Expert Senior Travel Consultants

I have a role as a senior Risk and Assurance Advisor at Wesley Mission Queensland. I have been a Forensic Accountant with over 25 years experience in litigation support, fraud investigation, fraud risk assessments and criminal defence. I have a special interest in preventing fraud in Not-for-Profit organisations.

I’ve spent over seven years at Yonder Travel Insurance mastering the 'fine print' so travelers don't have to. My expertise lies in deconstructing complex policy language into clear, actionable advice, whether I’m recommending the ideal plan for a unique itinerary or guiding a client through the intricacies of the claims process. By maintaining key partnerships with top insurance providers, I stay at the forefront of industry trends to provide unbiased, expert insights that help travelers maximize their benefits and navigate the unexpected with confidence. I use this experience to craft insightful responses on behalf of Yonder to further educate the public on travel insurance, which you can explore in my featured articles section.

Sue Calvert is the founder of Sojourns With Sue, a travel blog and YouTube channel inspiring women over 50 to embrace solo travel with confidence, humor, and curiosity. She covers solo adventures across Europe and the U.S., with a special love for big-city energy and the charm of small-town escapes. By blending safety advice, practical tips, and a touch of wit, Sue helps midlife women discover destinations, hotels, and strategies that make traveling alone not only doable but deeply rewarding.

I am a Woodstock based senior travel writer and professional photographer. I help adults over 45 travel smarter, avoid tourist traps, and plan practical trips across Canada and internationally. I run Al Murray Travels, a travel blog focused on senior friendly itineraries, and Al Murray Photography, where I photograph sports, events, and local businesses. I have attended all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and regularly share first hand travel tips, budgeting advice, and destination guides. Happy to provide quotes, photos, or real world examples.

I am a successful self-funded searcher and today am CEO of Affinity Travel Co (corporate offsites, alumni, and educational travel) and Women Travel Abroad (boutique women's group trips around the globe). My first job out of college was at a travel company in Morocco, starting its group travel division. I believe that group travel is a powerful way to create community and intercultural exchange globally. Today, I'm so excited to have returned to the travel industry and be able to continue to help others see the world and learn about themselves along the way. Prior to searching and acquiring these travel businesses, I was a private equity operating executive, running an MSP on behalf of Evergreen growing adj EBTIDA 30% YoY. I have a MBA from Duke University and a BS in International Relations from Georgetown University.

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.

Tim Kroeger is a luxury wellness travel specialist, endurance athlete, and the creator of The Restorative Index (tim-kroeger.com/the-restorative-index/), a 100-point scoring framework that evaluates whether luxury wellness hotels genuinely restore guests — or quietly drain them. It is the only performance-based, repeatable hotel evaluation system that scores across six weighted pillars: Sleep Architecture, Environmental Calm, Nutritional Impact, Spa & Recovery, Movement, and Frictionless Operations. Tim is the official brand ambassador for Healthi Life (healthi-life.com), a longevity clinic in Bangkok, where he documents a long-term longevity journey with real clinical data. He competes in HYROX, marathons, gravel cycling, trail races, and obstacle races around the world, and recovers at the luxury wellness hotels he evaluates. That cycle of training, racing, and restoring is the foundation of his expertise. He is also the founder of Universal Traveller (universal-traveller.com) and the inventor of Luxury Bikepacking (universal-traveller.com/luxury-bikepacking-definition/), a concept that combines long-distance endurance cycling with luxury hotels, fine dining, and premium recovery, rather than camping and minimalism. His documented journeys include a 1,600km ride across Thailand and an 8,000km route through Southeast Asia. Tim holds a Bachelor's degree in International Tourism Management from NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, with study campuses in Bali and Bangkok. From 2014 to 2020, he worked as a Flight Attendant for Lufthansa German Airlines, completing the Lufthansa Aviation Training service programme, an experience that sharpened his understanding of premium hospitality standards and genuine service excellence. After 15+ years of full-time travel across 112+ countries and 230+ personally tested hotel nights, Tim now reviews luxury wellness hotels, spas, and thermal retreats on tim-kroeger.com. His work includes the Beyond the Spa expert interview series and global wellness industry roundups. His expertise has been featured in Asian Spectator, The Times (Australia), Stuff (New Zealand), aeroTELEGRAPH, 20 Minuten, German regional press, & broadcast media, including a live TV interview with Ticker TV. Full media coverage: tim-kroeger.com/newsroom/ Tim is based in Bangkok and writes on luxury hospitality, wellness travel, endurance sport and recovery, longevity science, and the intersection of performance and travel.

