Meet Our Destination Specialists
Our team has lived and immersed themselves in the destinations we offer. Our first-hand knowledge is unbeatable, and we are passionate storytellers. We are travellers and experts ourselves, which drives a deeper, more empowering experience for our travel advisors and customers. Take some time to meet the team and enjoy our curated itineraries and in-depth destination insights.
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Sarah Potter
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Islands Asia
Hello! I’m Sarah, and I have been working in travel since I was 18. I grew up on North Coast NSW in Australia, the home of some truly amazing beaches. Read More
Hello! I’m Sarah, and I have been working in travel since I was 18. I grew up on North Coast NSW in Australia, the home of some truly amazing beaches. I moved to the US in 2006 for the company previously known as Qantas Vacations. I have travelled to such incredible places such as Vanuatu, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Thailand. I adore all places with a beach, but I also love the culture and the food of a destination. Japan, Cambodia, and Vietnam are amazing food and culture destinations.
Allison Hogan
Specialization: New Zealand Australia Islands
Hello everyone! I’m Allison Hogan and yes, I’m an Aussie – Fair Dinkum Read More
Hello everyone! I’m Allison Hogan and yes, I’m an Aussie – Fair Dinkum. I got the travel bug when I visited my first island on The Great Barrier Reef, and there became a certified scuba diver. I met so many fellow travelers and moved to England not long after. I worked in England and traveled a lot; I got to see much of Europe in the process. Then I moved to the USA, and I’ve never looked back! My first job in the USA was as a trainee travel agent, selling vacations to the South Pacific. Now 30 years later I am a Senior Destination Specialist and I have traveled to many of the countries that I love to sell which include: Australia, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, the Tahitian Islands, the Cook Islands. I have also been to Samoa and Papua New Guinea. During that time, I have created vacations for honeymooners, for adventurists, for families, for bucket-listers and more! Everyone has a unique reason for wanting to travel, and it is my job to create the perfect vacation for them. They tell me their story, their desires, and I make it real for them. And I know along the way they’ll meet amazing people! I enjoy planning trips with small group tour operators who love what they do! In my spare time I’m an avid reader. I love a good wine and I love a good movie. Oh, and I love good food. I still love adventure, but with more creature comforts as I get older. Cheers!
Rozelle Trollip
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Islands Asia
Travel is my soul’s must-have. I’ve been lucky enough to soak up the sun on the Tahitian islands, explore the fascinating culture and history of Thailand, feel the welcoming Bula smiles of Fiji, say… Read More
Travel is my soul’s must-have. I’ve been lucky enough to soak up the sun on the Tahitian islands, explore the fascinating culture and history of Thailand, feel the welcoming Bula smiles of Fiji, say G’day to our Aussie friends and looking at some unique sights and animals, and roaming through NZ from top to bottom and left to right. I enjoy going to places less explored, and learning about the people and the many fascinating places that this world has to offer. If you need help planning an adventure big or small, I truly enjoy making those bucket lists a little shorter and ticking off a few must-dos!
Beth Grier
Specialization: Fiji Tahiti Cook Islands
Hi, I’m Beth and I live in Long Beach, California. For many years I have had a love affair with the South Pacific, which has manifested in me working for Islands In The Sun for 32 years! Read More
Hi, I’m Beth and I live in Long Beach, California. For many years I have had a love affair with the South Pacific, which has manifested in me working for Islands In The Sun for 32 years! Today I work specifically in the Islands department, which include French Polynesia, Fiji, Cook Islands, and the Maldives. My career has allowed me to travel to French Polynesia more than 20 times, Fiji 5 times, Cook Islands 4 times, Australia 3 times and New Zealand once. I think it’s safe to say I know this region very well! Of all these though, Bora Bora has my heart, it’s just so magical!
Dina Holguin
Hello, I’m Dina and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. By far my favorite travel destination is Kenya – the birthplace of Safari! Read More
Hello, I’m Dina and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. By far my favorite travel destination is Kenya – the birthplace of Safari! Going there was truly a life-changing experience! Where you can sleep in stargazing beds, take a hot air balloon safari, have breakfast in the bush, follow the wildebeest migration, and enjoy beautiful beaches among so many other things! What I love best about my job is creating that perfect trip, and really understanding what people want to take away from their experiences. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the actual trip, it’s what remains inside you when you come back home, those memories and feelings that last a lifetime.
