Family 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.

Joelyz Linkous is a biologist, writer, and founder of Vámonos Together, a travel platform dedicated to helping families explore the world in meaningful and sustainable ways. As a military spouse and mom of three, she brings a unique perspective on navigating travel logistics, eco-conscious planning, and cultural immersion with children. Her expertise has been shaped by both her scientific background and hands-on family travel experiences across North America and beyond.

With a passion for travel that transcends physical barriers, I have been a dedicated force in the travel industry since 2007. As a seasoned travel agent and agency owner, I specialize in accessible travel, bringing a unique perspective to the world of exploration. Born without arms and shortened legs, I navigate the globe from the vantage point of a powered wheelchair, proving that wanderlust knows no bounds. My journey into the travel industry was fueled by a desire to make the world more accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. I travel with my wife and three daughters. Making family memories while we are out and about is our passion. Whether it is cruising the Caribbean or rolling through the streets of London, I've been all over this world in my powered wheelchair. And, there's still so much to see!

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.

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

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

Andrea Napiontek | Founder & CEO, Second Star Wishes Andrea Napiontek is the founder and CEO of Second Star Wishes, a boutique travel agency known for crafting magical, meaningful, and meticulously planned vacations around the world. With more than a decade of experience in the travel industry, Andrea has built an award-winning agency that specializes in luxury family vacations, romantic getaways, and bespoke itineraries that balance comfort, connection, and creativity. Under her leadership, Second Star Wishes has grown into a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its concierge-level service, deep destination expertise, and a personalized approach that turns travel planning into an experience in itself. Her team of advisors is known for curating unforgettable trips to destinations including Disney, Universal, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, European cities, Caribbean escapes, and beyond. Andrea is a visionary businesswoman, mentor, and strategist dedicated to helping other travel advisors build thriving, purpose-driven careers. She’s known for blending data-driven business acumen with a heartfelt, service-first philosophy...earning her industry partnerships with leading travel brands and consortia. With an eye for storytelling and a passion for helping others see the world, Andrea continues to inspire both travelers and fellow entrepreneurs to pursue experiences that create lifelong memories.

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.

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!

Alison Essner is a Travel Agent who works with busy families to help them navigate the complexity of planning a family vacation so they can have an incredible trip with no stress. Alison believes all of her clients deserve a guide to vacation planning so they feel relaxed, supported, and in-the-know. Alison has helped hundreds of families plan magical vacations all over the globe. Alison owns Magic Expeditions LLC, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and a Universal Parks U-Preferred agency. Alison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications, from Saint Louis University. She can be contacted direct at alison@magicexpeditions.com.

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

Adam Bosch is the founder and CEO of altCamp, North America's leading campervan rental marketplace. Under his leadership, altCamp grew from a boutique fleet of luxury campervans in Southern California to a national platform featuring over +1,000 vehicles. Adam has led altCamp through strategic partnerships with brands like Hurley, Outdoorsy, and SUPER73, as well as high-profile collaborations with professional athletes, social media influencers, and podcasters. His efforts have not only boosted altCamp’s visibility but positioned it as a category-defining brand in the outdoor travel space. He’s passionate about making road travel more accessible and believes campervans should offer more than transportation: they should inspire unforgettable experiences. He brings deep expertise in the RV, camping, hospitality, and outdoor industries.

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.

Rob McIntosh is an avid skier and has worked in winter sports tourism for over 20 years.

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.

A former English professor, I made a career switch in early 2023 to focus on combining my loves of travel and writing. On CampingKiddos.com, I provide easy, actionable advice for parents looking to get their kids outdoors more. I feature kid-friendly hiking trails, campground reviews, national parks itineraries, and other helpful tips and tricks. Since 2023, my family and I have traveled more than 25,000 miles around United States, spending a combined 7 months in our travel trailer as we visited 34 states and 25 national parks.

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.

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.