Our Stores - Specialist

Stephanie

Asia

Tell us about you

I have a passion for travel and photography, and they happily go hand in hand. 

Favourite travel destination and why

One of my favourite places is New Zealand - the people are so welcoming and helpful, and the scenery is breathtaking. I was able to do the Alpine Crossing on Tongariro, which is a 17 km hike to the top of a volcano that is nestled into the same range as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings! The Maori culture is amazing, and there is so much to learn about it on the North Island. The capital, Wellington, is an amazing, little, windy city - easy to get around with a great vibe. All-in-all it is an incredible place to visit.

Most recent adventure

In May 2012 I went on an incredible journey in Jordan and Israel. 

Best travel memory

I was absolutely blown away by the desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The rock formations were stunning, and the sand just goes on and on. We went on an amazing 4x4 ride to some incredible dunes, which was a great way to see the sights. At our campsite we had some delicious Jordanian food, we enjoyed a campfire and some dancing. I got to sleep under a starry desert sky, and to top it all off I took an early morning camel ride across the sand.

Best travel tips

Pack what you think you need and then take away half!

Favourite food experience

I have never experienced fruit like I had in Thailand. Every piece of fruit offered to me was deliciously sweet and unique - Longan, Rambutan, Mangosteen, Dragonfruit and more! In New Zealand I went to this absolutely incredible restaurant where I had the best rack of lamb I have ever experienced!

Any advice for people considering embarking on the trip of a lifetime

Expect the unexpected! Make new friends, and be prepared to change your itinerary on a whim. Mingle with the locals to find the best resturants, bars and hidden gems. 

Which country is next on your list to experience and why

The next country that I am going to visit is Vietnam. I can't wait to see the diversity of this country from south to north. There is so much to see - city, beach, mountain, sea, river, temples and countryside.

Meaghan

Africa

Favourite travel destination and why

Africa! Especially Tanzania, because of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, being able to watch the big 5 (elephants, lions, buffalo, rhino, leopard) roam, and not to mention snorkelling in Zanzibar! Zanzibar has great beaches, safaris, and views.

How many countries have you visited?

24 and counting

Most recent adventure

My most recent adventure was in the Netherlands and France, bicycling through the towns and along the canals, and seeing the lights on the Eiffel Tower

Best travel memory

A couple of my favourites were seeing the sunrise above the dunes in Namibia, or the hippos on the sunset cruise in Botswana

Best travel tips

Be prepared for changes, have an open-mind, and pack half of what you were originally planning to pack!

Favourite food experience

Rolling hand-made spring rolls in the Northern hill tribes of Thailand

Any advice for people considering embarking on the trip of a lifetime

Don't hesititate, just book it!

Which country is next on your list to experience and why

China, to explore the Great Wall

Monica

Global

Tell us about you

My uncle introduced me to travelling at a very young age when he would send me postcards from all over the world – I have a shoebox with well over 200 postcards and the tradition continues to this day! Getting lost in markets, meeting the locals, sitting in cafes watching everyday life happen and eating from food stalls - or in establishments were the locals eat - are the highlights of all my travels around the world!

Favourite travel destination and why

Iceland, for its beauty, fresh, clean air and changes of weather – you go from sun to snow to rain to fog all in a 30 minute timespan!

Most recent adventure

Cuba - Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Havana are must sees, it is like stepping back in time.

Best travel memory

Sleeping with wild dogs under the stars in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, India.

Best travel tips

Learn a couple of key phrases in the local language/dialect. People love that you try to communicate with them in their language and are always more than willing to help you.

Favourite food experience

All my food experiences are my favourite – that's what travelling is about!

Any advice for people considering embarking on the trip of a lifetime

Do some research on the basics – visas, currency, weather and opening hours of museums and attractions you want to visit. I never know much more than that for any of the adventures I have embarked on.

Which country is next on your list to experience and why

Egypt - for the pyramids and a hot air balloon ride over the west bank of Luxor. This has been a dream since I was in grade school and had to do a project on Egypt. 

Rik

Europe, Africa, Australia

Tell us about you

I am a proud Dutchman who was enjoying travelling the world when I met a beautiful Canadian in Australia who swept me off my feet and brought me home to Canada! 

Favourite travel destination and why

Southern Africa. The sheer amount of different experiences, from lazing on a beautiful beach and partying in Cape Town, to trying thousands of different kinds of wine and the incredible safaris and wildlife this place has to offer. It truly is a country for everyone and a place that everyone should experience for themselves at least once in their lives.

How many countries have you visited?

Over a 100. I have been to all 7 continents and still continue to find more unique places that I want to visit.

Most recent adventure

Canada - it has some of the most incredible natural landscapes I have ever seen.

Best travel memory

So many to choose from! The most recent one that comes to mind is scuba diving with my fiancee and her brother in Australia surrounded by sharks and sting rays. Pretty incredible experience that I don't know if I would do again.

Best travel tips

If you tend to get stomach bugs in destinations, get yourself a pot of local yoghurt on the first day you arrive. It is a great medium to fortify your stomach!

Favourite food experience

Wandering the streets of Taipei with my Taiwanese friend putting things in my hand to try. To this day I don't want to know what some of the things were that I tried!

Which country is next on your list to experience and why

Egypt. I went once as a child and all I remember is standing in awe of these amazing structures. I am now going back on my honeymoon to delve even further into this amazing culture and fascinating history.