Each of our specialists covers a few areas of our programme and all have been recruited for their passion and detailed knowledge of the region. They have all travelled extensively in this area so whoever plans your trip you can be sure that you will experience the very best of the country. Click on their profiles to read more about their background and travel experience.
Following a five year career in media, Charlie caught the travel bug and took a 16 month trip encompassing Southeast Asia, Australasia and the Pacific. Not wishing to go back to London or the media world, Charlie moved to Oxfordshire and joined Audley in 2003 to pursue his passion for travel. Since then, Charlie has renewed his acquaintance with all corners of Southeast Asia, in particular Indochina and Thailand, and he has also returned to visit Bali and Lombok. Charlie is Audley's most experienced country specialist and when he is not planning itineraries he enjoys playing cricket for the Audley Ducks, the company cricket club he co-founded in 2004, as well as playing golf and tennis.
James first got the taste for travel whilst studying Physics at Sheffield when he spent two months in Thailand before returning to complete his studies. After years of customer service experience in the hospitality industry between travels, James changed tracks to live and work in Canada for six months before exploring Mexico and the US. After returning to the UK James had to decide on a suitable career path. His passion for travel was soon rewarded with a career at Audley, where he has since travelled extensively through Thailand, Malaysia and Borneo. James is a keen sportsman, representing Audley in many disciplines as activities in the local community increase. Other major passions include food and a recent introduction to scuba diving, both making regular travel to Southeast Asia especially appealing!
Mark Robinson
Southeast Asia Specialist
01993 838 107
Expertise:
Burma, Thailand
After five years working at IBM, Mark headed off to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Destined for a year-long adventure in Australia Mark cut it short after three months realising that Southeast Asia had everything he was looking for. He returned to Asia and relocated to southern Thailand for 12 months where he taught English. On his return to the UK Mark's love of reportage photography turned to photo-journalism and then coupled with his passion for Southeast Asia and first hand knowledge of the region Audley became the logical way forward. Since joining Audley, Mark has travelled to both Burma and Thailand topping up his knowledge of the region and giving him the chance to enable others to see the culture, architecture and diversity that captivates him.
Having graduated with a degree in English & History, Matt embarked on a two year trip around the world. Hawaii, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand & Burma were the countries that introduced him to independent travel. Since then Matt has visited several countries in Africa and covered much of North and Central America but spent the majority of his time in Southeast Asia. Itchy feet in 2006 resulted in a six month trip to Indonesia. First hand knowledge of this diverse land coupled with a desire to assist others in experiencing such a breathtaking country kick started a career at Audley. Matt has a passion for surfing, hence the twelve visits to Indonesia over the last decade. At home, he strives to maintain his single figure golf handicap.
Sarah started her travels in Europe which culminated with her settling in Greece for over two years where she became immersed in the culture and learnt to speak the language. Eventually she returned to the UK but maintained her passion for travel and in 2003 embarked on what was to be two and a half years of intensive travelling and working throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. It was discovering the delights of other countries and their unique cultures that convinced Sarah to pursue a career in travel upon her return and use her knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire others. Sarah is also a keen landscape and travel photographer and is currently working on her first book.
Simon Fransham
Southeast Asia Specialist
01993 838 114
Expertise:
Laos, Thailand
Simon became interested in foreign lands whilst studying for a degree in Human Geography. After graduation, he went off on a solo travel expedition, taking in Western India, and most of Southeast Asia. Simon spent some time in Thailand where he carried out post-tsunami relief work. He eventually returned to the Kingdom, where he lived, teaching Business English in the heart of Bangkok's business district. Simon has good knowledge of the Thai language, and is currently studying Thai script. Wishing to put his knowledge and enthusiasm to good use, Simon joined Audley as a Thailand and Indochina Specialist, and regularly returns to the region. In his spare time, Simon enjoys creating Thai dishes, playing the guitar, coastal and outdoor pursuits, and when time permits, ultimately, travel.