Tracy Davidson
Destination Specialist
Travel has been a lifelong passion for me.
At 17, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Kenya with my best friend. We explored breathtaking landscapes, from the iconic Masai Mara to the beautiful beaches of Mombasa. Every day was a new adventure—waking up to giraffes grazing nearby and sharing laughter-filled evenings with locals eager to practice their English. Time spent in local schools and villages gave me a deep appreciation for African culture and everyday life.
After finishing high school, I moved to Australia to save for more overseas adventures. Machu Picchu topped my travel wish list, and soon I found myself in South America. One of my favourite memories is hiking the Lares Trail and reaching the ancient city at sunrise, watching as the clouds slowly unveiled the majestic Andes in the backdrop.
The Amazon rainforest was another highlight, where I marvelled at incredible wildlife and stayed in eco-lodges. In Baños, I found myself canyoning down waterfalls and admiring the active Tungurahua volcano. Bolivia's vast salt flats, with endless skies merging with the white expanse, left a lasting impression.
My travels continued to the UK, where I lived for a couple of years. While there, I seized every opportunity to explore Europe, soaking in the unique history and culture of each destination. Overland travel from Egypt to Jordan, Syria, and Turkey introduced me to ancient wonders and unforgettable landscapes.
Another favourite journey was travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town. I stayed in private game lodges, experienced close encounters with wildlife, enjoyed evenings under starry skies with lions roaring in the distance, and wound down the stunning coastline, visiting wineries and sampling incredible cuisine along the way.
When it was time to return to Australia, I chose to travel back through Southeast Asia. My days were spent island-hopping on beautiful beaches, savouring local cuisine, and exploring bustling cities teeming with history and energy.
Now settled back in New Zealand, I carry countless memories from these adventures and am always planning the next chapter of my travel journey.
Where I want to go next:
There are so many places I still want to explore! The Galapagos Islands are very high on my list, and I would also love to travel to Rwanda and Uganda to see the magnificent mountain gorillas.