fbpx
Menu
  • Our home town of Stowe, Vermont The Home Team

Get to Know Our Staff at Boundless Journeys

Here at Boundless Journeys, our expert home team combines a love for travel with an insider’s knowledge of off-the-beaten-path adventures. Our staff has traveled extensively around the globe, scouting trails and waterways, finding the hidden gems of each destination, and our greatest joy is crafting outstanding travel experiences for you. If there is somewhere you want to go, chances are we’ve been there!

When you call Boundless Journeys, you will reach a real person, not a machine. Our tour managers have a passion for adventure travel, and when not exploring new destinations, they love helping you choose the perfect trip and planning your next adventure.

From your first call, we take care of every detail of your vacation, whether it’s assisting with pre- or post-trip extensions and obtaining visas, to providing specific information about your trip. Simply choose a Boundless Journeys tour, and let us help you do the rest. Our travel experts look forward to providing you with an unforgettable journey!

Meet the Boundless Journeys Team:

"We have traveled with Boundless Journeys twice and are heading off on our third adventure with them later this year. As extensive travelers, we can honestly say that Boundless Journeys is the best company we have ever worked with. Both their US based staff and their in-country guides are superb! Attention to detail, special moments, flexibility are all trademarks. Their trips have the perfect blend of free time and guided time - mixing the best of both worlds. Our time with them in Bhutan was the most phenomenal experience of my life and when we took our family to Turkey our teenage daughters had the time of their lives. We highly recommend them - we won't travel with anyone other than Matt and his great team!!
Pam R., Nova Scotia

Matt Holmes

Founder and President

In a world that seems to change more quickly with each passing year, it is important to step outside our usual routine, to slow down, and to take time to remember what connects us all. We invite you to join us as we trek the paths of yak herders in Bhutan, paddle amid the sun-dappled islands of Palau, and discover the forgotten villages of Slovenia on foot. Our expert home team combines a love for travel with an insider’s knowledge of off-the-beaten-path experiences and a passion to share the best of the world with you.

Areas of expertise: Off the beaten path adventures that most travelers have a hard time finding and putting together on their own.

Latest journey: I continue to explore new destinations for Boundless Journeys, as well as wander outside what I might call a “typical” Boundless Journeys trip. Most recently I’ve spent a month in Costa Rica exploring for BJ and taken personal trips to Bolivia for fishing and the Maldives for surfing.

Favorite places: Wow, really? That’s a bit like picking your favorite child. Just to name a few…Japan, Bhutan, Botswana, Slovenia, Spain, Costa Rica, and pretty much all the other great places we go. I’ll go about anywhere anytime. Tough question!

Favorite travel quote: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

Best travel experience: Another very tough question! I have been very fortunate to have had many great adventures, but if I had to choose just one, it would be India circa 1994. Spending a month in India with my younger brother and wife to be was an amazing adventure that included a two week trek through the Himalayas in Northern India. This was the trip that got me thinking that travel was something I wanted to make a living doing. And I knew I could do it much better than the budget operations we were using for support. Twenty-eight years later, I’m proud that Boundless Journeys is leading our guests on The World’s Great Adventures, and that they return saying it was their “best travel experience ever.”

Where next: Back to Costa Rica this winter to escape some of Vermont’s chill, conduct more research for BJ trips, and work on my surfing. It’s a tough sport!

"Working with Karen was an absolute delight. There was never a point nor issue that did not receive prompt and professional answers. Having traveled the world with many different tour companies, I have never had the ease of experience that I did with Boundless Journeys. Thank you, Karen, you made the trip planning fantastic!”

– D. Munro, Peru: The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Karen Cleary

Destination Manager

“I voted that BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS is the BEST. I also said that that Karen Cleary is magnificent. I would use Karen to plan any trip I would take, anywhere in the world. Karen is the epitome of an exceptional travel agent: competent, friendly, helpful, empathetic, customer service oriented, diligent and pleasant. She is a keeper!”
Nancy C., Tucson, Arizona

Areas of expertise: Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar).

Latest journey: I recently returned from Rwanda, exploring vibrant Kigali, the hidden gem of Akagera National park, and of course, trekking to see the gorillas. All I can say is wow! Sharing the forest with these incredible creatures was exhilarating. Rwanda has much to offer the adventurous traveler!

