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Our Team in Toronto

Meet the enthusiastic travel planners behind Worldwide Quest's tours!



Travel Advisor
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Ankur Khurana

As an avid traveller, I’m always on the lookout for memorable experiences in nature’s midst. I’ve explored some wonderful, breathtaking places and gathered reminiscences that I have endeavoured to convey through my writings and photos. I’ve joined Quest Nature Tours to help others experience nature’s vast beauty and forge a deeper connection with natural spaces worldwide.

Favourite travels:
My trips to India’s many national parks are particularly noteworthy.

Dream trip:
An extended wildlife photography tour to Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua.

Words to Live by:
From rivers of sorrow to oceans deep with hope, I have travelled them (from the song Perennial Quest).
Sales Manager
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Candice Lashley

My previous work in event planning and catering was led by the motto “To cater is to accommodate”, a guiding principle which transfers to the travel industry just as seamlessly as any customer service focused role. I love connecting with people, so my favourite part of working with the Worldwide Quest team has been sharing in our traveller’s excitement as they embark on their next trip-of-a-lifetime.

Favourite travels:
New Zealand stole my heart when I first visited for my sister’s wedding (on Waiheke Island, off the coast of Auckland). I have since been back twice to further explore both the North and South Islands and would happily return again and again. In Aotearoa, the abundant, spectacular beauty of the natural landscape is reflected in the hearts of its people and their rich cultural heritage.

Dream trip:
Where to start?? I would love to explore the grottos of Halong Bay. Celebrate Diwali in Jaipur. Commune with a million flamingos on Lake Nakuru. Attend the opera in Vienna. Pay my respects to Queen Nefertari in Luxor. Cycle along the Seine... Just to name a few.

Words to Live by:
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Amy March
Travel Advisor
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Celeste Carrington

Born and raised in the vibrant Caribbean, my childhood dream was to explore the world. The opportunity to study abroad sparked my curiosity, offering a taste of the diverse tapestry of culture our planet weaves. With a degree in Hospitality and Culinary Arts, my love for food, wine, and culture has been my compass. Education bridged dreams and reality! Fueled by my passion for discovery, my mission here at Worldwide Quest is to transform your travel aspirations into unforgettable experiences.

Favourite travels:
Italy has always had a special place in my heart to go back to, especially for the food. Napoli’s pizza, Bologna’s tortellini en brodo, Genoa’s pesto & focaccia, Tuscany’s wine and vineyards, Florence’s Bistecca alla Fiorentina… Did I mention I like food and wine?

Dream trip:
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, witnessing Africa’s “Big 5", discovering as much of India as possible!

Words to Live by:
Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak.
Operations Manager
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Chris Albrecht

I have spent most of my free time travelling the world. After a successful career in the restaurant industry, I have taken this amazing opportunity with Worldwide Quest to combine my love of hospitality and relationship building with my passion for travel.

Favourite travels:
I love mixing cultural and natural experiences! Some of my favourites include hiking to the surreal gleaming black basalt columns of Svartifoss in Iceland, crawling through inky blackness in the caves of Horne Lake, eating hot dogs from a home-run road side stand in the Swiss alps, hiding from a downpour under the chestnut trees in Munich’s Englischer Garten, and drinking in the shades of green under the canopy of the rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park.

Dream trip:
I would love to visit Bhutan, the Galapagos Islands, the Antarctic ... the list goes on!

Words to Live by:
Be curious, ask questions, and have fun.
Tour Designer
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Ian Shanahan

I’ve been a keen student of nature my entire life, and I love to share this passion with others through teaching, writing, drawing, and painting. Both with Quest and otherwise, I have been fortunate to travel widely inside and outside Canada, experiencing and studying the natural and cultural history of our miraculous planet. It is my pleasure to design tours that engage your curiosity and help you realize your dreams.