Adam Dela Roche
Specialization: Australia New Zealand
Hello! My name is Adam, and I have been a reservations agent with the Travel Answers Group since January of 2023. Read More
Hello! My name is Adam, and I have been a reservations agent with the Travel Answers Group since January of 2023. I have had the opportunity to travel international in my lifetime and my favorite location would be Kangaroo Island, Australia. I love nature and seeing all the wildlife and different plant life, and Kangaroo Island did not lack either! I have also visited Cairns, Sydney, and Adelaide as part of my adventure to Australia. All these places were so incredibly beautiful, but South Australia will forever hold a place in my heart. There are so many adventures ahead, and I look forward to seeing all the South Pacific has to offer and to helping you achieve the same dream!
Cherice Harrell
Reservations Manager
I fell in love with the Islands of Tahiti and Fiji over 25 years ago. I have travelled extensively through Polynesia and have yet to go to an island that I did not like. Read More
I fell in love with the Islands of Tahiti and Fiji over 25 years ago. I have travelled extensively through Polynesia and have yet to go to an island that I did not like.
The beauty of these islands is unparalleled, and they are the perfect vacation destination to rest and rejuvenate one’s soul. Australia and New Zealand are also near and dear to my heart. The food, wine and coffee cultures are divine and must be experienced. There is so much to see and do, from cosmopolitan cities to quaint lovely little towns, you must see it to believe. Let us show you the wonders of the South Pacific and we’ll make your vacation dreams a reality.
Christen McGlynn
Reservations Support
My favorite place is Fiji! Beautiful beaches, beautiful flora and fauna, and most of all, beautiful people. BULA! This is not just a greeting; it is a complete way of life. Read More
My favorite place is Fiji! Beautiful beaches, beautiful flora and fauna, and most of all, beautiful people. BULA! This is not just a greeting; it is a complete way of life. The joy, happiness, love, and kindness that radiates from the Fijian people is truly infectious. The moment you arrive, you will be transported to a place of pure relaxation, ease, and belonging. You will quickly become part of the family of the guides on your snorkeling and dive adventures, to the children of the villages you visit, and the staff at the resort; the magic of BULA is a part of all Fijian people. You won’t want to leave!
Emma Leon
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Islands
Born and raised in Australia, I consider Adelaide to be my hometown. I moved to the USA in my mid-20s and have focused on South Pacific travel for most of that time. Read More
Born and raised in Australia, I consider Adelaide to be my hometown. I moved to the USA in my mid-20s and have focused on South Pacific travel for most of that time. I have traveled to most capital cities and every state of Australia and to Fiji, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. Australia will forever be in my heart, but Bora Bora is truly breathtaking, and is one of my favorite destinations for its beautiful turquoise lagoon, snorkeling experiences, and striking mountain. Fiji holds a place in my heart for the wonderful warm Fijians and their humbling lifestyle and traditions. I enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, Cadbury’s chocolate, extra sharp cheddar cheese, sausage rolls and lamb. I love alpine scenery and am blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest. Australian beaches are very different than here, but I appreciate this rocky, natural beauty just as much as a sandy, uncrowded local beaches of home.
Jackie Fontanez
Director of Reservations and Operations
Specialization: New Zealand Australia Asia Africa Islands
I have been with the company since 1995 and have seen our industry go through many changes – but the absolute love that people have for travel remains unchanged. Read More
I have been with the company since 1995 and have seen our industry go through many changes – but the absolute love that people have for travel remains unchanged. My favorite place to travel to is Fiji. The happiness and kindness that Fijians exude is infectious, and the staff at their resorts feel more like friends than staff! Fiji is very family friendly; both adults and kids never run out of things to do, and the resorts all feel so safe and clean. The warm and welcoming nature of the Fijian people, and its incredible beauty remain Fiji’s true draws. Beautiful location and beautiful people? Sounds perfect.
