Meet our expert tour leaders

Name:
Ahmed Hashem

EDUCATION:
Bachelor Degree in Archaeology from Cairo University. Masters Degree in History & Archaeology from Cairo University. Egyptian National Guide Diploma.

LANGUAGE:
Arabic, English, Italian, Russian & Spanish.

TOURS LED:
Egypt, Jordan & Sudan.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Sipping tea at sunrise in front of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. My dream is to sip tea at sunrise on the top of the Great Pyramid Of Cheops!

ABOUT:
Since the day I was born I have spent every day immersed in the history of my country. The great Egyptian pyramids felt like my backyard and the temples were my playground. My passion today is to show these wonders to the rest of the world. My decision to become a tour guide and tour leader came about through my desire to meet other people and learn about the rest of the world whilst teaching them about mine. I love my job and I love Egypt !

Name:
Mr. AMANDA BAKER

EDUCATION:
Bachelor's in Diplomacy, Peace Studies and Security. Master's Degree in International Studies and Diplomacy.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
Climbing above 75.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Aaah, this would have to be Guatemala. But, my favourite cuisine will always be Italian!

ABOUT:
The Travel bug bit me in my early 20's, and there has been no looking back ever since! I upped and moved from Vancouver to London in the UK where I completed my Master's in Diplomacy. The location enables me to jet off to any European destination whenever possible. I love incorporating sports travel into my itinerary, attending several World Cups and Olympics in order to be part of a truly international celebration. I tour guide in London in-between touring abroad, and love meeting new faces who are excited to see new places. Other interests: backpacking, camping, seeing animals in the wild, sports-related travel, taking my parents to new destinations, learning as many languages as possible.

Name:
Ms. Amy Baltzer

EDUCATION:
Amy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and Anthropology from Dalhousie University where she took every opportunity to study abroad, completing field school in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Cuba. She then continued her studies at the University of Ottawa, completing a Masters in Conflict Studies where she attended field school in South Africa and presented in a colloquium at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Gubbio in Italy, Fez in Morocco and Granada, Spain but anywhere with tasty local food and great coffee!

ABOUT:
A natural logistics coordinator, Amy is always organizing trips to enjoy with her friends and family, whether it is helping them explore new sights in her home province of Nova Scotia, or taking them abroad for a new experience altogether. Amy is thrilled to continue doing this as a Tour Leader with Adventure’s Abroad. When Amy is not working, she can be found biking long distances, swimming in nearby lakes, trying new vegetarian recipes, adventuring with her favorite four-legged companion Skip, or planning her next adventure.

Name:
Mr. Andres Fernandez

EDUCATION:
Communication and Psychology.

LANGUAGE:
English, Spanish and French (after living in Belgium for 5 years).

TOURS LED:
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Guyana's & Suriname, Cuba, Poland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
I love travelling in Central America. The natural history is astounding, all the birds, mammals, flora and fauna! As a certified diver and avid sportsman, the area offers many opportunities for diving, kayaking and rafting.

ABOUT:
Growing up in an international environment allowed me to interact with people from different cultures and learn from them. I would say that's when I became a traveler... To me, traveling is not only about the sites and highlights of a destination, it's mostly about the people and their history, about how they solve things. It's about their lives!

Name:
Mr. Chris Tripodi

EDUCATION:
Instead of the 3 R's, Chris studied the 3 M's; Math, Music & Maps. University for Mathematics. College for Music. Travel for Understanding.

LANGUAGE:
Chris spent the pandemic era taking Spanish, Italian & French lessons, learned the Cyrillic & Arabic alphabets, and is currently inspired to improve his Greek vocabulary in order to impress η νονά του στο Ροδος.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
80%. I need a new passport every 20 months.

TOURS LED:
Chris has not led tours to Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, or Grenada. But he has led tours in over 110 of the remaining countries.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
There it has always been, where he has never been.

ABOUT:
Chris travels because it is the most interesting thing he can think of doing between meals. Anyone can buy a plane ticket, but helping a country come alive through its people, sights, culture, cuisine and customs is what Adventures Abroad is all about. Chris enjoys the inevitable challenges, the unforgettable moments, the warm people, the stories shared, the memories made, and every single morsel of each tour.

Name:
Claude Morency

EDUCATION:
B.A. Laval University. Multidisciplinary studies: geography, anthropology, communication, cinema and journalism. Training over the years: Red Cross, St-John’s Ambulance, Emergency Procedures, etc.

