My first true travel experience took place in Central and South America in high school. My parents sent me for sophomore and junior year to study at a public high school in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. I was always told that I had a curious spirit, but this was the first time I felt it come to life.
I grew up in Vermont, which I would not change for anything, however, I found it important to expand my horizons and see the world. Since my time in Costa Rica, I have travelled to more than 40 countries across 6 continents. What started as a curiosity has turned into a full-blown lifestyle, and I cannot see myself doing anything else.
After university, I was unsure about my path in life. At times I thought I knew, until I found myself here, at Audley, where I am thrilled to do what I love.
Start planning your tailor-made trip with Spencer
-
01993 838 92501993 838 650
- Make an enquiry
Q&A with Spencer
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
One of my favourite local dishes I have tried would have to be locro de papa (potato stew) from Ecuador. I love it when dishes tell a story. Locro de papa is a traditional Andean meal that dates back to indigenous times. Potatoes were one of the most easily accessible ingredients. Even being so common, each preparation is slightly different but tells the same colorful story of Ecuador’s history.
What is the one thing you always pack?
One thing I will always pack are waterproof shoes. The reason for this is not because they are waterproof, but because of how quickly they dry. I have thrown away too many wet, stinky pairs of shoes on trips before to not see the importance of quick-drying shoes. Trust me, you do not want to be in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest with wet shoes.
Which book, film or artwork captures Costa Rica/Ecuador the most?
For both Costa Rica and Ecuador I always think of Jurassic Park. I remember being a kid and being amazed by the landscape and beauty depicted in the movies. The cloud forests of Ecuador and Costa Rica really do evoke a similar feeling. In the first Jurassic Park movie, Isla Nublar is shown to be off the coast of Costa Rica. While fictional, the island easily could be real and shares loads of similar waterfalls, forests, and viewpoints. Anybody who is also a bit of a nerd for the franchise has to see these forests in real life.