What We’re Thankful For: Our Team’s Travels, Highlights, and Hopes for the Year Ahead
As we wrap up another year of adventures, our team is reflecting on the journeys that shaped us—both on the road and back at home. From the places that inspired us to the moments we’re most grateful for, we’re excited to share what we loved this year and what we can’t wait to explore next.
Corinne Goodman and Doug Herbert. It’s hard to believe what 27 years of travel, curiosity, and partnership can build. Looking back, I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a team — and grateful for the people and places that continue to shape our journey. In 2025, we stepped into two experiences that reflect what we believe travel should be: meaningful, well-considered, and rooted in real relationships. The first was a journey to Zimbabwe, supporting the rewilding of one of the most breathtaking regions on the continent, in partnership with the Great Plains Conservation. It was a privilege to spend time on the ground, seeing conservation in action and learning directly from the people doing the work — knowledge you simply can’t get from a brochure. The second was a mates’ trip through New Zealand and Australia — 28 days spent celebrating the trusted partners who make the magic happen behind the scenes. We shared these places with close friends, opening doors, telling stories, and showing them the country as locals do. These are the experiences that remind me why I do this: travel built on trust, long-standing relationships, and a deep respect for place. I’m thankful every day for the access we’re given — and for the opportunity to pass that insider perspective on to you, who travel with us.
Vanessa Bowden. This year, I’m most thankful for a strong and healthy body (and mind) that carried me to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro — a dream realized and a reminder to never take physical capability for granted. I’m equally grateful to my family, especially for sharing time on our adventure across Texas in the USA. 2025 was my most unforgettable travel moment yet, but next year my sights are already set on Botswana in February, a bucket-list destination I’ve been waiting years to explore. And of course, I’m always looking forward to my annual trip home to Australia in April — the perfect mix of family time and reconnecting through ATE.
Shannon Bradley. This year, I’m especially grateful for my incredible DUE team, my supportive parents and amazing friends, and the opportunity to see so much of the world. I’m also beyond happy to have gotten married and to share life—and all these adventures—with my husband, Olivier. Some of my most memorable moments came from our honeymoon in Vienna, the Seychelles, and Paris, as well as a memorable trip through Scotland and Ireland with my parents. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to visit Rwanda and Uganda in April—Rwanda will mark my 50th country—and then finally take the Singapore, Cambodia, and Vietnam trip that’s been planned since 2020. Even better, I’ll be exploring that second journey with one of my besties in travel.
Candice Heckel. As always, I’m grateful for the precious time spent with family and friends this year, and for the travel experiences that shaped 2025. Vietnam completely captured my heart, and my annual six weeks in Africa once again grounded me and renewed my soul. Looking ahead, 2026 brings something truly special—our 20th wedding anniversary, which we’ll be celebrating in the South of France surrounded by our loved ones. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and an inspiring year ahead.
Amanda Jamieson. I’ve been in the travel industry for over 20 years, but I am so thankful to now be part of the Down Under & Africa Endeavours team. The support, teamwork, and genuine passion they bring every day are truly unmatched, and they’ve made my job even more fun and rewarding. I’m also incredibly grateful to have finally shared my love of Africa with my partner, Nick. After six years of hearing me blab on about how special it is, he finally got to experience it for himself and understand why the continent holds such a big piece of my heart. And next year brings even more to look forward to. I can’t wait to introduce him to another favorite corner of the world when we explore New Zealand and Fiji together. Here’s to new adventures ahead!
Maloo Lozada. I’m forever thankful for my big, loud and wonderfully chaotic family, and even more grateful that we can travel together. travel with them. We share many great stories and memories that will forever. We recently traveled to New Zealand during their winter season, all 12 of us! Better by the dozen! We were blessed with great weather and clear skies that allowed us a glacier landing not once, but twice. And in 2026 I am looking forward to my first trip to Zimbabwe with my mom!
Loukas Rogaris. This year, I am really thankful that I got to spend a lot of time with my family. Going to Greece with my wife and kids, along with my parents and my brother’s family, was a wonderful experience that I will always remember. We all got to visit the Island of Naxos for the first time and we had a blast! Next year, I am looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime trip of going to Africa! This will be my first time there. I will be visiting Tanzania and Uganda in March. I can’t wait for this new experience as I have heard so much from my colleagues who have been there already.
Annie Puffer. This year I am grateful for all the memories I have made with my friends and family, and my health! I celebrated the weddings of my cousin, and my best friends, and participated in the fun activities leading up to them. One of the weddings took us to Costa Rica, my favorite travel experience this year. We got to relax at the beautiful resort, witness their beautiful beachside ceremony and had an epic dance party at the reception. Then we spent a few days in the La Fortuna area where we did a waterfall cannoneering tour with river tubing, saw animals like sloths, howler monkeys and tree frogs in the wild and finished with a day at the natural thermal hot springs resort fed by a volcano! It was my first time to Central America, and I can’t wait to get back to explore the area more in the future. In 2026, I am looking forward to taking my first trip to Mexico, and starting the hunt for a home to purchase in Chicago with my boyfriend.
Lauren Young. 2025 was certainly a year to remember – filled with highs, truthfully a few lows, but mostly overwhelming gratitude for another trip around the sun. My favorite memory was one from my childhood, reincarnated for my own 2 kiddos…we piled them in the car for a 10-hour road trip up to Mackinac Island, Michigan. We loved the ferry, the horses, no cars – all of it! Next year my goal is to do a solo weekend, a “parents-only” vacation, and another family trip…fingers crossed!!
So here’s to 2026! Our team can’t wait to help you all plan your next big adventure!