The Polar Expert Team
Expedition voyages to the Polar regions: The Arctic; Spitzbergen and Antarctica, plus the Falklands and South Georgia from THE specialists, so if you've got any questions ask our Experts on 0845 863 9600.
Paul
An award winning photographer, naturalist and guide Paul leads the Exodus Polar Expeditions. This summer we have two Spitzbergen charters and Paul will also lead the pioneering ice-breaking Emperor Penguin Safari to Antarctica in November 2009. Paul's sense of humour and passion for travel and wildlife are infectious!
We strongly suggest you click on Paul's image to see the full size version!
Sarah
I first discovered my passion for travel when I was fresh out of university – I spent two months travelling on an overland camping safari in Africa, and I was hooked. I have been working in the adventure travel industry for about 10 years now, with almost 4 of them in polar travel.
Africa was definitely my first great love and I have been there four times: on game drives in the Serengeti, climbing sand dunes at sun rise in Namibia, trekking to see gorillas in Zaire, wine tasting in South Africa, travelling by felucca on the Nile and on an overnight camel trek in Morocco. However, it was Antarctica which next captured my heart and is now by far my favourite place on earth. I got my first taste of polar travel in 2004 when I went to Antarctica for the first time. The beauty, the isolation and the vastness of Antarctica astounded me. The sight of enormous icebergs floating by the ship, the various shades of blue found in different ice formations, and the sound of glaciers calving into the ocean are all experiences not soon to be forgotten. The sheer numbers and proximity of the wildlife in Antarctica is also incredible – I’ve seen a leopard seal kill a penguin two feet from the zodiac, had whales spy hopping next to and swimming under the zodiac, and even seen a penguin take a nap on passenger life jackets! I have now been to Antarctica twice, travelling to both sides of the peninsula, and going at each end of the season – and I still can’t wait to go back again!
Carl
After numerous adventures and plenty of excitement across the world, it's been the Middle East, and more recently Central Asia that I've been most drawn to. Following the trails blazed many years ago by the likes of Thesiger, Burton and Burnes I've covered most of the region, or at least those areas that don't require you to convert or enlist. The hospitality and warmth of the people is second to none and I've always been made to feel like a guest rather than just a visitor. International trade may no longer take The Silk Road to Europe but tucked away in the old cities that lined the route there's still plenty of the magic and romance of the Orient to explore.
Catriona
Travel has always fascinated me and has been a big part of my life from an early age. Too many experiences to mention (some good and some bad!) but my personal highlights would have to be a microlight flight over Victoria Falls, drinking manioc with an Amazonian tribe in Ecuador and sea kayaking in the Kenai Fjords. Of all the places I have been to my favourite destination is the US for its variety of landscapes and activities, in particular Alaska - vast open spaces, mountains, amazing wildlife and fresh air. It doesn't get any better than that. My best travel advice would be always take a towel and watch out for Greek taxi drivers!
Dan
Having tired of running a City wine bar (long hours with yuppies quaffing too much bubbly, no doubt on expenses) I ran away to do a season skiing in the French Alps. Armed with a pocketful of cash I then backpacked for a year starting in Mexico, then heading through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Brazil. I came out (not literally, I've got twins on the way) the other side in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia amongst others. Back home and broke - Exodus were foolish enough to take me on in Sales and its been a wonderful (and quick) 8 years. My fave type of trips are cycling and wildlife encounters, highlights being Cycling in Nicaragua and South Africa,gorilla watching in Uganda and the migration in the Mara. I also have the privelege of taking our loyal band of travel agents on tour.
Lucy
Having grown up in Mexico, visited over 75 countries, spent a year in Asia and set foot on all 7 continents my passion for travel is greater than ever, except that having recently had two small children getting away from it all has proved a little harder! However, as soon as the children are old enough we will be buying them backpacks and setting off hoping they will share our enthusiasm for travel. My two year old is already into curries and samosas so I guess that is a good start! A few of my favourite places are Antarctica for pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife, France for fantastic food and wine, the Maldives for unspoilt beaches and that chill out factor and finally for scenery, culture and mosques it's a tough one between Iran and Uzbekistan.
