My passion for travel ignited in my early 20s, when I decided to spend my summers working at a sleepaway camp nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Mountains of California. That experience left me craving more adventures, driving me to explore far-flung places, each time yearning to venture even further. Eventually, South East Asia captured my heart, and I found myself returning to the continent countless times. The allure of its stunning scenery, rich wildlife, delectable cuisine, and captivating cultures kept me under its spell. As my wanderlust grew, it extended further to Australia and New Zealand. Each destination holds a unique place in my heart, and my love for travel continues to expand as I embrace the wonders of this diverse and beautiful world.
My most memorable trip
India
India is my most memorable trip because of its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and the heartwarming connections I made with its people.
The best hidden gem
Laos
For me Laos is South East Asia's best hidden gem. It is often overlooked by neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia but its unspoiled natural beatury, rich cultural heritage and tranquil charm will captivate anyone's heart.
See where I’ve travelled
New Zealand
"A helicopter-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that truly took my breath away.
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India
"Viewing wild tigers in Ranthambore National Park, India, was a wildlife encounter that left an indelible mark in my memory. It's an experience I will never forget."
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Australia
"Visiting Whitehaven Beach in the Australian Whitsundays on Christmas Day created the most scenic and unforgettable holiday experience I've ever had!"
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Thailand
"Hand feeding and bathing a rescued elephant in the river in Thailand stands out as one of the most extraordinary and cherished moments of my life."
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My favourite trip
Indian Wildlife and Palaces
India holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons, but one of the most enchanting aspects is its rich wildlife and majestic palaces. From the regal Bengal tigers roaming freely in the national parks to the graceful elephants ambling through lush forests, every encounter has left me in awe of nature's wonders. And then there are the opulent palaces scattered across the country, each telling stories of a bygone era filled with grandeur and splendour.
My favourite hotel
Shinta Mani Wild
Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia offers stunning luxury tented accommodations, complete with freestanding bath tubs that overlook the serene river. The food is simply phenomenal, and the setting amidst the lush jungles adds to its charm. Moreover, the abundance of exciting adventure activities available here makes it a top favorite of mine! And let me tell you, nothing quite matches the unique thrill of ziplining to reach your hotel (which is optional but highly recommended!)
Leanne and Gilda planned a fantastic trip to Thailand and Cambodia for my family. Everything was well thought out and tailored to us. All the guides, tours, and drivers were amazing and there wasn’t a single hiccup. The accommodations were beautiful and we felt pampered the entire time.
I was hesitant on using a travel service that I've never used before, and I am so happy that I found Jacada to plan our most memorable trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. It was a trip of a lifetime and I appreciate all of the thought-out planning that was customized for us, our 4 kids ranging from 11- 16 years…
I usually do all my travel planning independently but found myself desperately in need of time away, without the time to actually plan the trip. I did some research and settled on Jacada based on their other excellent reviews. I used Jacada to help me plan my first trip to SE Asia (Thailand, Laos and Cambodia for 2.5 weeks), which…
We had an incredible experience planning our honeymoon with Leanne and Gilda from Jacada. They crafted a personalized itinerary that exceeded our expectations, taking into account our desires and budget. Leanne's insight on different islands and cities was spot-on, and the detailed emails, including maps of international airports, made our journey seamless. The constant communication and check-ins added a sense…
The experience was great in that everything was handled down to the last detail. The accommodations were 5 Star, and the experiences were some that we would not have known about on our own.
My top tips
Make sure to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This time of day offers the perfect opportunity to marvel at this wonder of the world without the hustle and bustle of large crowds, allowing you to capture those iconic photos in all their splendour. As the sun rises, its warm hues reflect off the pristine marble, enveloping the monument in breathtaking beauty. It truly is a sight to behold.
If you're considering a visit to Halong Bay in Vietnam, I recommend heading to Lan Ha Bay instead. Lan Ha Bay offers a much more exclusive experience, as it currently permits only a few boats to cruise in the area. This means you can bask in the mesmerising scenery and relish the surroundings as if you were the only ones there. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region without the crowds.
When traveling to Japan, it's important to note that tipping is generally considered "impolite." Instead, a thoughtful gesture would be to bring along a selection of small gifts from your home country for your guides. Alternatively, extending an invitation to have lunch together can be a wonderful way to show your appreciation.
When in New Zealand, opt for a helicopter ride to Milford Sound Fjordlands instead of driving! The overland journey can be quite long, but by taking a helicopter, you get to take in the breathtaking alpine scenery from a whole new perspective above, making it a truly unforgettable experience!
