My dad was a navy man, and growing up, I had travel in my blood. For me, travel has always been an invitation to embrace new cultures, gain enriching experiences, and insights into the lives of others, which ultimately helps us become better versions of ourselves. I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel and fully immerse themselves in the wonders of a new destination.
The Asia Pacific region holds a special place in my heart, as it was where I took my first bold step onto a plane, not knowing what to expect. If you want to hear about my adventures, ask me about discovering the most delectable Pad Thai in southern Thailand or embarking on an enthralling journey across Komodo, searching for dragons, only to find them hanging out in the kitchen (clever creatures know where the food is made).
My most memorable trip
Indonesia
My first ever yacht trip took me from Thailand to Singapore and through the islands of Indonesia, with a highlight being a swim in the phosphorescent waters of Raja Ampat. It was like floating among stars, and these magical moments, coupled with my immersion in a new culture, are eternally etched in my memory.
On my bucket list
Bhutan
I'd love to travel to Bhutan. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and a commitment to prioritising Gross National Happiness over GDP, the country offers a unique and holistic travel experience.
See where I’ve travelled
Japan
"One of my most cherished travel memories is savouring a bowl of Ramen in Japan. It was in a quaint little restaurant recommended by our guide, and to this day, I find myself yearning to taste that incredible flavour once more."
Explore destination
Papua New Guinea
"I'll always remember the day I got to meet the head of a village community in Papua. It was a humbling experience to witness the resilience and depth of knowledge in such a young individual."
Explore destination
Borneo
"Encountering orangutans in Borneo is an experience I'll never forget. It was truly heartwarming to witness their ability to imitate human behaviors, a fascinating result of their exposure to our presence."
Explore destination
Peru
"For my 30th birthday, I opted for a Machu Picchu adventure. Choosing to 'walk into my 30s', I ended up at the summit of the highest pass on the very day I intended to mark this milestone. My best friend had sent a gift along, keeping in mind my request for something light, considering I'd be lugging it throughout the entire journey. I unwrapped the package to find a book, although unrelated to the region, yet it turned out to be an excellent read!"
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My favourite trip
Angkor Wat and Phuket
This trip embodies the essence of Asia for me - the vibrant energy of Bangkok, the huddle of temples, serene countrysides and of course plenty of time at the beach.
My favourite hotel
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
I love a tented camp and open-air bathtub and this combined with the potential sightings of elephants; what else can you ask for?
Jacada helped us plan the most amazing and seamless honeymoon around Indonesia. I have never used a travel agent before and am usually extremely Type A when it comes to planning my own vacations but I am so thankful I let them take over the planning and scheduling so I actually got to relax on my own vacation. I was…
Knowledgeable agents who were very familiar with the cities and sites we wanted to visit. Well developed itinerary. Travel arrangements were flawless, with punctual and informative drivers and tour guides. Hotel accommodations were outstanding. Itinerary included some flexibility on what we wanted to do once we arrived at our destinations. Communications between travel agents and us were timely, informative. Their…
High-quality touring at high-quality hotels no matter where you may find yourself. We like to immerse ourselves in a new country by day and relax at night. Jacada made that happen in far-flung Cambodian locales from the bustle of Phnom Penh to the jungles of the Cardamom Mountains to the sites of the temple city of Siem Reap. Truly special.
Travel designers were very friendly and put together the custom trip that we asked for and also added a few special surprises. We received good information, our guides were professional and helpful and all went smoothly as planned.
Jacada supplied the expertise and logistical help my wife and I needed to experience our dream honeymoon! We are both experienced travelers who enjoy planning our own trips and were a little nervous about trusting a travel agency to handle the details. Jacada's team quickly put those fears to rest with their thoughtful and thorough planning of our trip, a…
My top tips
To fully savour the delights of Japanese cuisine, let the locals be your guides and make sure you explore the myriad of food stands in the bustling markets.
I always recommend visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Venture off the beaten path, as it often leads to the most memorable and rewarding experiences.
Get out on the harbour to enjoy the best, uninterrupted views in Sydney.