LANGUAGE:
English, French and Spanish. Basic conversational in a few others.

TOURS LED:
Mexico, Central & South America, Spain & Portugal, North, West & Central Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, Middle East, Gulf States, Iran, Caucasus, Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, Indochina, Australia & New Zealand.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Wherever there’s real authenticity, content and depth. Recent favourites: Sudan, Oman, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. Long-time ones: Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Spain, Morocco, Mali, Ethiopia, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines.

ABOUT:
After fifteen years on the road worldwide, Claude joined the Adventures Abroad team in 1998. He enjoys challenging destinations with a strong adventure factor. He shows a definite interest in landscapes, wildlife, ecology, arts, traditions and history. International friendship has always been his ultimate travel objective and personal reward.

Name:
Mr. Colette Louise

EDUCATION:
BFA in Visual Arts / Tourism and Business Management Diploma

COUNTRIES VISITED:
Just under 40 countries on six continents

TOURS LED:
Throughout Europe and Asia. Everywhere from the Microstates of Europe to China, Japan and Vietnam.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
The beauty and remoteness of isolated, untouched nature make Mongolia and Iceland two of my favourite locations. To feel as small as humanly possible and swallowed by a dramatic landscape is one of the best feelings in the world. From the alien, multicoloured rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar in Iceland’s Highlands to painting-like orange/yellow pines that dot Terelj National Park in Mongolia during autumn - both are dear to my heart.

ABOUT:
Living a transitory lifestyle whenever I’ve had the means to do so has become a source of personal inspiration, mindfulness, growth and exchange. Convinced there is beauty in all things / people / places, I’m always anticipating the sights and sounds of any place I drift to next!

Name:
Mr. Danhy Ratsimbason

EDUCATION:
Bachelor Degree in English with a Tourism Diploma

LANGUAGE:
Malagasy is my mother tongue, and I am also fluent in English and French

TOURS LED:
I have been leading tours for many years across all corners of Madagascar (East, West, South and North)

ABOUT:
My introduction to tourism was working as a booking agent for one of the country's leading tour operators - making all of the arrangements prior to the arrival of the travellers. In 2010 I decided to become a tour leader. I made this life-changing decision because I was tired of office work and I really craved for the great outdoors. I wanted to show to the rest of the world that there's more to Madagascar than poverty. My country is not 'poor' - Madagascar has a fascinating history. Discussing with travellers about the early settlers in Madagascar, our Kings and Queens, our first contact with Europeans, and the history of Madagascar as an independent State - always sets me on fire. My country is not 'poor' ... it has a multi-faceted culture. As I take tourists around the country, I take pride in sharing about our rich cultural heritage from Africa, Asia and Arab countries. My country is not poor - It has a unique biodiversity. It gives me so much pleasure to show tourists how agile a lemur is jumping from tree to tree, how well camouflaged a gecko is mingling with its surrounding and how long the tongue of a chameleon is while on the hunt.

Name:
Mr. Diego Vidal

EDUCATION:
National Tour Guiding & Tourism Management; Naturalist Guide with a mention in Taxonomy and Ornithology; Exchange Student in Senior Year at Saint Fulgence College in Quebec, Canada. Hotels and restaurants Administration Diplomat.

LANGUAGE:
Spanish, English and French.

TOURS LED:
Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and Chile.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
So hard to choose as wherever I go I always find something exciting to see and do. I grew up in the middle of the Andes so the mountains and nature are always favorites. I enjoy swimming with sharks and sea lions in the Galapagos islands, exploring Inca ruins in little villages of Peru, taking a leisurely walk in the colonial cities of Uruguay or enjoying a delicious mate. It is not the destination as much as it is the company that makes the experience.

ABOUT:
I came from a traditional Ecuadorian family, so part of my life was spent on my grandparents’ farms. I grew up with a special respect for nature and a solid connection with the local indigenous people. This background led me into tourism as a naturalist guide and little by little I became more involved in traveling and discovering new destinations. With years of experience in different tours, I had the chance to start as a tour leader back in 2006 - exploring the wonders of South America. Whether trekking to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, traversing the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, or delving into the vibrant cultures of the Amazon Rainforest, I am committed to providing immersive and responsible travel experiences.

Name:
Mr. James Bodnarchuk

EDUCATION:
Shortly after James finished his BA in Psychology and English Language he developed a passion for gardening which led to further studies in Horticulture and then Botany as a lab assistant. He frequently uses the world as his classroom to learn about ancient civilizations, geography, ecology, and history as he travels.

