Meet the Team

Jenny Hendry, Head of Tailormade
“A round-the-world trip inspired me to work in the adventure travel industry and – ten years later – I haven’t looked back. My adventures have continued: From working on school projects in Kenya, enjoying two months seeing the hidden side of Cuba and trekking the trails and mountains of Peru and Morocco. Next stop? Tanzania!”

Manuela de Fazio, Regional Specialist for South America
“I was born and raised in Italy, graduating in modern languages at Rome University before moving to England where I started working for a tailor-made tour operator for 5 years. I have travelled extensively in Europe, especially in the Balkans, and fell in love with Latin America during an eye-opening trip 2 years ago. Amongst my favourite memories is spotting Machu Picchu through the mist at the Sun Gate, during the Inca Trail, and dancing Cuban salsa at La Casa de la Musica in Havana!”

Read about Manuela's Peru highlights

Sarah Slocomb, Regional Specialist for the Middle East
“I have worked in the travel industry for 8 years; starting off with an apprenticeship in a travel agency, which earned me an NVQ qualification in Travel Services. Since joining Explore I’ve enjoyed every second. I started off working in the groups department before moving over to the Tailormade team, and I have had the opportunity to travel to some fantastic places across several continents; my adventures in the Middle East being some of my favourites. A few of my most memorable experiences would be sleeping under the stars in the White Desert in Egypt with just me and a sleeping bag, exploring the old city of Ghadames in Libya; now an UNESCO world heritage site, and last but no means least, floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan!"

Read about Sarah's Egypt highlights

Linzi Summers, Regional Specialist for Africa
"I was born in Malawi and spent my childhood in southern and western Africa. I eventually returned to school in the UK and didn't venture back to Africa until, as an adult, I was offered a trip to Kenya. As soon as I landed, I knew I had come home. In the last 20 years, I have been a frequent visitor to Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa. Last month I finally fulfilled a long wish to visit Namibia. What is it that keeps drawing me back? It's the wide open savannas, the smell of the earth after a storm, the glorious vistas, the loudest dawn chorus ever and the warm and welcoming people. I love photographing the wildlife, too, and often inflict a calendar on my friends and family! My favourite moments include the sheer drama of Victoria Falls, tracking the desert adapted elephant in Damaraland and mesmerising tales of the Zulu war at Rorke’s Drift in South Africa".

Read about Linzi's Tanzania highlights

Chris Ellis, Regional Specialist for Asia

“From a young age I’ve always had itchy feet to get out there and see what the world has to offer. After finishing college I took a year out to indulge this desire, and it was on this trip was where I fell in love with Asia. This continent wooed me with its exotic sights, smells and sounds, along with its rich cultures and friendly, engaging people. Asia has something for everyone with lush rainforests, a host of wildlife, tropical beaches, snow topped mountains and colourful temples to name just a few. I have been at Explore for nearly 5 years now helping people choose their perfect holiday, and in that time I have taken a few of my own! Some of my fondest memories are meeting the smiling Sherpas whilst trekking up to Everest Base Camp, taking in the awe-inspiring sunset over Angkor Wat, and cycling through the village communities along the Mekong Delta. Oh, and how can I forget Scuba diving in the tropical reefs of Koh Phi Phi...!"

Read about Chris's Cambodia highlights