FOUNDER & ADVENTURE SPECIALIST JAKE’S BACKGROUND

Born in Santa Rosa, California I crossed the state line as a child and headed North, first in Seattle and then down to Oregon where I graduated from Southern Oregon University with a Business degree and focus on Hospitality and Tourism.  Out of college, I moved back down south to sunny San Diego and embarked on my career in travel.  First, as a management trainee at the five star Four Seasons Resort Aviara, in Carlsbad, California. This was my first introduction into how to execute an experience renowned for indulgent luxury, sumptuous surroundings and legendary service.  Then onto Marco Polo Vacations and Galapagos Cruises, where I had my first taste of designing upscale travel itineraries to Latin America and Africa.  After having my fill of the SoCal lifestyle, I decided to head back home to the most beautiful city in the World, Seattle, Washington.  Right away, I learned my airport codes and state capitals at World Leisure Travel Academy, meanwhile raising funds for the Washington State Public Interest Research Group.  Then jumped back into the travel biz as a small ship expedition cruise specialist at Cruisewest. Founder and Father of Alaska Tourism, Chuck West shared with me his secret that providing unique and personal travel experiences was the key to retaining and attracting loyal guests.   Next, I followed my heart into the turquoise waters of the South Pacific, the majesty of New Zealand and the enchantment of Australia and came on board with Down Under Answers, where we were recognized time and time again by Australia and New Zealand Travel Specialists as the number one U.S. tour operator.  We succeeded in this by providing the highest level of personalized service, creating distinctive itineraries and offering unmatched destination expertise.

As an avid outdoorsman and a responsible and active traveler, I have always felt that there was a lack of travel agents out there that understood the experience my friends and I were after…someone that could help us unearth the right small group adventure or customize a journey that satisfied our active pursuits or cultural interests. We were looking for something authentic, something for the responsible, curious and active traveler… Thus Explorers 3 was born, traveling and protecting the Land, Sea & Sky.  As Founder and Adventure Specialist it is my absolute intent that Explorers 3 succeed in the emerging and exciting industry of adventure and experiential travel. We thank you for spending your valuable vacation research time on our website. To those who have not yet had the chance to work with us, we look forward to meeting you and help get you "out there", in nature.  

Finally, as your personal travel and adventure consultants we will always strive to provide you with a travel experience that truly moves you…  We will do this by selecting the most responsible, knowledgeable, and spirited local guides and operators that immerse you into a culture while attempting to ensure that your activities have a minimal impact on the areas you visit and that the local conservation, education and research projects are rightfully supported.