LANGUAGE:
English with lots of practice using nonverbal communication and gestures to charade his way through the rest of the world.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
40+ countries across 5 Continents (and counting!)

TOURS LED:
Throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East and Central Asia; including everything from Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Spain, Portugal and Greece.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Nature 1) Galapagos's marine wonderland 2) Namibia's harsh deserts 3) South America's lush Iguazu Waterfalls 4) Patagonia's frigid glaciers 5) South Africa's self-drive safari parks Cities 1) Beauty of Vancouver, Canada (home) 2) Nature within Cape Town, South Africa 3) History in Berlin, Germany 4) Authenticity of La Paz, Bolivia 5) Culture of Kyoto, Japan Ancient World 1) Petra - the ancient Nabatean capital city 2) Mayan carvings of Copan, Honduras 3) The endless ancient antiquities of Egypt 4) Mysteries of the Nazca Lines, Peru 5) The sprawling temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

ABOUT:
James' insatiable wanderlust is satisfied each year between seasonal jobs at home in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. In the summertime he works outdoors as a beach lifeguard and in the winter he works in an urban forest spreading holiday cheer. Happiest while outside and exploring, he is excited to have the whole world as his workplace as an International Tour Leader for Adventures Abroad.

Name:
Mr. John Ndichu Kimani

EDUCATION:
Tour Guide Training & Safari Camp Services.

LANGUAGE:
English, Kiswahili and Kikuyu

TOURS LED:
Throughout all of East Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda.

ABOUT:
Back in 1995 I first started working as a fully-qualified tour guide. Over the years I have been fortunate to visit almost all of the game reserves and national parks throughout East Africa. My believe in and commitment to hard work and determination has brought me to my current role as Tour Leader, which I love with a passion.

Name:
Mr. Jonathan Hodgson

EDUCATION:
BA in Psychology at McGill University; MBA at the University of British Columbia; self-educated passion for history and culture.

LANGUAGE:
English; conversational French; improving Spanish and Russian. And a decent Scottish accent.

TOURS LED:
I have led tours in over 100 countries over the last 17 years of working for Adventures Abroad on all of the continents except for Antarctica.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Where to begin? Each place has something that makes it a special destination. A few that spring to mind: Kaieteur Falls in Guyana; the snow-covered mountains of Ladakh, India; sipping tea in a chaikhana of the old town of Bukhara, Uzbekistan; and watching the changing colours of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset.

ABOUT:
Jonathan has lived much of his life dedicated to the idea that he would rather have a wealth of experiences than a wealth of riches. Having taken up a nomadic lifestyle shortly after finishing his undergraduate degree, he has been on the move on and off over the last 25+ years. The wanderlust has taken him to basing himself in places such as Scotland, Australia and Uzbekistan, and to visiting many more locations around our planet. Now (sort of) settled in Vancouver with his wonderful (and patient) family, he still loves the idea of having the world as his office and always enjoys trying to capture the essence of the locations he travels and tours in with his photography.

Name:
Mr. JORDAN HAWES

LANGUAGE:
English, some French, minimal Spanish and an occasional expert in charades.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
How does one choose? But if I must, it has to be Greece, Portugal and Mexico. From volunteering at a refugee camp in Lesvos, to watching the sunset with friends over the towering cliffs of Sagres, to surfing Mexico's Pacific coast with my partner. The warmth of the people, the delicious cuisine, the dramatic landscapes and an ideal climate make these places very special to me.

ABOUT:
Growing up in small-town Nova Scotia, my love for traveling didn’t come from traveling. It actually came while attending university. Instead of studying, I’d sit for hours on my laptop staring at the Bing homepage, clicking through photos and articles of far off places, igniting a desire to one day see the world. When that day came, it was better than I could have ever imagined. From eating a delicious pastry while listening to acoustic music at Piazza della Signoria in Florence, to watching the sunset over Kotor Bay in Montenegro, to hanging out with new found friends at Oktoberfest; it just got better and better. While on the road, my perspective of how I wanted to travel changed. Travel became less about the places I went and more about the people I met. I started doing work exchanges and volunteer programs, prioritizing connections and community. I know the value of meaningful travel and love that I can bring that element to my tours with Adventures Abroad.

Name:
Mr. Laura Carballo

EDUCATION:
Degree in Advertising & Public Relations. Spanish language teaching certificate.

