Top Adventure Travel Experts 2025

Maina is a tourism professional with extensive experience working at eminent East African brands such as Elewana Collection, Soroi Collection and Angama. She has a love for storytelling, and for the behind-the-scenes intersections where travel, conservation, and relationships converge.

Maina is a safari travel specialist, dedicated to helping travelers from around the world experience Africa’s wild beauty safely and authentically. With years of hands-on experience exploring Kenya’s national parks and working closely with trusted safari operators, Maina combines insider knowledge with a passion for wildlife conservation.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

I am a trekking Guide and adventure traveller from Nepal. I have been Handling Adventure Trekking, Expeditions, cultural, and Wildlife Tours in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan since 2006. I love showing new people new places and giving them experiences they'll never forget. I have several past and current clients recommending me and my team, whom you can contact directly. This is, in fact, our best advertisement. Now I am working with smaller and more private groups through this. I love to travel around the world and share my experiences.

As a Luxury Travel Advisor and founder of Awaken Travels, I believe travel is more than just a vacation – it's a transformative journey that opens minds, changes perspectives, and awakens the soul. With nearly a decade of experience crafting exceptional travel experiences, I lead a team of specialized travel advisors who share my passion for creating meaningful journeys. * My approach to travel planning is deeply rooted in my background of serving and advocating for others. Whether I'm designing a multi-generational family adventure, coordinating a destination wedding, or arranging a luxury cruise, I bring the same dedication to understanding each client's unique story and dreams. At Awaken Travels, we specialize in: * Luxury Travel Design Destination Weddings Transformative Group Travel Cultural Immersion Experiences Cruise & Resort Vacations Beyond travel planning, I serve as Vice President of ASTA's Chattanooga Chapter and actively contribute to my community as Executive Director of Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful. This dual commitment to global exploration and local engagement allows me to create positive change through both travel experiences and community initiatives. As a certified specialist in multiple destinations and travel styles, I combine deep industry knowledge with personal care to ensure each journey exceeds expectations. My mission is to help you explore the world in ways that inspire personal growth and create lasting memories. Let's connect and explore how I can help create your next extraordinary journey: awakentravels.com 541-944-0563 cindi@awakentravels.com #LuxuryTravel #TravelAdvisor #DestinationWeddings #TravelPlanning #LuxuryLifestyle #TravelExpert

My specialty is following travel trends and tracking tickets at Machu Picchu. About 10 years ago I started tracking the data to see how many people visited Machu Picchu, when they visited and where did they come from. I found some interesting gaps in the information I collected and the data being reported to the public. Since 2007 I've been working with native Peruvian tour guide, Vidal Jaquehua, to organize trips for small groups to South America. Including Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Amazon jungle, Lake Titicaca, Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Patagonia. Vidal and I collaborate almost daily to set up our groups. Our friendship has bloomed into respectful appreciation for each other's culture and world view. We often joke that we are opposite ends of the same bridge that our groups traverse between the modern western world and the ancient world of the Inca. We both understand the role that tourism plays in preserving the remnants of ancient cultures. On the Adios Adventure Travel website, we have a blog that features the latest information and updates about tickets, hiking permits and travel news that affects people traveling to Machu Picchu. When shuttle buses or train services are suspended, we're on it. People want to know how it will affect them. We are "fixers" and we often assist travelers when they make mistakes or come across situations they don't know how to handle. For instance, if trains to Machu Picchu are suspended how can people get to Machu Picchu? Are there back roads? Many travelers try to combine more than one destination on their big adventure trips to South America. such as, is it possible to visit Machu Picchu and Easter Island on the same trip? We know how to put together multiple destinations efficiently.

Iam an experienced and seasoned business developer, co-founder of Agasaro Safaris, a boutique luxury safari and Destination Management Company in East Africa. I have understood the logistics, planning, and execution of Luxury FIT's and Incentive travels, and am well knowledgeable about the entire region and all it has to offer. I have acquired training and certifications in tourism operations and trust that my capabilities are worth every detail of a luxury safari that is planned from the point of inquiry to the last minute of departure.

I’m Balaram Thapa, the founder and CEO of Nepal Hiking Team, a leading agency offering trekking and adventure tours across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the tourism industry, I specialize in designing safe, culturally rich, and memorable trekking experiences in the Himalayas. My journey began as a trekking porter and evolved into leading one of Nepal’s most trusted adventure companies. This deep field experience—combined with a strong commitment to sustainable travel—gives me a unique perspective on high-altitude trekking, traveler safety, and authentic Himalayan exploration.

Junichiro Honjo is the founder of LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH — a travel movement born from the idea that walking and silence can change how we see the world. He curates immersive journeys across the Himalayas that combine culture, nature, and mindfulness, helping travelers reconnect with the meaning of presence.

Beyond the Plains Safaris is a trusted safari DMC based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in expertly crafted Kenya and Tanzania safaris. We offer personalized wildlife experiences, luxury and mid-range tours, and seamless ground handling across East Africa, delivering unforgettable journeys beyond the plains.

