I spent most of my life in South Africa and in 1978, I transferred to Chicago to work as Executive Assistant to the Consul-General for the South African Consulate. In 1981, I married a US citizen and decided to join the travel industry as it piqued my interest and the career change also afforded me the opportunity to return home to visit my family back in South Africa. The beginnings of my travel career were with a small family business called Fun Safaris, an outfit that arranged group photographic safaris for many of the zoological societies throughout the USA. I travelled with the groups to Africa approximately 3 or 4 times a year. This propelled my passion for travel that has simply increased over the years. In 1994 I was offered the opportunity to join Abercrombie & Kent in Downers Grove, Illinois and curated custom itineraries to Africa. After 2 years, I was promoted to Supervisor of the brochure tour departments handling Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America. I was with Andrew Harper for 4 years selling all destinations but specializing in unique countries throughout the world.

I joined Lake Forest Travel Bureau 8 years ago and have so much enjoyed adding additional knowledge and expertise to my repertoire. I have now been in the travel industry for 40 something, years and I am still as passionate and excited about this industry and sending my clients on exotic, once in a lifetime experiences.

Favorite Hotels and resorts: The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, The Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires, Zadun a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Cabot, Chobe Chilwero and Chiefs Camp in Botswana
Recently Visited: Chileno Bay Resort and Esperanza - Auberge Resorts, Solaz Los Cabos, Zadun - a Ritz Carlton Reserve – Cabot
My Bucket list: Patagonia, Alaska, Portugal, Japan

Erica Doose