I started my career in travel when I moved to Thailand in 2018; after a year of teaching English Development I transitioned into the luxury travel sector.
In 2019, I joined Audley’s Boston office, specializing in travel throughout Southeast Asia before transitioning over to South America. Through annual trips to Chile, Argentina and most recently Uruguay, over the past years I’ve gained a significant insight into the cultural highlights within the region. With countless positive experiences one of my most memorable is traveling through Patagonia with my parents. They love the outdoors and being able to share such a unique trip with them hiking through the most iconic region in the world is unforgettable.
I currently live in Montana, where I enjoy weekend backpacking trips throughout the state and fly-fishing on the Yellowstone River. I enjoy exploring the national parks and catching glimpse of some of the animals that call this state home as well.
Q&A with Sydney
Your best piece of travel advice?
The best piece of travel advice I’ve carried with me and pass along is actually from my father. He travelled all over the world for work and was constantly moving around. He always said that the best way to enjoy yourself and have the best possible experience is to be flexible and expect complications. By being mentally prepared you’re already in the mindset that there might be a few hiccups and then nothing is a surprise. Things tend to work themselves out but by having a good attitude puts you in the best position to enjoy your trip.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
I currently live in Montana and a big part of my day to day is exploring the local mountain ranges. I’ve had Patagonia on my bucket list for years, most specifically Torres Del Paine in Chile which is the ultimate hiker’s playground. In 2023, Audley was able to check off that box for me. I spent a week in Torres Del Paine completing some of the most amazing hikes. One of my favorite moments was after trekking for 21 km (13 miles) in the Patagonia climate of rain, snow, wind, and hail. When we finally made it to the top it was cloudy and hard to tell if the towers were actually there. A few minutes later the clouds parted and the sun came out exposing the three towers and the glacier blue lake below them. It was incredible and worth the hard work getting there.
Where would you love to travel next?
In South America, there are so many hidden gems especially in Chile and Argentina. One place I keep hearing incredible stories about is Bahia Bustamante. The New York Times wrote an article about the types of animals that gather here and how exceptional it is. There’s one lodge that is off the grid allowing the natural beauty to be its main highlight. I would love to explore Bahia Bustamante on my next trip to Argentina.