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Our Stores - Specialist

Chantal

Europe, Asia

Tell us about you

I did my studies at univeristy in archaeology and history; immedately after graduating I decided to see everything I had studied in my textbooks in real life! My travels have taken me on a 3-month-long medieval pilgrimage, cruising around the globe, hiking mountains in Morocco, scaling the Great Wall, Bollywood dancing in Jaipur, and southbound to Peru!

Favourite travel destination and why

Italy or Morocco: Italy because my family lives there and everytime I visit I'm guaranteed to be treated to homemade pasta and gelato! And Morocco because it was the first country I travelled to that challenged my then euro-centric travels. I loved waking up at dawn and meeting the sweetest and most hospitable people who welcome you with Moroccan mint tea!
 

How many countries have you visited?

Last count was around thirty-five but I'm determinded to add to that total soon!
 

Most recent adventure

I just got back from a double-header - a three week trip to China where I tried my hand at Kung Fu in Shaolin, Panda-viewing in Chendu and navigating the Forbidden City in Beijing. I headed back to Canada only to immediately hop on a plane a few days later to Scandinavia to sail the Fjords!
 

Best travel memory

Walking the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain. It was anywhere between 10 to 40 kilometeres per day and it took me nearly three months to arrive at the final destination in Santiago de Compostella. Walking into the cathedral after 1,400 kms of trails, mountains and memories to last a lifetime was the BEST feeling I've ever had while travelling!
 

Best travel tips

Instead of packing a tourist map; take a high-res photo of one on your camera or phone. When you navigate to the next photo op there’s no need to fold out giant maps or to advertise yourself as a tourist. Instead, you look like a busy local! That – and never eat sushi in a land-locked country.
 

Favourite food experience

Making friends on an overnight train in China and trying chicken feet. It was an oddly crunchy experience.
 

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

You can always make more money, but you can't make more time – if you have the opportunity to go somewhere spectacular, sieze it! 
 

Which country is next on your list to experience and why?

Jordan and Turkey – I studied medieval art history and archaeology in uni and some of the most amazing examples of artwork are all here! Plus – Indiana Jones visited too!
 

Jen

Peru, Southern Africa, Australia, South East Asia

Tell us about you

I grew up in the travel industry and I even travelled to Australia before I was 1 year old! I love to travel - the only continent I haven't been to is Antarctica and it is at the top of my bucket list!
 

Favourite travel destination and why

It is really hard to pick only one favourite as every place I have been to has been amazing! I find the people of South America very friendly, the scenery of Southern Africa incredible, the history of South-East Asia really interesting, and I could keep going...
 

How many countries have you visited?

Lots! Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Norway, Svalbard, Austria, Hungary, Germany, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, etc.
 

Most recent adventure

Argentina and Brazil! My favourite part was getting drenched at Iguazu Falls while sitting at the front of the boat, which travelled from the Brazillian side of the falls.
 

Best travel memory

Most recent favourite travel memory was learning to Tango in Buenos Aires!
 

Best travel tips

Be prepared to “go with the flow” - things happen all the time that may change how the itinerary will operate, you just need to go with the flow and know it is all part of the adventure!
 

Favourite food experience

Acai in Brazil – love the stuff and it is good for you as well.
 

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

Just go for it! If you are a little hesitant, you should just go for it. You will not regret it!
 

Which country is next on your list to experience and why:.

Antarctica is at the top of my list. Once I get there I will be able to say I have been on every continent!
 

Mick

Global

Tell us about you

I am now a Canadian citizen after growing up in Ireland and living in Australia for a couple of years. I am at home on the road. The sense of freedom is addicitive. I think I need to go to meetings!!!
 

Favourite travel destination and why

Antarctica. The one commonality throughout the world is people. They are everywhere, except Antarctica. Being off the grid and in nature for two weeks was unparalleled. It was like being on another planet. 
 

How many countries have you visited?

Heading for 50 - it takes way too long to try and count them! Lots more to see though.
 

Most recent adventure

Nepal with Intrepid. We did an 8-day trip and were able to experience Hinduism, the Himalayas and we even saw a leopard in the wild. I loved it, will go back again for sure.
 

Best travel memory

Chillin' in Belize without a worry in the world. Travel is sometimes about what you are seeing and what you are doing. But sometimes it's about a total sense of escapism from our normal worlds. Belize a great place to get away from it all.
 

Favourite food experience

Butter chicken on a rooftop restaurant in the city of Madurai in Southern India. We got the last cold beers out of the fridge too. Nobody likes warm beer, especially when it's 40 degrees!
 

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

Do it, honestly do it. It's better to regret something you did do than something you didn't to. Anyway, you won't regret it.
 

Which country is next on your list to experience and why?

Iceland. I love the outdoors and I think Iceland has a lot to offer. It's also kind of en route to Ireland so it's a great excuse to stop over.
 

Sam

Europe, Oceania, South East Asia

Tell us about you

A British ex-backpacker settling down and enjoying life in Toronto. A huge advocate of travelling and responsible travel, I take great pleasure in facilitating my client's plans and sharing the lessons I have learnt during my own touring experiences.
 

Favourite travel destination and why?

Greece - incredibly pleasant people with big hearts. Beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.
 

Most recent adventure

I travelled to Munich for Oktoberfest and took the time to visit Prague and Berlin as well.
 

Best travel memory

Taking part in the 10-day country-wide waterfight festival that is Songkran (Thai New Year).
 

Best travel tips

Hide a 100 US dollar bill in your baggage in case of emergencies. Bring a hammock so you'll always have somewhere to relax. Purchase an organising wallet for all your electronics and wires so you can keep track of them.
 

Favourite food experience

Sitting on a beach in Thailand watching dinner arriving from the ocean and going straight to the BBQ.
 

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

Take a travel journal and fill it in everyday or two. It might seem like a chore at the time, but it is the best souvenir money can't buy.
 

Which country is next on your list to experience and why?

Morocco – I can't wait to experience the diversity of the country.
 

Samuel

Europe

Tell us about you

Hugely passionate about travel and pushing my own boundaries. I love to mix my passion for travel with my love for sports, food and the weird and wonderful.
 

Favourite travel destination and why

Rome, Italy. Amazing food, people and historic sights galore!

 

How many countries have you visited?

22 and I have lived in England, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States.

 

Most recent adventure

Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River.
 

Best travel memory

Roadtripping in the States from Napa Valley to Las Vegas with my two best friends.
 

Best travel tips

Travel light and don't get caught out on weight restrictions with your luggage. Tell your bank where you are going so if you do need impulse funds, this won't be an issue.
 

Favourite food experience

Eating amazing paninis and pastries from hole-in-the-wall bakeries in Italy.
 

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

Make the most of it, soak up everything. Prepare to be out of your comfort zone in a good way.
 

Which country is next on your list to experience and why

Brazil. I'm a big soccer fan and I'd like to make it to the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
 

Shortlist

No trips.