Derek has always been drawn to the stories, flavors and adventures that make a place memorable. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he took anything but a conventional path into travel: he worked as a creator and actor in film and television, and spent time behind the bar as a manager and mixologist at restaurants in Los Angeles and New York. Those years shaped his appreciation for storytelling, culture, food and the art of bringing people together.
For the past 12 years, Derek has turned those passions into a career in travel as a travel advisor, tour developer and guide. He has designed and led culinary and historical walking tours, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures in cities and national parks across the United States — and today brings that varied perspective to journeys throughout Latin America and Europe.
Some of his favorite travel memories include discovering the history of Machu Picchu while trekking the Inca Trail, exploring the jungles and waterways of the Amazon, and experiencing the incredible biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. In Costa Rica, he's always looking for the adventure that brings the destination to life.
Plan to be spontaneous
The best journeys balance thoughtful preparation, meaningful guided experiences, and plenty of leisure time to explore, wander and soak it all in.
Hiking, camping, kayaking, rafting — or chasing just about anything that gets the adrenaline going. Also a movie buff, live music and festival fan, and follower of basketball and football (the proper kind!).
Fantasy, science fiction, tabletop gaming and epic video games. He and his wife call sunny California home, with their dogs Dallas & Obi.
Vietnam & Colombia
Though he's never been particularly good at keeping that list short.
Book a free 30-minute consultation — Derek will design your itinerary from scratch around you.
