Planning a Lifetime of Travel: Ask an Expert

It all started with my parents. With a South African father and a Canadian mother who worked in the travel industry, the call to adventure came often. Our festive seasons were spent under the Cape Town sun. Summers took us to Scotland, Cornwall and France. There was even an impromptu family trip to Beijing. Because of these trips, curiosity sparked in me to see what the rest of the world is all about. 

We begin with a conversation. The first step is always to build a meaningful relationship with you. I take the time to understand your passions, your preferences and what’s on your wishlist. I uncover your rhythm, what excites you and what moves you. This deep understanding is what allows me to cultivate a strong, trusting rapport right from the start.

Drawing on what I’ve learned about you, I begin mapping out your long-term travel plans. Together we’ll explore the inspiration behind your next adventures, as well as unexpected places that are the perfect match. Should you reach a crossroads, I’m right there to help you plan what’s next.

I love recommending underrated destinations – the places you might not typically consider. I often challenge my guests’ initial ideas to ensure they choose somewhere they’ll truly enjoy. For example, I’d suggest South America’s lesser-known wine regions to wine aficionados. Perhaps Chile’s Aconcagua Valley where guided wine tastings introduce you to some of the world’s finest reds. Or Cafayate in Argentina to sample wines grown at a high altitude including aromatic Torrentés.

For culture, history and adventure, the Middle East offers incredible depth. Join the Bedouin in Oman’s endless Empty Quarter. See how they read the desert using only the stars and movements of the sky. In Jordan explore one of the best preserved cities of the Roman Empire: Jerash, where the tracks of chariot wheels are still visible in some of the paving stones. Then head deep into the canyon of Wadi Mujib for guided hikes past natural pools and waterfalls. 

One of my favourite stories involves two grandparents who celebrated each grandchild’s graduation with a trip of a lifetime. The kids adored being part of the process, delighting in the chance to shape the itinerary and make the adventure their own. It was truly special to witness their bond and play a part in crafting moments that bring them even closer together.

There’s another story I just love. It’s about a couple who chase adrenaline across the world. Having planned their trips through Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia, I’ve learned that for them, adventure equals challenge. So I’m always on the search for exhilarating experiences to stretch their boundaries. Their recent journey to Oman was no exception. They scaled their first via ferrata, paraglided between mountains and slept out in the middle of the desert.

It’s the moments that allow you to be fully present, those that are deeply personal and relived long after you return home. That is why when I help you plan a trip, I recommend experiences that connect you to the people and places around you. Step into the home of a local family to hear their story. Master traditional recipes in private culinary classes. Or watch an artisan bring their craft to life.

Then there are the experiences that shift your perspective on a country’s greatest sites, inviting you to go beyond the surface. Let a historian unlock the hidden corners of the Vatican City near Rome. In England follow a Yeoman Warder through the storied corridors of the Tower of London. Or feel the immense scale of Egypt’s pyramids alongside an Egyptologist.

The secret lies in mastering the balance: designing your trips with intention while leaving room for spontaneity. Think of the long-term plan as a gentle framework rather than a fixed schedule. The big moments – the trips that need timing and careful planning – are secured well in advance. Around them, there’s always space for spontaneous escapes or a sudden desire to follow the sun. The experiences you’ve dreamed about for years deserve time to get right, which is why I recommend planning them months – or even years – ahead, so every detail reflects what matters most to you.