I am a licensed geropsychologist with more than 30 years of professional experience focused on psychologically healthy aging. My work addresses how mindset, lifestyle, mental health, and social connection influence longevity, brain health, and quality of life in later years. I specialize in topics such as cognitive aging, resilience, depression and dementia in older adults, and practical strategies that help people adapt to the physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany aging. I am the founder of Living to 100, an education and media platform dedicated to reframing aging as a stage of continued growth, meaning, and contribution. I host the long-running Living to 100 Club podcast, where I interview researchers, clinicians, and innovators in aging, health, and longevity, translating evidence-based insights into accessible, real-world guidance. I also speak nationally and locally to older adults, caregivers, and professionals working in senior living, healthcare, and community organizations. My commentary emphasizes balanced, realistic optimism about aging—grounded in science rather than hype. I focus on what individuals, families, and communities can do now to support cognitive health, emotional well-being, purpose, and engagement across the later decades of life. I am particularly interested in countering ageist assumptions, promoting resilience after loss or health setbacks, and highlighting practical, psychologically informed approaches to aging well.

With 25 years in the travel industry across Europe, I have recently started my own business as a travel consultant. Leveraging my experiences as a tour guide in France, Norway and the Benelux, as well as resort work in other countries, I now help plan itineraries for independent travelers to Europe,

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

Turning the world into words Travel writer and journalist specialising in solo adventure and story-led travel for women. I'm Nika—a journo, adventurer and author with a 25+ years of experience across radio, TV, print, digital and social. My passion is solo travel and slow adventures—not just seeing places but getting under the skin of them. Walking my way to stories - my feet are wiser than my head, finding cultural connection and a deeper understanding through the people who live there: local families, creatives, journalists. And always, the taste of place. I've worked with global media and brands, including the BBC, Emap, News UK, DMGT, Bauer, Wizja TV, Foxtel, Expedia Group, Weber Shandwick, Havas and Publicis Groupe. 12x book babies on health & wellness. I mentor journos through the NUJ and host a Writers' Café in Hastings & St Leonards. Work and collaborate with me → https://nikatalbot.io Since 2020, I've been building Bold Types, recommended by Hotflash Inc. as “a helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many of us.” 🌐 Bold Types Adventures in journalism, from a GenXy writer who walks. Your weekly hit of optimism and grit. Join us → https://www.nikatalbot.io Professional memberships National Union of Journalists (London Freelance SoMe officer), Women in Journalism, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Digital Creator Association, The Media Society, Talking Travel Writing, TravMedia. Wall of Love “They should frame this newsletter in the Louvre—simply a joy to read!” – Eoin Whyte, Chief Revenue Officer & co-founder, Savvy. Here to fix your content gaps! 💎 “Two things to say from all of us… BRAVO & AMAZING! It was really engaging and fun to read. This is the reference we should keep for upcoming work.” — Daniel Mondragón, Global Brand Lead, Nestlé, The Science of Growing Up Happy Book "Recommended reading for Workforce Futurists!" - Andy Spence, Founder, Workforce Futurist “I was impressed with how much you connected to people and the place when you were here. You’ve got a gift for it. Not everybody is like that – comfortable striking up conversations with strangers.” — Marianne Lehnis, Founder, The Green Techpreneur Gold star for reading this far 🤩 Working in travel media? I'd love to connect. Get in touch - nika@nikatalbot.io.

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.

Elizabeth Gavino, Medicare Strategist Lewin & Gavino Inc. | Medicare Transition Partners Elizabeth Gavino is a Medicare Strategist with 30 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, executives, and employers navigate Medicare transitions before they become costly, irreversible mistakes. She is the founder of Medicare Transition Partners and the creator of the CMTA (Certified Medicare Transition Advisor) credentialing program — the first professional credential designed to train advisors on Medicare transition strategy. Elizabeth has been cited as a Medicare expert source in over 100 articles for CNBC and CNN. She specializes in Medicare strategy and planning, IRMAA and income planning, retirement healthcare costs, and employer Medicare transitions. Based in La Jolla, California.