LANGUAGE:
English and Spanish (my native language)

TOURS LED:
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
I have always loved countries that surprise all of my senses. I enjoy the chaos of places like India, and have a true love for countries like Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam. India has played an important role in my life, as it is there that my son was created ... and where I was trapped during the pandemic! It is a country full of contrasts, colors and living history...a place that not only takes you back in time but also allows you to grow as a human being.

ABOUT:
Even though I´m Spanish, I have always felt I was born in the wrong place. As far back as I can recall I have been drawn to foreigners and traveling. I have a restless mind and am versatile, so I never get bored. I try to share this energy with the people that I travel with. I started to travel at a very young age, and it became an addiction that I satisfied as possible. I left my advertising career behind over 12 years ago and started to teach Spanish to students of all ages from all over the world. I started organizing my own trips to places such as Ireland, Morocco, and India, which proved so satisfying that I´m now fully embracing this path today. I love to connect with people and show them the world. I can't think of a better job!

Name:
Lorna Lissner

EDUCATION:
Ongoing.

LANGUAGE:
English and some Spanish.

TOURS LED:
Adriatic, Caucasus, Baltic States, Italy, Turkey, Ethiopia, North Africa, Middle East, Central and South America

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
I love to travel anywhere that is off the beaten trail...Yemen, Columbia, Ladakh and Ethiopia have been a few of my favourites of my recent travels. Drinking butter tea with newly made friends in Ladakh or learning new ways to set a sail in Turkey make this job one of the best you could dream of.

ABOUT:
Lorna has been with Adventures Abroad for over 15 years, working both as a Tour Leader and a destination specialist in the office.

Name:
Ms. Lynn Spreadbury

EDUCATION:
Psychology BA Reportage and Documentary Photography, MA

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
The places where I’ve lived will always be extra special - Thailand, Italy, Spain and the UK and US. The places I’ve yet to visit will always be most appealing!

ABOUT:
Lynn grew up in an international family and has been globe trotting since diaperhood. At university, she got her first taste of the tourism industry working as a Niagara Falls tour guide and knew she was hooked. She went on to lead travel programs for international development organizations and took groups to developing countries to raise awareness of humanitarian issues. Today, Lynn has visited around 90 countries and is an avid photographer. She loves hiking, the outdoors and visiting quirky tourist sites, especially abandoned buildings with a ghost or two! Lynn is based in Madrid, Spain.

Name:
Marion Sawatzki

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
No Favourite for me. Everything I have done in life was and still is influenced by my passion for people. That's why being a tour director is such a pleasure for me. Meeting new people from all over the world, and doing my best to give them a great travel experience just makes me happy! Even after all these years.

ABOUT:
Originally born in Germany, Marion has lived in Atlantic Canada for over 20 years, and has worked as a Tour Director since 2009. She fell in love with Nova Scotia’s South Shore while travelling throughout the Maritimes, and now lives in Lunenburg. Her favourite destination to showcase is Newfoundland & Labrador! "In spring, my husband and I like to spend time in Spain or Italy enjoying the warmer weather and indulging in the food and culture there.... I could eat pasta every day, but only if it's cooked by my husband who grew up in Italy and knows exactly how to do the real "cucina Italiana""

Name:
Mr. Martin Charlton

EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Geography; further studies in Archaeology & Anthropology. Life's real education happens outside the classroom.

LANGUAGE:
English and some French & Spanish.

TOURS LED:
Having designed and led tours for Adventures Abroad for almost 30 years, there are few corners of the globe where Martin’s left a stone unturned: everywhere from North Korea to Nauru, Saudi Arabia to Sudan, Guinea-Bissau to French Guiana. With over 200 tours through over 125 countries under his belt, it might be faster to list the regions where he hasn’t led a tour.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
"My love of travel and infectious enthusiasm for different cultures has taken me to over 150 countries. The further off the beaten path, the better. For a favourite place: perhaps South Georgia Island, the Canadian Arctic, Tasmania or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. World's best city = Istanbul!"

ABOUT:
For as long as I can remember I have always had a deep-rooted need to travel and discover new places. Today I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent almost three decades researching, organizing and leading tours worldwide.

Name:
Melissa Nevison

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Studies (History, Cultural Studies, Languages, Literature) Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology

LANGUAGE:
English, Emergency Spanish/ German (good in a pinch)

TOURS LED:
Iceland, Italy, Switzerland, Malta, Cuba, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Australia & New Zealand.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Very hard to choose! I love something about everywhere I’ve been, but I definitely have a soft-spot for Cuba and Ireland.