Janie Hall
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Tahiti Cook Islands Asia
Inspiring advisors to specialize in the vibrant offerings of the South Pacific and fostering their business growth in these sought-after destinations has been my greatest passion. Read More
Inspiring advisors to specialize in the vibrant offerings of the South Pacific and fostering their business growth in these sought-after destinations has been my greatest passion. Throughout my extensive 40+ year career, which commenced with ATS Tours and evolved through a transition to Travel2, followed by the acquisition of Islands In The Sun, my focus has remained steadfastly on the South Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. Initially delving into our Groups department, I later found fulfillment in educating travel advisors on effectively promoting and selling destinations within these areas. Over the years, I've had the privilege of personally guiding numerous travel advisors, acquainting them with the wonders of Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Jennifer Harvey
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Islands
Hi, I’m Jennifer Harvey, I live in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I’ve been involved in the travel industry for 20 years, including cruises, corporate travel, airlines, hotels, and now with Travel Answers… Read More
Hi, I’m Jennifer Harvey. I live in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I’ve been involved in the travel industry for 20 years, including cruises, corporate travel, airlines, hotels, and now with Travel Answers Group. I enjoy having a niche market to work in. I have traveled to 18 countries, mostly solo or with a small group. I’ve visited Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, Greece, Turkey, France, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Russia, Dubai, UAE, Jordan, Israel, Dominican Republic, and British Virgin Islands. While visiting these countries, I’ve seen the Northern Lights, been whale watching, sled with dogs in Norway, swam with sharks and pigs in the Bahamas, and been on biblical tours. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and am planning to see as much as I possibly can of this beautiful world.
John Gunning
Specialization: Australia New Zealand
In my 25-year tenure within the travel industry, my odyssey began humbly as a tour guide with Contiki through Australia and New Zealand. Read More
In my 25-year tenure within the travel industry, my odyssey began humbly as a tour guide with Contiki through Australia and New Zealand. Since then, my explorations have taken me far and wide across the South Pacific, Asia, and Africa. Among the myriad of experiences etched into my memory, a few stand out distinctly: Sharing an intimate moment with 13 majestic gorillas amidst the lush forests of Rwanda, a poignant visit to the DMZ in South Korea and teaming up with golfing legends Vijay Singh and Matt Kuchar for a memorable round at the Pro Am golf tournament on Fiji's stunning Coral Coast.
Yet, amidst these extraordinary adventures, what resonates most deeply are the connections forged with people from diverse cultures, their radiant smiles transcending language barriers and leaving an enduring imprint on my journey.
Judy Jenkins
Customer Service
Specialization: New Zealand Australia Asia Africa Islands
I joined this company in 2002 and I have been fortunate enough to travel to so many places in the world. Read More
I joined this company in 2002 and I have been fortunate enough to travel to so many places in the world. Of course, the South Pacific is my favorite, with each destination more beautiful than the next. Recently I had the incredible experience of going on a luxurious Paul Gauguin cruise, which cruises all around the incredible South Pacific, with the infectious spirit of the South Pacific both on board and on shore. It is a joy to be able to help clients fulfil their traveling dreams!
Katie Mateos
Specialization: Asia
A passionate traveler who loves the thrill of exploration, l have ventured through 13 captivating states in the USA, each unraveling its own unique blend of culture and scenery. Read More
A passionate traveler who loves the thrill of exploration, l have ventured through 13 captivating states in the USA, each unraveling its own unique blend of culture and scenery. My passion for discovery extends beyond domestic borders, leading me to the vibrant streets of Mexico, the luxurious expanses of the United Arab Emirates, and wandered through the bustling street of Thailand. These journeys have not just satisfied my wanderlust but have broadened my horizons, deepening my appreciation for the diverse tapestry of global cultures.
Every destination has left its mark, enriching my life with unforgettable stories, insights, and a perpetual yearning to explore more of the world's splendid diversity.
Kelly Taylor
Specialization: Asia Australia New Zealand Islands
Hi, I’m Kelly. I’m originally from the ‘Outback’ or as I refer to it; the ‘Belly Button of Australia’, Alice Springs. Read More
Hi, I’m Kelly. I’m originally from the ‘Outback’ or as I refer to it; the ‘Belly Button of Australia’, Alice Springs.
I have worked in the Travel Industry for over 20 years,16 of them have been living and working in the USA. In 2023, I moved back to Australia and I’m now living in the southern city of Adelaide.
I have been so incredibly lucky enough to travel to many areas of the South Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Maldives, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Philippines.
I truly LOVE travel, making memories is one of the best things you can do in your life! It is a privilege to help make peoples’ dreams come true.
Kim Faucette
Reservations Manager
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Asia Africa Islands
I have been working in wholesale travel since 1998 and for this company for 17 years. I absolutely love traveling! Read More
I have been working in wholesale travel since 1998 and for this company for 17 years. I absolutely love traveling! My top 3 favorite destinations are Fiji, Kenya and Thailand. Fiji is the most romantic place on earth and Fijians are so incredibly hospitable, you immediately feel like part of the family. Kenya is MAGICAL. Every game drive is unique; the landscape is inspirational, and you learn so much about the wildlife and environment from your ranger. Thailand simply makes me happy. The people are some of the friendliest on earth, the food is scrumptious, and my encounter with elephants was unforgettable.
