Me
All About Me
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a lifetime of travel. As a guide/host in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, as a speaker, influencer, mentor, and trainer, as a successful entrepreneur and a leader of a global luxury travel brand (surviving the private equity process, too), I’ve been designing one-of-a-kind trips for guests for more than 30 years.
Today, my passion for travel–in particular experiential travel that includes diverse cultures, fantastic guides, accommodations, and adventure–remains as potent as it was when I started as a wet-behind-the-ears 19-year-old. I’ve loved every step of this incredible journey and want to share it whenever I can.
About John
Having experienced the industry from all sides, I’ve established what works, what doesn’t and have made deep, lasting connections. I’ve seen a huge shift in the service culture (and not for the better). It’s people, not corporations, that make travel exciting and rewarding. I now believe that small, owner-run businesses with serious expertise are the best kind of travel companies. With TSC, I’m going back to basics: an avid traveler who’s visited more than 46 countries (and counting), connecting enthusiastic guests with the world’s best experts.
Travel Ethos
I believe in the value of authentic cultural experiences, such as an evening cooking and eating at a private dining club in Spain, walking with Kalahari bushmen in Botswana, saki tasting in Kyoto, Japan, or exploring Peru’s rainforest with a local researcher.
These personal interactions provide insight into the way people live and add a human element to trips.
My knowledge is best used to get to know you and your fellow travelers and how best to help you achieve what you're looking for
Favorite Travel Experiences:
Hiking and sea kayaking in New Zealand
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Flying along the remote Skeleton Coast in Namibia
Skiing all over Europe
Taking my family on many trips and seeing the world through their eyes
Snorkeling with whale sharks in Mexico
Cooking in San Sebastián, Spain, and hiking along the coast
Exploring Iceland
Latest Adventure
My latest adventure saw me traveling for six months with my wife, Emma, in 2024:
One month in New Zealand's North and South Island, hiking, kayaking, driving, biking, and meeting friends old and new. We did a lot of eating and plenty of smiling, too.
One month in Australia, Sydney, Tasmania, and the Gold Coast. More laughing and eating and yet more great adventures! Tasmania was a real highlight for me.
Two and a half months self-driving through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Lots of great experiences. Rediscovering the incredible food scene in Cape Town, and falling back in love with Zimbabwe and its great people. Driving thousands of miles across Namibia, uncovering beautiful scenery, and still feeling like I’d seen so little. I was blown away again by just how rich the wildlife is in Botswana.
The finale was three weeks in the UK! It never gets old reacquainting ourselves with family and friends and discussing life over a pint in a 500-year-old pub.