ABOUT:
With a background in history and museums I have worked with groups and given tours for years. I love to travel, to experience the thrill of discovering a new place and to witness its differences. For me, traveling is all about the people, those connections you make with locals and fellow travellers along the way. I prefer to truly immerse myself in the culture! My feeling is that travel is one of the few things in life you can buy that truly enriches you.

Name:
Nicole Boycott

EDUCATION:
Undergrad: Medieval History, Greek and Roman History. Masters: Medieval History

LANGUAGE:
English and French

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
It’s so hard to pick a favourite destination as there are so many factors in making a destination amazing! For history my favourite is Ireland but for nature it is Tanzania, ask me next week and you will get a different answer!

ABOUT:
I have been passionate about travel my whole life because it allows you to immerse yourself in a different world. Travel has inspired me to pursue studies such as history, archaeology, art and art history.

Name:
Mr. Pam Schewe

LANGUAGE:
Pam speaks English and can get by in both French and Spanish. Pam is also rather proud of the fact that she can say “thank you” in at least 40 languages.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
The scratch-off map on her wall now has more than 70 countries revealed. Personal trips have ranged from active adventures in the Himalayas and Andes to cultural escapes in India and Asia. Of course there’s also the quest to find the best beach in the South Pacific and quietly enjoy a hammock there. Life goals include visiting more than 100 of the nations on our planet.

TOURS LED:
Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Central & Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Caucasus, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Caribbean Islands, the Guyana's, the Gulf States, "The Five Stan's" & Southern Africa.

ABOUT:
Pam spent many years working in radio broadcasting in Vancouver but decided that instead of working in order to travel, she would be much happier traveling for work. The only real difference between the two careers is that now she can tell immediately when her jokes are not funny. “Is this mic on…??”

Name:
Mr. Peter Barathan

EDUCATION:
Business & Sports Management.

LANGUAGE:
English, passable French, slowly learning Afrikaans and Zulu.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
Almost a member of the 'Century Club', with extensive travel throughout Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South East Asia.

TOURS LED:
Peter has led tours for Adventures Abroad in over 70 countries; spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Each country provides something unique, but I like to get off the beaten path and find raw, authentic experience. So far, it’s been hard to get any more raw and authentic than Kavieng, Papua New Guinea.

ABOUT:
Peter was raised on the seven seas, cruising from port to port with his family. After visiting 50+ countries before the age of 10, he settled and grew up in Vancouver. During and after University, Peters various jobs always involved international travel, which maintained his passion for exploring the world and learning other cultures. He currently resides in South Africa with his wife and kids.

Name:
Mr. Richard Warukira

EDUCATION:
Tour Guiding Certificate (Kenya Utalii College). Bronze Level Certificate (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association).

LANGUAGE:
English, Kiswahili and Kikuyu

TOURS LED:
Kenya & Tanzania

ABOUT:
I first started working as a safari driver-guide in Kenya over 30 years ago back in 1991. Since that time I have guided safaris in all Kenyan national parks and game reserves. I started leading tours in both Kenya and Tanzania in 2015, and my dream is to lead tours in all African countries.

Name:
Ms. RICHELLE FONTAINE

EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Management

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Anywhere with mountains will always be a winner for me. Northern Japan, where you can ski right down the backside of a mountain straight to a remote onsen. Or, possibly the city of Chefchaouen in Morocco where you can come back to the blue-washed city after a day hiking in the Rif mountains.

ABOUT:
My obsession with travel began at the age of nine with a month-long family vacation to Myanmar, and since then, I've been hooked. I have constantly pursued the nomadic lifestyle by working in Japan, hiking from Canada to Mexico for 4.5 months on the Pacific Crest Trail, climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro and wandering the globe constantly looking for new experiences. When not exploring other countries, you can find me traveling around Canada in the self-converted bus I call home with my pup and partner.

Name:
Mr. Robert Ogden

EDUCATION:
Recreation Management.

LANGUAGE:
English, French and learning Czech from my 2 children.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
More than 70.

TOURS LED:
Over 50 countries, covering everywhere from Austria to Zambia.