Jen Curnutt is a travel blogger, freelance writer, and content creator behind Jen33Travel, a premier travel blog focused on outdoor adventure, curated itineraries, and climate-conscious travel. Based in Southern California, Jen has worked with 100+ travel and lifestyle brands, creating engaging content that inspires readers to unplug, explore hidden gems, and experience the world more meaningfully. IG @jen33travel.

Jennifer Spatz is the Founder of Global Family Travels and a leader in regenerative, community-based tourism. A cultural anthropologist at heart, she designs immersive travel experiences grounded in her company’s mission to Learn, Serve, and Immerse—connecting travelers meaningfully with local communities, cultures, and natural environments. Through partnerships with global and local nonprofits, Jennifer integrates regenerative tourism principles and aligns programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her journeys combine cultural exchange, educational experiences, homestays, and community-driven projects that strengthen social and environmental systems in the destinations visited. Her insights on regenerative travel have been featured in TravelAge West (“Regenerative Meets Family Fun”) and on the podcast Regenerative Tourism: When Sustainability Isn’t Enough. (see all news links here: https://www.globalfamilytravels.com/news)

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

Since 1987, Ilene has delivered investment literacy and retirement education that empowers individuals to understand, navigate, and take control of their financial future. She spent more than 25 years as a financial advisor, building her practice through her signature seminar series, “Women and Their Money.” Ilene is also an award-winning speaker on the MyCPE One platform, where she has been recognized as the top financial and top retirement educator for three consecutive years. As CEO and founder of DSS Consulting, Ilene provides professional guidance to pre-retirees and retirees through coaching and video-on-demand e-learning. Ilene is also a subject-matter expert on the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and speaks to civil-service employees across the federal agency spectrum. In addition to programs at private companies, Ms. Slatko has been a speaker at conferences, including the Army Materiel Command Women’s Financial Day, Delaware Women’s Conference, and numerous youth financial literacy programs. She has been the Director of Training for companies in both the financial and real estate fields. Ms. Slatko is a regular columnist for Rethinking65, an online publication for advisors and their over-65 clients. She is currently working on a book entitled “Sustainable Retirement”. Ilene is an alumna of Marietta College, where she studied Drama, Speech, and English.

Deborah Dennis is a UX researcher, product designer, travel writer, and Airstream-roving photographer who’s spent 25+ years turning complex experiences—digital and real-world—into stories people can actually feel. A former Silicon Valley designer, Deborah has led research and design for major organizations, including Visa, Intel, Teladoc Health, MetLife, and Arizona State University, specializing in translating messy, data-heavy systems into clear, human-centered tools. When she’s not interviewing users or mapping enterprise workflows, Deborah is on the road with her Airstream and her dog, Wally, documenting immersive, first-person travel adventures for Only In Your State and her blog Travels With Wally. Her experiential storytelling and original photography bring readers straight into the forests, coastlines, deserts, and small towns she explores. Deborah’s expertise spans UX strategy, AI-driven product design, solo travel, national parks, RV life, outdoor adventure, and women-over-50 travel culture. Whether she’s testing a health platform or tracking lions in Botswana, her work blends curiosity, clarity, and a deep belief in the power of lived experience. She is available for expert commentary on: UX research, digital product design, AI and user experience, travel storytelling, RV life, national parks, outdoor adventures, and women’s solo travel.

As the Senior Travel Writer and Content Marketer at Zicasso, I leverage my MFA in Creative Writing and over 10 years of experience in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry to create engaging and informative content that connects travelers with authentic and personalized experiences. I have established hundreds of articles, sample itineraries, bulletins, emails, blogs, and social media posts that showcase the diversity and richness of global destinations and cultures, while also developing and implementing SEO and advertising strategies that drive traffic and conversions. I manage and mentor a team of writers, researchers, and editors, and collaborate with travel partners and stakeholders to ensure quality and consistency across all platforms and channels. My passion is to build connection and trust through storytelling, and to inspire others to explore the world with curiosity and wonder.