Board of Tourism Certifications:

NEW FOR AUSTRALIA!!  SEE MY MICROSITE AT:
http://microsite.virtuoso.com/Aikman/PegAikman

AUSTRALIA – four trips to Australia with the last visit being two weeks in May 2006. My fascination with Australia began in 1990, and I have traveled extensively throughout New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territories. My last two trips were with an elite group of eight travel consultants from the US, traveling with Virtuoso. The diversity of this country makes it one of the most interesting English speaking destinations, not to mention the largest reef in the world and countless UNSCO designated heritage sites.

NEW ZEALAND – four trips to this fabulous destination as well! My most recent trips of 2004 and 2005 found me again traveling with Virtuoso. This has long been one of my most favorite places in the world – New Zealand’s sheer beauty astounds me. I have covered both islands in depth. Whether you are looking for a golf holiday, a tour of locations from the filming of the Lord of The Rings, a bicycle trip, experience the lodges of NZ or a self-drive adventure my experience in planning individual touring is extensive.

HAWAII– I feel especially comfortable in creating your Hawaii travels as I lived on the island of Oahu, Hawaii for three years. I took the specialist course Ke Kulu O Hawaii offered by the board of tourism and have made repeated trips back to the islands over the years.. My most recent trip in 2005 was with the culturally rich tour company Tauck Tours

TAHITI– In June I completed the course work to become certified in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. July found me experiencing this destination for the first time with Lindblad Expeditions. Always regarded as a romantic location with beautiful beaches, I was amazed by the pristine conditions of the Cook Islands and the extremely interesting cultural history of the Polynesian people. I was charmed by the “sameness” of the experience with the children of Palmerston Atoll and the children of Africa. The joy on their faces caused byjust holding your hand is something to bring home to cherish.

Destination Specialties:

SOUTH AFRICA – I am a certified Virtuoso Destination specialist in South Africa with my most recent trip being in 2004. From Cape Town and its wine country, to Kruger National Park in the north with its fabulous game parks, this country is a passion. I have traveled to East Africa as well. My hope is to return late 2006 or early 2007.

ITALY – I have traveled to Italy the past three consecutive years with the Italian Board of Tourism and the ITPC (Italian Tourism Promotional Council). Each year we study in depth one of the twenty-two districts, experiencing as much of the region as possible. Additionally, I have traveled independently to Italy a total of nine times, including a seven night coastal voyage with Seadream Yacht Club.