ABOUT:
Born and raised in Deep Cove, North Vancouver - Robert took off on a world-wide sojourn in 1988 and hasn't look back. With experiences ranging from a hotel barge captain, sailor, ski and snowboard instructor, alpine hotel manager, tour leader and guide. He has explored more than 70 countries, has led tours in over 50, and has lived in several. After recently settling down back in his birthplace he now feeds his passion for adventure by spending the winters as a manager at a local ski resort, summers leading tours throughout the Rockies and spring and fall on the road with Adventures Abroad.

Name:
Mr. ROBERT KRUSE

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance & Organzational Development)

LANGUAGE:
English, Emergency Spanish, Italian

TOURS LED:
All over Eastern Europe, most of the Middle East, East & Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Madagascar & Indian Ocean, the Pacific Islands and many more.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
An impossible choice; favourite cities are either Istanbul or Cape Town, favourite place to relax is Mayotte.

ABOUT:
After growing up abroad and spending a few years travelling through exchanges, visits to friends, work, and personal trips, tour guiding came as the natural next step. I'm a die hard history nerd, and love to discover new places, meet new people, and experience everything I can. I led my first tour for Adventures Abroad in 2007 and spent many years leading tours to locations all over the world. I now live in Central BC and guide tours part time.

Name:
Rustem Baksoy

EDUCATION:
Ongoing; TESL certification.

LANGUAGE:
Turkish and English.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
Throughout Southeast Asia and Southeastern Europe.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Istanbul, Turkey (because there's no place like home).

ABOUT:
Rustem has been leading tours for more than 20 years, and he has a wealth of guiding experience in his native Turkey. When he's not on the road, you can find Rustem working as a translator for TV channels, film festivals and publishers. Over the years he has also translated several books into Turkish.

Name:
Mr. Serra Hughes

EDUCATION:
MA in English Literature. BA in Middle Eastern and Islamic History.

LANGUAGE:
English, French, conversational Swedish and Mandarin.

TOURS LED:
Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, island nations of the South Pacific, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Madagascar, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Greece, Italy, Central Europe, Iceland, Cuba, Atlantic Canada, among others.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Ethiopia for its constant surprises, authenticity, and unspoiled nature, Greece for its vibrant culture and a history that continues to inspire through its well-preserved archaeological sites, and Taiwan, a place that still seems to evade the interest of much mainstream tourism and reveals its charms in a myriad of subtle, unexpected ways.

ABOUT:
One of our senior tour leaders, Serra has been leading tours for Adventures Abroad since 2005. She is now based in The Netherlands where she is working on a PhD in literature while doing custom tour arrangements for Adventures Abroad and leading the occasional tour.

Name:
Mr. Sheila Fougère

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Traveling nearly 6000km to visit family on Canada’s west coast at the age of just 8 months old, injected me with a lifelong travel bug! It’s impossible to choose a favorite, as each place has it’s unique landscape, food, art, culture and people. Delighted to have traveled in more than thirty countries on four continents, I am still happy to call Nova Scotia my home.

ABOUT:
Sheila was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is a lifelong Haligonian. After raising two lively children she enjoyed a career as a conference & event planner, employed by contract both in the public and private sector. Many happy hours have also been spent volunteering for groups in sport, business, education and non-profit endeavors. “The common thread in my life has always been enjoying working with people. As a university student, I spent my summers showing off Atlantic Canada as a Tour Director. Being able to resume this work in my retirement is a gift!”

Name:
Sierra Searing

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of International Business with a Minor in Spanish. The degree also included spending a year studying abroad in Chile.

LANGUAGE:
English, Spanish, and some French & German.

COUNTRIES VISITED:
Sierra has travelled through 44 countries on 5 continents. She has hiked through jaw-dropping Iceland, slept in an old prison off the coast of Colombia, befriended a rescued kinkajou in the highland jungle of Panama, been stung by a jellyfish in Sri Lanka, feasted on the delectable street food of Georgetown, Malaysia, and camped alongside guanacos in Patagonia.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
This is Sierra's least favourite question. It is impossible to choose between the mystery and serenity of Peru, the spectacular wildlife sightings of South Africa, and the impossible construction of Meteora, Greece. She enjoys every destination in its own unique way and has yet to find a country she didn’t fall in love with.

ABOUT:
Sierra's dream in life is to explore every corner of the globe. When not travelling (and also while travelling), she loves the outdoors, wildlife, and photography and spends most weekends hiking, no matter the season or weather.

Name:
Mr. Silke Taeter

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Education, but I have learned so much more from my years of traveling around the world!

