My bucket list
(156 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Melissa Becker
Plymouth, MI
My Travel and Work Experience
I have been an avid traveler for many years, and bring more than 20 years experience in building, selling, and escorting travel. I have always loved to explore the world. When I was 17 I got a job so I could buy a plane ticket to Phoenix. I was ho...
I have been an avid traveler for many years, and bring more than 20 years experience in building, selling, and escorting travel. I have always loved to explore the world. When I was 17 I got a job so I could buy a plane ticket to Phoenix. I was hooked. All extra money I had in college was spent on travel. I then planned a trip for friends to travel through Florida and realized this is what I need to do for everyone. It's not just a job, it's my lifestyle.
My main expertise is in Europe, with nearly 30 trips under my belt, including multiple trips to the UK, Croatia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy and more. I also backpacked through Europe for four weeks at age 18, riding the rails and staying in hostels. I have also traveled to 42 states including multiple trips to Alaska & Hawaii. I have also been to 'off the beaten path' destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Japan and Costa Rica. I have the on-site experience to properly help you plan your next trip to the destination of your dreams.
Fun facts... In my free time I'm also wrangling my three girls ages 13, 10 and 10 (Yes, twins). I play volleyball, love to spend time outdoors; hiking, swimming or gardening and I absolutely love sunshine. My favorite holiday is Halloween, and I really know my way around a tool shop and finished my entire basement pretty much by myself. I also like to travel ; )
Can Be Reached At
1-734-455-5810
Sunrise on the Masai Mara
I miss the sounds of the zebras. They often could be heard yip-yapping in the distance, especially in the morning and the evening.
When Africa is number one on your bucket list, where do you go next? I was beyond lucky to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime journey, but please tell me I don't get to do something this amazing just once.
I tried to be present in every moment, to enjoy every day, and sometimes put the camera down and just watch. There was one moment, while closely viewing a pride of lions on the Serengeti, three ladies decided to walk toward our vehicle, each getting closer than the last until the final lioness walked right beside the vehicle staring at each one of us before disappearing behind the rear of our open jeep. Breathtaking.
One of the great disadvantages of time is that it keeps marching on, and once that time has passed it cannot be repeated. Sometimes an experience is so perfect all you'd like to do is just repeat it.
The air was warmer than I thought it would be in November, and after a nice long day it was so refreshing to jump into the cool infinity pool near the edge of the fence, and watch the rhinos and wildebeest that lived beyond it.
The people were kind and eager to share their lives with us. I remember moments like our safari walk with James, watching the Maasai dancers, and learning so much from our loyal and informative guides. Some experiences with the Maasai people are so magical I will keep them just for myself.
The food was delicious, so many tastes and smells, of ginger and curry, and bright fresh vegetables. You might ask if they use organic food - of course they do, but they just call it food. If you are not a soup person, don't let that stop you - Kenyans and Tanzanians know how to make a great soup.
To be able to finish this trip with a hot air balloon at sunrise was definitely the icing on the cake, to see the lions, elephants and giraffe from above. Photos don't do it justice. The hot air from the balloon burner on your neck, the sun in your face, the wind in your hair - floating over the Mara river valley without feeling like you're moving at all.
Please tell me I don't get to do something this amazing just once.
Africa, you are my favorite.