Laurel is the founder of Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel, named after the two things she loves most. She started it as an adventure travel blog 10 years ago and for the past several years has focused on offering primate tours in Madagascar and hiking tours in Europe. In addition, Laurel has a marketing background and shares her passion for digital marketing by offering digital marketing consulting to tour operators and travel companies. She’s been featured in high profile publications including National Geographic, BBC Travel, The Guardian and The Telegraph. Laurel’s a sought after speaker having spoken at ITB Berlin (3 times), WTM London, WTM Dubai, NBE Finland, TBEX Athens, TBC Asia Colombo and the Romanian Digital Travel Conference. TravelMassive recently included her in their “100 Inspiring Women Travel Founders” list. When not hard at work, you’ll find her volunteering with monkeys or hiking in the Alps.

Luxury travel advisor, 500hr yoga-trained, aerial instructor, community leader of 150K, international resort leader

Passionate traveller and co-founder of CheckinAway.com, where I share detailed reviews and guides for upscale hotels and unique destinations. Exploring the world one trip at a time—here to share insights and help you plan unforgettable adventures!

Amanda Lima is the visionary Founder and CEO of Sereni Journeys. a wellness retreat company renowned for crafting transformational experiences for global travelers. With a passion for mind, body, and spiritual alignment, Amanda has dedicated her career to designing and hosting exclusive retreats at premier resorts delivering immersive programs that fuse spa therapies, mindfulness, cultural exploration, and luxury hospitality. Amanda specializes in curating five to seven night retreats that blend yoga, meditation, state of the art wellness technologies, and adventure for coaches, groups, and corporate teams. She is the architect behind Sereni Journeys' signature retreats such as Soul Mapping and Wild Serenity, programs recognized for their sophistication and unique approach to transformative travel. Amanda is also proud to introduce the "Pups and Presence" retreat, a heart centered initiative within the Sereni Journeys portfolio. This unique experience invites guests to nurture wellness alongside their canine companions, blending mindful practices with adventure in a luxurious, pet-friendly setting. Demonstrating her commitment to social impact, Amanda donates 100% of the retreats proceeds to a leading animal charity, ensuring each retreat not only transforms guests' lives but also supports vital animal welfare causes. Notable achievements include designing bespoke retreats for corporate teams, pioneering experiences that integrate aura imaging and spiritual discovery, and being recognized for creative retreat programs. Amanda's industry perspective has made her a sought-after voice on the future of wellness travel and a leader in setting new hospitality standards that prioritize transformative and restorative escapes.

I am a travel journalist with bylines in New York Times, The Guardian, BBC Travel, CN Travel and more. I run the anti-overtourism travel blog Shortcuts and Sidequests, dedicated to sustainable adventures. If you are writing about sustainable travel, eco-tourism, or solo female adventures, please get in touch, I will be happy to answer your questions.

As a passionate and experienced Travel Advisor at Easy Travel Tanzania, I specialize in curating unforgettable journeys throughout East Africa. With a deep understanding of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and iconic wildlife, I craft personalized itineraries that reflect each traveler’s unique dreams and interests.

My name is Kristen and I have traveled, lived and worked all across the globe for over a decade. In 2013, after nearly a decade building a career in corporate marketing in NYC, I left it all behind to travel solo across 3 continents and 26 countries. From there I became a scuba diving instructor, and spent the next 10 years living and working in Thailand, Mexico, St. Croix and Florida. In 2017, I was voted PADI's Inspiring Woman Diver of the Year. Beginning in 2024 I joined Fora as a luxury travel planner and have launched my own travel brand and blog, Dear Destination Travel, so that I could help inspire others to make their travel dreams and goals come to life. I have now traveled to 6 continents and over 35 countries. My website, deardestinationtravel.com, is a complete travel resource and inspiration hub.

Licensed, insured, and bonded professional travel agent. I love to travel whether it be for adventure or relaxation. I love to share my passion of traveling with others. I have experience in booking travel of all kinds.

Sandals #1 US Travel Agency... Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rivage Travel Consulting & www.BestCaribbeanResorts.com is a boutique travel consultant group owned by husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Angela Patton. As Sandals specialists with over 15 years of expertise, we have personally visited every resort and booked over 2,000 client trips to Sandals, earning recognition as the 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency in the USA and ranking among the top seven travel advisors nationwide. Being in the top 1% of all US travel advisors, our Diamond Elite status with Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club means we have insider knowledge and experience when it comes Sandals & Beaches resorts. TRAVEL AWARDS & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Sandals Resorts Awards 2026 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2025 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – USA 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – South East 2024 Top Sandals Butler Elite Travel Agency 2024 Top Sandals Island Routes Agency - Worldwide 2024 Top 10 Independent Sandals Travel Agency – Worldwide 2024 Sandals Million Dollar Club 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime