Exotic Destinations Professionals to Know 2025

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.

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.

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.

Addison Jaynes is the CEO and founder of Reliant Destinations, a luxury travel brand focused on helping travelers book the Caribbean’s most iconic all-inclusive experiences with confidence. He also leads Reliant Cruising, specializing in ultra-luxury sailings with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Jaynes currently runs the largest independent Sandals & Beaches YouTube channel, Mr. TraveLux - which focuses on resort tours, insider perspectives and industry news. With an Executive MBA from the University of the West of England, plus business and international studies degrees spanning St. Petersburg State University (Russia) to Texas A&M University, Addison blends global perspective with high-performance business strategy. He has personally visited 143 countries, giving him rare, real-world travel expertise and an eye for what truly elevates a trip from “nice” to unforgettable. Addison is a trusted voice in the Sandals & Beaches ecosystem, serving on the Sandals & Beaches Resorts Chairman’s Advisory Council, and is recognized for elite production and client service standards. His work has been featured in Travel Weekly, Forbes, the Sandals Palmcast, and other major outlets. Known for being both analytical and customer-obsessed, Addison brings deep experience in luxury sales, destination expertise, weddings & honeymoons, and travel industry trends, with a strong focus on value optimization, resort selection strategy, and white-glove client support. Some Recent Awards & Recognition include: • Diamond Elite – Chairman’s Royal Club (Sandals Resorts) • Top Global Weddings & Honeymoons Producer (Sandals & Beaches Resorts) • Best of the Best Travel Agency Addison is available for expert commentary on luxury travel, Sandals or Beaches Resorts, all-inclusive resort trends, destination strategy, weddings & honeymoons, high end cruising, entrepreneurship and the future of travel planning.

Having journeyed to all seven continents, consider Angela Adto your luxury travel aficionado. She’s summited Mount Kilimanjaro, scuba-dived with enormous manta rays in the Maldives, watched the humpback whales in Antarctica, para-glided in Cape Town, swam with sharks in the Galápagos Islands, and hiked Machu Picchu.Angela is very passionate about sharing her love of travel. She takes an incredible amount of pride in giving clients a personalized and meticulous travel experience, offering unparalleled service with impeccable attention to detail.Angela is a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist for 2021 and has been featured in the Washington Post and Seattle Times.Aside from being a travel advisor, she leads yoga retreats as a certified RYT 500 yoga teacher to breathtaking destinations that she loves sharing with clients.AZA means space in Sanskrit, reflection in Swahili, strength in Hebrew, and comfort in Arabic. I hope AZA LUXURY TRAVEL will instill every aspect of these great qualities into your life.

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

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

As a Program Manager at SEEK, I manage the delivery of strategic programs for SEEK's AI platforms and services group, which aims to create a seamless and personalised experience for candidates and hirers across the Asia Pacific. I have over 10 years of experience in leading and executing complex technology projects across various industries, including government, higher education, and the private sector. I am passionate about solving seemingly impossible problems with creative and innovative solutions, leveraging my skills in leadership, strategy, business process optimisation, and IT project delivery. I have a Master of Technology in Computer Software Engineering and a Bachelor of Music in Performance. I am also a certified MSP Practitioner, ITIL certified and a certified mentor. I enjoy collaborating with diverse and talented teams, and contributing to SEEK's mission of helping people live more fulfilling and productive working lives.

I'm Natalie Shuman, owner and operator of Sun Divers Roatan. My husband Shannon and I took ownership in January 2021 and transformed Sun Divers into Roatan's first-ever PADI Eco Center, proving that world-class diving and meaningful conservation go hand in hand. As a PADI instructor and coral ambassador trainer, I lead with a clear mission: deliver exceptional diving experiences while maintaining unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Our concierge-style service, small group sizes (maximum six divers per guide), and meticulous attention to detail remove all friction from a dive vacation so guests focus on unforgettable underwater adventures. I serve on the board of the Roatan Marine Park and hold the designation of Inland Ocean Ambassador. As co-founder of Roatan's Eco-Safe Sunscreen Coalition, I've helped drive regional policy changes that protect our reefs. These partnerships represent tangible action: over 500 coral fragments restored last season, monthly beach cleanups, routine Dive Against Debris events, and our ROA GIRLS DIVE! scholarship program providing local women and girls with scuba certifications. We've earned TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice honors eight years running and won the Golden Buoy Award every year since 2019 for raising the most funds for local nonprofits. Guests consistently tell us we stand out for professionalism, passion, and genuine conservation commitment. What drives me is creating a dive operation where safety, service, and sustainability define every experience. This isn't greenwashing. It's deliberate action backed by results. My goal: position Sun Divers as the beacon for eco dive centers globally, proving that concierge-style adventures and ocean protection aren't competing priorities—they're inseparable.

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 am an online entrepreneur, author, and travel scholar specializing in high-end travel, cultural exploration, and local destination experiences. As the founder of Paradize.life, a travel website dedicated to collecting luxury destination knowledge, I am an expert in helping travelers find unique experiences, local secrets, and personalized itineraries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. My area of expertise is deep travel research and writing, where I track future trends, review top destinations, and create content to inform and motivate modern travelers. Although I have not visited each country personally, my strength is transforming in-depth research into clear, informative, and SEO-optimized content connecting travelers with luxury services, from private jet charters to luxury resorts and unique tours.

Since my inception into the travel business 45+ years ago, I have always had an unwavering passion for luxury travel experiences and making my clients happy. I derive the greatest pleasure in the feedback that I get from my clients. Beside my love of travel, I am romantic at heart. It is my unwavering passion for romance, travel, unique experiences that led me to create my business Honeymoon Islands, Inc. I think what separates me from other luxury travel advisors is my genuine love for what I do and making people happy. More important than the professional accolades, I live and breathe romance & travel and the finer things in life. I will go the distance to ensure that the travel experiences I put together for my clients creates memories for them that transcend lifetimes!

I'm Alena Warfield, with Vincent Vacations and All Inclusive Weddings. As a dedicated travel advisor, I specialize in turning your travel dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for the perfect getaway to a dreamy destination, organizing an unforgettable group trip, or seeking a customized itinerary tailored to your unique preferences, I’m here to craft experiences that inspire and delight. Let’s make your next journey one to remember!

An ex-banker by profession Himanshu comes from the desert state of India "Rajasthan" but he has immense love for the green mountains. A photographer at heart, you will find him wandering and escorting tours through various unexplored regions of India and abroad. He focused on areas where others had erred, which is why he has been able to leave a trail of very happy clients who left India with immensely pleasant memories.

I am the founder of Latin Adventures, a boutique Destination Management Company specializing in luxury, sustainable, and tailor-made travel across South America. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, I design high-end journeys that combine comfort, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism in destinations such as the Galápagos Islands, Peru, Patagonia, the Amazon Rainforest, and Easter Island. I work closely with travelers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, creating personalized itineraries that balance exclusivity, authenticity, and seamless logistics. My expertise includes luxury adventure travel, multi-country itineraries, wildlife experiences, and sustainable tourism practices that support local communities and conservation efforts. I am frequently consulted for insights on luxury travel trends, safe and responsible travel in South America, and how travelers can experience iconic destinations while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.

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.

As a Cozumel specialist since 2008, I offer over fifteen years of deep, authentic local immersion, transforming my passion for this slice of paradise into an unforgettable experience for you. I am your go-to resource for everything the island has to offer: from seamless hosting and personalized adventures to expert insights on local real estate and the best of Mexican culture. My commitment is to provide a dynamic, highly responsive hosting experience that also respects your privacy and your space to relax. I am not just a host; I am an active island cheerleader dedicated to constantly elevating your stay. In fact, I actively seek guest input, as some of our most celebrated features came directly from brilliant ideas shared by travelers like you. Let's make your Cozumel trip a blast. I'm ready to listen and deliver.

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.

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.