Culinary & Cultural Immersion Travel Specialist

Kyoto, Japan - Let me help you plan your trip!

My Mission: To curate exceptional culinary and cultural immersion travel experiences that blend adventure and luxury, enriching clients' understanding of global cultures.

I’ve been a traveler for as long as I can remember, from early cross-country car trips to visit family, to study abroad trips in high school and college, to backpacking trips in East and Southeast Asia, to extended cultural immersion experiences in Japan and New Zealand. I enjoy the thrill of experiencing something new and challenging myself to see the world through a different cultural lens.

As an amateur chef, I’m particularly interested in learning about the cuisine of a country or region. I want to understand the unique flavors and ingredients used, the cooking techniques, the history of how the cuisine evolved and how it came to uniquely represent that region, and of course…I want to experience the food itself!

I also appreciate authentic cultural immersion experiences that allow me to connect with people and learn from them. I enjoy getting to know people and trying to understand the world through their eyes.

I’m not as inclined as I once was to throw on a backpack and stay in the least expensive youth hostel or travel inn I can find (I’ve stayed in some pretty “interesting” places!). These days, I appreciate a comfortable bed, quality service, delicious food, and a bit of pampering, along with some adventures that get me out of my comfort zone. I love to plan trips and research all the possible options, but I’ve also come to appreciate an itinerary that has been curated and prepared by experts and locals. Maybe you feel that way, too, which is why you’re considering working with a Travel Advisor?

Allow me to curate and plan your adventures for you! If you also have a curiosity about global cultures and are seeking exceptional culinary and cultural immersion travel experiences that blend adventure and a bit of (or a lot of) luxury, then I’m the travel advisor for you. I will go the extra mile or kilometer to source the best options for you, based on your preferences and needs, and take care of all of the arrangements for you.

These options may include: river cruises, ocean cruises or expeditions, guided or semi-guided tours, independent tours with just hotels and transportation, and more.

I have experience traveling to many regions of the world (see the summary below) but will gladly help you plan a dream vacation anywhere you want to travel!

Skills and Qualifications

• Travel Advising Certification: I earned my Travel Advisor certification from the Travel Institute.
• I’m a good listener! I have a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Minnesota and have worked as a counselor and career coach for much of my career. I’ll spend time getting to know you and understanding your needs and travel preferences!
• Professionalism and customer service skills: I’ve provided student services and led career services teams at various schools and educational institutions for many years, including the University of Minnesota, where I am currently an Associate Director of Career Services for the College of Liberal Arts.
• I have extensive travel and cross-cultural experience, including living and working abroad (see travel highlights below).

Highlights of Travel Experiences

Asia:

• Japan: I lived and worked in Yamanashi Prefecture for 2 years and traveled the island of Honshu extensively
• Vietnam: Recently traveled to both the Southern and Northern areas of the country
• Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi
• South Korea: Traveled over land from Pusan in the South up to Seoul
• Taiwan
• Hong Kong

Europe:

• Italy: Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice
• France: Paris, Normandy, Tours, Loire Valley
• England: London, Stonehenge, Bath, and the countryside of Dorset
• The Netherlands: My grandfather was born and raised near Amsterdam
• Belgium: Bruges

Pacific Islands and NZ:

• Hawaii: Studied there for 1 month, also multiple trips to Oahu, Hawaii (Kona/Hilo), and Kawaii
• Fiji: Nadi, and a remote island village
• New Zealand: Traveled the length of the North and South Islands for 3 months and studied Maori language and culture at Victoria University in Wellington

Central and South America:

• Mexico: studied in Mexico City for 1 month, also Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel
• Cruises to Aruba, Curaçao, Columbia, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Grand Cayman

US and Canadian Highlights:

• Canadian Rockies
• Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon/Washington Coast, and Olympic National Forest
• Hawaii
• Palm Springs
• New York City
• Florida: St. Petersburg and the Florida Keys
• Washington D.C.
• Upper Midwest
• Minnesota, including the BWCA/North Shore and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul