After completing a degree in Tourism Management, Dineke’s curiosity carried her across all seven continents, from northern India and Myanmar to New Zealand. It was her first encounter with the vast beauty of the Atacama Desert that truly inspired her, cementing Latin America as her speciality over an 18-year career in tailor-made travel. Her experience spans from Baja California to Cape Horn, with standout moments including hiking through Patagonia, sunset drinks before the Moai of Easter Island and snorkelling alongside sea lions in the Galápagos Islands. Beyond the continent, expedition cruises have taken her deep into the Polar Regions, culminating in unforgettable journeys through the silence and raw beauty of Antarctica.
How long have you worked in travel?
20 years, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Growing up, my family travelled Europe extensively, but the real travel bug hit me when I travelled to Barbados, St. Lucia and Tobago during an internship. Seeing these Caribbean islands opened my eyes to what the world has to offer. Needless to say, I spread my wings and travelled to some of the world’s most far-flung corners. Since, my career in luxury tailor-made travel has evolved, and taken me from the Caribbean, via South-East Asia, to Latin America. I fell in love with the people, the colours and the phenomenal scenery there – and it draws me back time and time again.
What do you never travel without?
I love reading and music, so I would never leave without my e-reader and iPhone.
What would you wish you had with you if you were stranded on a desert island for six months and why? You can choose a luxury and something practical.
If I had to choose one drink to survive on, it would be water – so I would take some form of water purifying tablets. A good book is most appreciated amidst spectacular surroundings, so my luxury item would have to be my e-reader. Batteries are quite good these days, but I might have to pace myself!
If you could travel with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Sir Ernest Shackleton – just imagine the expeditionary adventures we’d have! During my first luxury expedition cruise to Antarctica, we encountered some swells before we reached White Continent. This made the journey unforgettable, and reaching such a remote place was overwhelming. Of course, I travelled in style compared to Shackleton and his crew – so I can only imagine the incredible stories they would have to share.
What is your most memorable travel moment?
Seeing the first iceberg through the window of my cabin as we reached the Antarctic Peninsula. I travelled with one of my close friends and we celebrated our arrival to the 7th continent with a Baileys on the glacier-ice rocks – at 7am!
What was your worst travel disaster?
Sleeping through my alarm for a very early morning departure. Luckily, the attentive hotel staff knocked on my door to inform me my driver was waiting. I made my flight, but needed an extra coffee to wake me up!
What’s your secret hidden gem (such as a little bookshop, restaurant, café, little-known museum/gallery, artisan shop)?
The lesser frequented Museum of High Altitude Archaeology in Salta’s historic centre. This small museum’s collection relates to the archaeological heritage associated with pre-Hispanic ceremonies performed on the high peaks of the Andes. Its main collection features one of the incredibly well-preserved bodies of the Llullaillaco Children, who were once offered to the gods during the Inca Capacocha ceremony. The museum gives you a great insight in the culture and traditions of pre-Hispanic times.
What’s the most unusual client request you’ve received and were you able to fulfil it?
One of my client’s baggage got lost on arrival to Costa Rica. As he ventured straight to the rainforest, there was very little time to reunite him with his luggage and arrange something other than ‘gift-shop clothes’ from the lodge. We arranged for a personal shopper to swiftly take him to the right places – good thing we did, as his baggage never made it to Costa Rica!
If you hadn’t worked in travel, what would you have liked to have done?
I love all things food and am intrigued by the health benefits certain foods provide. I’ve completed several nutrition courses in my spare time and would enjoy being a nutritionist or doing anything around food science.
If you could retire to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
As long as I’m fit and healthy, it would have to be Patagonia. Waking up amidst the incredible wilderness and outstanding landscapes, I can only imagine every day and every hike would be an adventure. The evenings would be spent in cosy corners, by the fireplace, or in the company of like-minded travellers or a good book. Once I’ve hung up my hiking boots, I picture myself in a sleepy Spanish village – ideally near Andalusia – where the pace of life is slow, the food is excellent, and the beach is never far away.
Favourite book(s) and why?
It’s really hard to name one! I particularly enjoy reading books that take me to distant places. South by Shackleton; Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, following her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail; or something lighter, like The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley.