LANGUAGE:
English, German, Spanish and French

COUNTRIES VISITED:
35+ countries on five continents. Everything from cultural escapes in Europe to camping adventures in Australia and backpacking escapes in Asia. I've rambled across North Africa and have enjoyed road trips and cycling adventures in Latin America & North America.

TOURS LED:
Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Poland, Baltic States, Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
It’s so hard to pick! Perhaps Spain for the amazing architecture & interesting cities, la joie de vivre of the locals, traditions that are still very much alive, and of course Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Mexico, because there is a perfect mix of friendly and welcoming locals, a delicious (and spicy) cuisine, vibrant culture, stunning nature and ancient history. Canada’s Yukon, for the incredible wilderness. There is nothing better than canoeing down an unspoiled river, hiking up one of the nameless mountains or spending a night under a million stars while the northern lights dance above you.

ABOUT:
After working as a teacher in my home country, Belgium, I headed out for what was supposed to be one sabbatical year! Twelve years later I find myself having learned two foreign languages, hiked up Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain, mustered cattle in Australia, volunteered in an orphanage in Guatemala, and found a second home in Canada’s far north. After dreaming about living in Spain for many years, I took my chances in September and moved temporary to sunny Andalusia where I’m currently working as an English teacher.

Name:
Mr. Subash Tamang

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts (Geography & Economics).

LANGUAGE:
Nepali , Hindi and English.

TOURS LED:
Throughout the entire Himalayan region, including everywhere from Darjeeling and Sikkim to Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Spiti. Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and India from north to south.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Watching the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga from Tonglu in Darjeeling, especially the first rays touching the mountain.

ABOUT:
Focus on a healthy life: Balancing the 'elements' is an important thing in ones life to be healthy physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. I have rediscovered walking barefoot on earth as it helps to balance the 5 elements of which we human beings are made of EARTH , WATER , SUN , AIR and SPACE. We need to continuously rejuvenate our energy.

Name:
Thokozani TK Mdluli

EDUCATION:
National Certificate in Tourism. Level 4 Guiding: Nature and Culture - FGASA (Field Guide Association Of Southern Africa).

LANGUAGE:
English and IsiZulu

TOURS LED:
Throughout all corners of South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland)

ABOUT:
'I started working as a nature conservationist at Mkuze Game Reserve in South Africa in 1996. In 1999 I started working as a site guide leading bird watching tours throughout the Reserve. In 2001 I began my training to become a Field/Game Ranger, and I worked for different game reserves around KwaZulu-Natal (Zululand). I later upgraded my qualifications to 'provincial guiding' as both a nature and cultural guide. In 2017 I completed my qualifications as a National Guide in South Africa. My biggest dream is to be able to travel the world, but right now the world comes to me in South Africa.

Name:
Victor Romagnoli

EDUCATION:
HBA English BA History

LANGUAGE:
Being able to speak several languages has made travelling an enriching experience; the conversations one can so easily slip into with locals - who come from all walks of life - adds greatly to my feel for a place.

TOURS LED:
Over a span of almost 30 years, I have lead tours virtually all over the globe.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Some of my favourite tours just come into being suddenly as a result of a request; someone will ask me to put together an itinerary that will include the highlights of several countries and the next thing you know we have, for example, a tour to Uruguay, Paraguay & Bolivia, or Lesotho, Namibia & Botswana. Sometimes I will be asked to arrange a detailed itinerary to just one region within a country - like a close up look at Sicily or Crete or the Basque Country or Newfoundland. Without the keen curiosity that so many of you travellers have, none of these "spontaneous" tours would come into being. But they do.

ABOUT:
I love the excitement of getting up each morning on a tour and not knowing exactly how a day will unfold. It keeps me on my toes so to speak, and adds a breath of excitement to each day on tour. With almost 30 years of tour leading under my belt, I thank all of you for being a part of this exciting journey.

Name:
Yasemin Reis

EDUCATION:
Social Anthropology & Cultural Studies

LANGUAGE:
English & Turkish

TOURS LED:
Yasemin has been leading tours throughout Western and Eastern Turkey for almost 25 years!

ABOUT:
Also a translator, Yasemin has worked for Discovery Channel Turkey, Nippon TV and several film festivals. She has published several articles presenting an anthropological look at the confluences of medicine, medical culture, history, myth, religion and art, in Asklepios: Journal of Medical Culture, Plan B Publications, Istanbul.