Travel has always been a true passion of mine and a major part of my life. While I fully promote and believe in “living in the moment”, I am always looking ahead to my next adventure. I live a slightly conflicted existence in that half of my soul is the ultimate homebody –loving the ordinary moments of strolling with my dogs, drinking good coffee and watching Golden Girls on Sunday morning, having a beer (or two) on the front porch with my husband –and the other half is an avid adventurer –ready to jet at a moments notice. To satisfy both halves is a true balancing act.

My previous job with with a safari outfitter opened a new, shiny and excitingdoor for me. The stars aligned –I could turn my passion for travel into a career path. I was suddenly able to maintain this balance of steady nesting at home in my happy place while enabling adventures for others and unlocking opportunities for travel and adventure for myself.My first night on safari will forever be one of the most memorable nights. I was spending the night at Enasoit, an incredibly charming exclusive-use camp in Laikipia. After two days of travel and one night of insomnia, I was so ready to cozy up in my shockingly large, luxurious, romantic and classic tent that looked out towardsa waterhole. I crawled in bed, closed my eyes and was suddenly wide awake and overwhelmed by the sounds of the night. I noticed what seemed to be a large animal chewing and breathing outside of my tent door and tried to will it away in the event that it wasn’t just a harmless zebra indulging in a midnight snack. Once the assumed zebra trudged along, the lions started calling back and forth to each other-one on either side of the camp. I listened all night long, half scared, half in awe... waiting for the next deep echo.

Working with an incredible team of safari coordinators and specialists was the perfect foray into the travel industry.

And then... cue 2020.

The travel industry was placed on hold. Life was put on hold. Weekend outdoor adventures have always been the norm for us but during 2020, they were our biggest saving grace.

As one day blurred into the next day, I missed travel so deeply and began to think hard about my next steps. I knew I needed to stay in the travel industry but I felt a new desire to push myself to the next level. Alli Cole Travel was officially established in March 2021 as an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, the country’s oldest travel advisory. As borders slowly open up and things settle into a new normal, theworld is becoming our oysteragain. Whether you want to go on alife-changingsafari, relaxon a tropical island, luxuriate in a chalet in Alaskaafter a rewarding day of salmon fishing, wine taste and eat your way through Italy-we can take you there!

Now that I have a yearof nesting under my belt, I am ready to get out there and explore! Are you? Allons-y! Vamos! Andiamo!