Favorite places: Wherever I am at the moment; but if I had to pick a few standouts they’d be PeruSwitzerland, Tanzania, and Botswana. I could go back to the wild places of Africa 1,000 times and never tire of the grandeur.

Favorite travel quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

Best travel experience: I’ve been so lucky to be able to see places many people only dream of. But it’s not the famous places that I remember so much as the little experiences along the way. Waiting for the ferry to leave Great Blasket Island off the coast of Ireland, I decided to take advantage of the time. I found a secluded stretch of beach and went for a swim in the Atlantic just as it was starting to rain.

Nobody ever talks about the colors of the north Atlantic, but it’s the most beautiful, translucent aquamarine color. There have been other memorable times, and some that are certainly more impressive to talk about, but that day has stuck with me…the perfect water, the solitude, and that totally alive feeling.

Where next: We’ve recently created a fantastic new safari, closer to home – I’d love to take my family to explore Baja’s Sierras and undeveloped Espiritu Santo Island in the Sea of Cortez. Whale sharks, swimming with playful sea lions, blue-footed boobies! Sign me up!

"I would like to express my gratitude to Deborah for her kind and practical help. It was very much appreciated, and she is a great credit to your company. Thank you."
– Rob K., Costa Rica tour

Deborah Tobey

Destination Manager

“Deborah Tobey was wonderful. Her enthusiasm, attentiveness and advice all made the planning process the smoothest ever. Her enthusiasm for Iceland was contagious and I appreciated very much her call the week of our departure to see if I had any last minute questions. Even before the trip began, I felt very well taken care of!”
Margaret M., New York, NY

Areas of expertise: Europe (Iceland, Croatia, Finland, PortugalItaly, Norway) and Costa Rica.

Latest journey: I was recently in Norway and can honestly say, it was some of the most gorgeous and dramatic scenery I’ve ever seen in my life.

Favorite places: Rome, Italy—a museum with no walls or ceiling…and that gelato!

Favorite travel quote: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” – John Muir

Best travel experience: Sicily! Perhaps because it is an island, or perhaps because Sicilians consider themselves impregnable to outsiders, Sicily is an experience unlike any other I have had in Italy. From flamboyant cathedrals, to immense Greek temples, to ancient lava flows, and sweet pastries, the past is present in the smallest details.

As J.W. Goethe wrote in Journey to Italy, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is to have not seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.”

Where next: Looking forward to developing a new trip for Boundless Journeys! Greece is at the top of my list, but let me know if you have suggestions.

“We are all still talking about our wonderful time on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and are all wondering how the next trip will compare! We are thrilled to have found and connected with Boundless Journeys and look forward to seeking your help in choosing the next adventure.”
- Sharon W., Tour du Mont Blanc

Michelle Cournoyer

Destination Manager

Areas of expertise: The Alps, The DolomitesScotland, Slovenia, Argentina

Latest journey: I was thrilled to hike in the Dolomites to scout our new trip. That region has been on my list for many years. The amazing scenery, incredible food, warm hospitality of the Tyrolean people, and hiking opportunities definitely exceeded my expectations.

Favorite places: I’m a bit biased as a Francophile and mountain lover, so the French Alps—anywhere amidst them. More specifically? Standing atop the Domes de Miages with Mont Blanc seemingly a stone’s throw away, surrounded by 360 degrees of incredible mountain beauty—glaciers below, blue sky above, granite peaks, snow underfoot, silence and stillness, save a slight whisk of wind.

The café in Contamines Montjoie (where we enjoyed pizza oozing with Roblechon cheese and potatoes with a glass of French wine afterwards) was quite a nice place, too!

Favorite travel quote: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

Best travel experience: My visit with a very inspiring woman in Brittany, France years ago. Her 85-year-old friend taught me how to make galettes of buckwheat flour and water (not be confused with crepes made with milk and white flour!). She gracefully demonstrated the use of the ladle, rake, and long skinny spatula and made a perfect product each time. Mine? They looked more like a Rorschach test—or maybe that was due to her homemade cider she kept serving me.

We then proceeded to a traditional Fez Noz dance, which started at about 10:00 p.m. With what seemed to be with everyone’s kids, parents, and grandparents from town, we danced in circles linked by pinkies around two musicians sitting in back-to-back chairs, playing what resembled oboes as loud as bagpipes. We left at 1:00 a.m., long before the dance was over!

Where next: I’m off to hike in the Mont Blanc region this summer with my family. It’ll be my daughter’s first international trip, and we are both super excited!

“Thanks for all of your help. I have never worked with a more professional and competent agent for any trip in my life. You are the gold standard. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”

-Dianne M., Peru Custom Tour

Kristen Bernarsky

Destination Manager

“My Boundless Journeys trip exceeded my expectations in every way and I feel like a richer person for having experienced it. Thank you again for another life changing experience!”
Samantha G., East Greenbush, NY

Areas of expertise: Japan, Bhutan, Nepal, VietnamPalau

Latest journey: I traveled to Eastern Bhutan to develop our 2020 Special Departure. Having already explore the central and western regions, it was fascinating to experience an area of Bhutan that few other travelers get to.

Best Travel Experience: Palau. Honestly, I didn’t know where Palau was before working at Boundless Journeys! I was fortunate enough to join one of our tours and was blown away by the colorful coral and abundance of marine life seen while snorkeling. Kayaking in the clearest of turqoise water amongst Palau’s beautiful Rock Islands truly felt like paradise, and I often think back to my time in Palau while I’m scraping snow off my car during Vermont’s cold winters! .

Favorite travel quote: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Anonymous

Best souvenir: My dog, Modi.

Where next: My next personal adventure will likely be to Poland for a heritage trip with my family. It’s been a long time coming!

"Boundless Journeys provided us with a fantastic trip. We have gone on a few other adventure trips and can honestly say that Boundless Journeys is far superior to any of the other companies we've traveled with."
-Susan R., France, Italy, & Switzerland: Tour du Mont Blanc

Bryan Haggerty

Destination Manager

Areas of expertise: Peru, New Zealand, Spain, England, Alpe Adria, Vermont, Washington.

Best travel experience: I’ve had the opportunity to spend over six months exploring the South Island of New Zealand. Part of my heart will always be in the majestic landscapes of Aoteroa.

Favorite places: I’m fascinated by so many of the world’s wonderful places. But I’d have to say that favorite region to explore is the mountains of Southeast Asia, from the border region of Thailand and Myanmar through Laos and northern Vietnam. The region is full of wonder, with vibrant cultures, dramatic scenery and some of the kindest people you could hope to meet.

Favorite travel quote: “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again – to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.” – Pico Iyer

Where next: Expect to see me joining our Spain and Morocco: Granada to Fes Walking or our Alpe Adria Hiking trip sometime very soon!

"You begin your travel with strangers who magically become friends during the trip. It has happened to us every time. We start off not knowing anyone and at the end of the trip I don't want to leave these people!"
-Mary Jane H. , Italy: Dolomites Traverse

Jane Agran

Guest Services Coordinator

Areas of expertise: The World

Latest journey: I traveled with my daughter Hannah to Puglia, Italy this past June. It was her first time to Europe and my first time to the heal of Italy. It was a fun holiday, maybe one of the most fun trips I’ve taken. I experienced another culture, language, landscapes and food with Hannah, and we luxuriated in the aquatic blue waters of three different Seas, all under the yummy hot Italian sun. Add to that our daily gelato, and we were truly in heaven.

Favorite places: Vermont! For such a tiny state there are so many different places to hike and explore. I have lived in VT my whole life and I am still blown away by the beauty of the mountains, lakes, woods, farms and pastures, rivers and swimming holes, people, and intensely different seasons.

Favorite travel quote: Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Gustav Flaubert

Best travel experience: No one travel experience is the best, as they are all special in different ways. When I was in the Galapagos, I went snorkeling for the first time in my life. Being under water which was so eerily quiet, and with the colors, sizes and movements of fish, I thought “oh, wow, this is what it feels like to be in a wildly different, hidden, wondrous world.”

Where next: Exploring the woods of VT on my skis this winter. Everything looks different and magical and peaceful when surrounded by snow and trees and not much else.

Questions?

Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.

1-800-941-8010

Travel + Leisure World's Best Award

Top 5 World's Best Tour Operators
Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Traveler

50 Tours Of A Lifetime
Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Best Adventure Travel Company Winner

ATTA member since 2006