the country through a longer fly-drive itinerary.

I also enjoy helping clients incorporate destinations such as Fiji, Hawaii or Singapore into wider Australia and New Zealand itineraries.

Safaris and wildlife travel

Safaris are another huge passion of mine.

I have travelled in Kenya and South Africa and regularly arrange bespoke itineraries throughout East and Southern Africa, including Tanzania, Botswana and Uganda.

One of the biggest misconceptions about safari planning is that all safaris are broadly the same. In reality, the time of year, migration patterns, style of lodge, park selection and logistics all dramatically affect the experience.

That is where expert guidance can make a huge difference.

Some recent itineraries I have helped create have included gorilla trekking in Uganda combined with safari in Kenya and beach stays in Tanzania: the kind of journeys that become true once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Asia: incredible variety and contrast

Asia is another region I have been fortunate to explore extensively, including:

• Japan
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Bali and Java
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Sri Lanka
• India
• Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar

From touring Japan between Osaka and Tokyo to travelling through Vietnam with G Adventures, I have always loved the sheer diversity Asia offers.

I am particularly interested in helping clients understand how different destinations fit different travel styles. Some people want luxury and relaxation, others want cultural immersion and adventure, while many want a combination of both.

Why first-hand experience matters

The internet gives travellers endless information. The challenge today is often filtering that information properly.

Having personally travelled through many of the destinations I sell allows me to help with:

• realistic pacing
• route planning
• choosing the right touring style
• understanding seasonal differences
• deciding where to splurge and where not to
• avoiding common itinerary mistakes

It also helps me better understand what different travellers are actually looking for.

Some clients want adventure and immersion. Others want comfort, pacing and seamless logistics. Many want a mixture of both. My role is to listen carefully, interpret what really matters to you and then design something that fits.

The trips that stay with you

Some travel memories never really leave you.

Watching giant otters swim alongside our boat in the Peruvian Amazon. Seeing Antarctica emerge through the mist for the first time. Watching elephants cross the road in Kenya. Reaching Machu Picchu after days trekking the Inca Trail. Driving through the vast landscapes of Australia or waking up to mountain views in New Zealand.

Those are the kinds of experiences that remind you why travel matters.

They are also the reason I love helping clients create journeys that feel personal, memorable and genuinely special rather than simply “another holiday”.

If you are starting to think about your next adventure, from a classic road trip or safari to a complex multi-country journey, I would be delighted to help you shape it.