Favourite travels:
The Dempster Highway through Yukon and Northwest Territories, Canada’s Arctic archipelago, the wildflower-rich tundra of Iceland, various trips to the St. Lawrence River and Bay of Fundy, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Dream trip:
Angel Falls in Venezuela

Words to Live by:
Stay current (cheeky advice from a river).
Finance Manager
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Jigar Patel

While relatively new to the travel industry, I am trying to bring a fresh perspective and particularly, a deep passion for connecting people with the wonders of nature. My love for being a part of the process that takes individuals closer to the beauty of the natural world is not just a job, but a personal mission.

Favourite travels:
Trekking trips to the Himalayas.

Dream trip:
Watching Northern Lights in the Arctic.

Words to Live By:
You are what you believe in. You become that which you believe you can become. (Gita 17:3)
Director
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Justin Peter

I started off leading bird hikes and nature tours for Quest Nature Tours and joined full time in 2013. I enjoy being in a position to expose others to natural phenomena and to ideas and cultures they might not have encountered previously. While working as Senior Park Naturalist at Algonquin Park, I supervised the educational programs that reached thousands of Park visitors annually.

Favourite travels:
How can I choose?! I love India and the Galapagos...a lot! All of my travels in Africa have been fascinating.

Dream trip:
I'd love to go on a parrot photo safari in Australia- the diversity and beauty of their parrots is breathtaking!

Words to Live By:
The story's the thing!
Operations Executive
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Laura Brennan

I was fortunate when growing up to be able to visit family abroad in the UK and the east coast of Canada almost every year. When offered a chance to visit family in Australia when I was 16 years old, I jumped at the chance to go! Just as excited to meet my family, I was equally excited about seeing each new hotel and city we would visit on the long journey. This sparked an interest in travel and the freedom and excitement it brings to explore new places. I love that I can assist in setting our travellers out on new adventures to check off their bucket list destinations!

Favourite travels:
Backpacking through Central America. And traveling down Hwy.1 Pacific Coast Hwy.

Dream trip:
I would love to visit Peru to hike Machu Pichu, go to Utah to visit the National Parks, and visiting Bhutan has recently popped up on my dream list!

Words to Live By:
“Jobs fill your pocket. Adventures fill your soul.”
Director
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Laurielle Penny

I've been in travel all my life; first overseas trip at 6 months old and travelling ever since – combination of Hungarian gypsy and Scottish practicality makes it work. An owner of Worldwide Quest since 2009, I want to create for our travelers that ‘aha' moment of connection with people and places.

Favourite travels:
I love the places around the edges (Uzbekistan, Ethiopia) and at the further reaches of hot and cold (Arctic and Antarctic expeditions and all about India).

Dream trip:
More India!!!

Words to Live By:
"Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow."
President
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Lewie Gonsalves

My passion for travel and adventure started after university in India when I began arranging expeditions in the Himalayas in 1972. I spent the next decade in Australia leading trips all over the world and founded Worldwide Quest when I moved to Canada in 1987.

Favourite travels:
Over four decades I have been fortunate to explore the world and it is the ‘Paths Less Travelled' that offer the most rewarding experiences.

Dream trip:
There are so many but the Himalayan Kingdom's (Bhutan/Nepal/Tibet) and India continues to amaze me.

Words to Live By:
Life is not a dress rehearsal so live each day to the fullest.
Private Journey Planner
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Lisa Walsh

I am an enthusiastic traveler who has explored over 100 countries. Inspired by my parents, my love for travel has been ingrained in me since childhood. It is a personal challenge for me to discover new destinations and immerse myself in diverse cultures. Traveling has broadened my horizons, enriched my understanding of the world, and fueled my passion for adventure.

Favourite travels:
My journey through India was a sensory feast. The vibrant hues of the saris, the pink city of Jaipur, and the golden sunsets over the Ganges were breathtaking. The symphony of flavours in the local cuisine, from spicy street food to rich curries, was unforgettably delicious. The rich tapestry of cultures, with diverse traditions, languages, and spiritual practices, was deeply inspiring.

Dream trip:
Exhilarating African safari adventure with my two children, brimming with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable family bonding amidst the untamed wilderness.