When people ask me for my travel suggestions, I always suggest splurging on something and/or doing something you wouldn’t normally do. It’ll make your trip that much more special and memorable.
Leah MacDonald
Specialization: Asia Australia New Zealand Islands
Travel is my passion! I believe that travel is one of the most important things a person can do! Read More
Travel is my passion! I believe that travel is one of the most important things a person can do! Exploring the world enlightens a person’s soul! I have been working in the Travel Industry for over 23 years, in wholesale and retail sales, and customer service. Sending people on adventures is something I love, and I could not see myself doing anything else! I have been very fortunate in my own personal adventures, traveling all over the Caribbean to such stunning destinations as Jamaica, Barbados, the Grenadines, Punta Cana, St. Lucia, and of course beautiful Mexico! I have been lucky enough to experience all the Hawaiian Islands, my heart truly belongs to Hawaii, and I hope to retire there someday. My travels have also taken me as far as Southeast Asia to Thailand and Bali as well as awesome Australia! The only thing about travel that you will ever regret, is not doing it enough!
Lynn Walker
Operations, Training and Customer Service Manager
Specialization: New Zealand Australia Asia Africa Islands
Traveling is a huge part of my life and I have been lucky enough to help make people’s travel dreams a reality for over 30 years. Read More
Traveling is a huge part of my life and I have been lucky enough to help make people’s travel dreams a reality for over 30 years. I can’t say that I have a singular favorite destination – every place has its own unique qualities and therefore each provides you with different but incredible experiences. The South Pacific is such a special part of the world with such beautiful and kind people. It is the perfect destination to relax your body and revive your soul.
Nora Gregorian
Specialization: Australia New Zealand Islands
The most rewarding part of working in the travel industry is helping others fulfill their travel dreams! I began my first part-time job in the travel industry at 19. Read More
The most rewarding part of working in the travel industry is helping others fulfill their travel dreams! I began my first part-time job in the travel industry at 19. My job duties included such tasks as picking up staff coffees from the coffee shop and organizing the travel brochure rack! Even though this was pre-Google and the Internet, I still gained a big amount of destination knowledge. In 1986, after completing my BA in Art History, I began my career in the travel industry, and I have not looked back since. My love of travel has taken me to Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, France, Portugal, Turky and Mexico, to name a few, but in 1991, when I first traveled to Australia, I found my true passion, the South Pacific. I have also been fortunate enough to travel to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
Richard Schwartzel
I was born and raised in Durban South Africa and spent many wonderful years living in Cape Town. I feel blessed to have stayed in many beautiful places in South Africa and the USA. Read More
I was born and raised in Durban South Africa and spent many wonderful years living in Cape Town. I feel blessed to have stayed in many beautiful places in South Africa and the USA. I have traveled the world extensively, across Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia, and am now following my passion for Africa by helping others enjoy its natural abundant wildlife, nature, and beauty here at African Answers. I enjoy a good laugh with friends, a nice glass of South African wine, and a traditional South African braai “Barbecue”. My family is happiest when out in nature, on a tropical beach, in the mountains or in the bush viewing wildlife in its natural environment.
Rowan Mickleburgh
Specialization: Africa
I was born in Zimbabwe, but I spent most of my informative years growing up in South Africa. Read More
I was born in Zimbabwe, but I spent most of my informative years growing up in South Africa. My love for the bush was instilled at a very early age. When I was still knee high to a grasshopper, I collected snakes (poisonous and others)- much to the consternation of my siblings and parents. It was not uncommon for one of my siblings to stumble across one or more of my reptilian friends in a dresser draw or bathroom closet.
After college, I immediately enrolled as a guide at one of Southern Africa’s premier safari lodges in Greater Kruger Park. This is where I met his wife of 30 years Linda, who happened to be a guest at the lodge. I still maintain my guiding license through South Africa’s Professional Guiding Body.
If I’m not hiking or working in the garden, you will likely find me on some dusty road in Africa, always looking to discover a less-traveled area on the map. My love for Africa includes not only the nature of its wild places, but also its people. To me it is the people that truly make Africa magical.