Words to Live By:
Quote by the American artist and naturalist John James Audubon. It goes like this: "The more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know." This quote expresses the idea that as one gains knowledge and experience in a particular field or subject, they become aware of the vastness and complexity of that domain, leading to a greater appreciation of the depth of knowledge yet to be acquired.
General Manager, Sales & Operations
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Martine Saldsman

I come from a sales and customer service background, but travel has always been a passion! I joined in 2014 – the best part of my job is when a client returns from a trip gushing about what an incredible time they had!

Favourite travels:
My faves include otherworldly lava fields in Iceland, the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, spotting the "Big 5" in South Africa, majestic mountains of the Pacific Northwest, the rugged Na Pali coast in Kauai (Hawaii), the haunting moors of the Scottish Highlands.

Dream trip:
There are too many!

Words to Live By:
Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.

Something I believe in:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness..."
Travel Advisor
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Natalie Menanno

With a passion for photography and adventure, I am thrilled to be a part of the travel industry. With my love of exploration, I'm excited to help deliver experiences celebrating diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. I’ve joined Worldwide Quest to share the wonders of the world and help fellow adventurers create cherished memories.

Favourite travels:
Exploring rural Costa Rica with my best friend was a dream.

Dream trip:
Italy, Egypt, Morocco, so many!

Words to Live By:
Appreciate the little things and be thankful.
Promotions Lead
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Samantha Bodanis

Ever since my first Adobe Photoshop course in 2004 I've known that I wanted to be a commercial artist. I joined Worldwide Quest in 2013. The best part of my job is being in charge of making things look good!

Favourite travels:
Myanmar was a highlight of my life! I want to travel to every Buddhist country, especially Nepal.

Dream trip:
A tour of Italy in a world where calories don't count.

Words to Live By:
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right.
Operations Executive
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Seena Mangot

Travel has been a major part of my life growing up and continues to be so. Always excited to explore new places. After a career in instructional designing and teaching, I’m part of the operations team at Worldwide Quest.

Favourite travels:
Many to choose from- River rafting in Rishikesh and white water rafting on the Ayung River, Ubud and the picturesque beauty of the backwaters of Kumarakom - all my favs.

Dream trip:
Would love to visit Serengeti, Tanzania.

Words to Live By:
Life is an art of balance.
Reservations Executive
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Tasneem Bhavnagarwala

I started travelling when I was seven years old. From the fascinating first ever plane ride to landing in my first city Babylon, over the years travel became a huge part of my life. This amazing opportunity with Worldwide Quest allows me to introduce travellers to my magnificent home country India as I pen down stories of wonder and share my passion of discovering hidden grandeur.

Favourite travels:
I enjoy nature, history and cultural experiences with local communities. Some of my clearest memories are walking through the ancient town of Luxor, hiking through the mountains of Bhutan, cycling around the lanes of Ubud in Bali, meeting the Big Cat in the myriad jungles of India, a delicious local meal with a Ladakhi family and witnessing the beauty of Everest from a flight from Bhutan to Nepal. And of course the Indian landscape forever has my heart.

Dream trip:
This can be a listicle but to begin with - Northern Lights, Turkey, Korea, Morocco and some stunning parts of Europe.

Words to Live By:
"Owning your story is the bravest thing you will ever do." - Brene Brown
Marketing Coordinator
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Vishwa Jardosh

I’ve always been curious about how people far away from me live and what those places look like. I’ve been travelling with my parents ever since I was a year old, but it was my first solo trip to Pondicherry that made me truly fall in love with travel. Since then, I’ve taken every opportunity to explore somewhere new. As a marketing coordinator at Worldwide Quest, I get to design beautiful travel itineraries that make people excited about their next journey!

Favourite travels:
Istanbul’s melting pot of eastern and western culture, Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett National Park, and my all-time favourite is Rajasthan with its opulent architecture and vibrant art.

Dream trip:
Island hopping in Greece, road trip through the spectacular coastal towns of Croatia, and discovering the surreal beauty of South India.

Words to Live By:
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai