Dominique Kotsias
Product Manager
Dominique’s love for North America started in her late teens when she worked as an intern for a charity in New York. Spending most of her time working upstate around the Catskill Mountains, she had the privilege of working with children from some of the most challenged areas of New York City, taking them hiking and camping at weekends. Through these children, she got a real feel for the beauty of the landscapes, and her passion for the region was ignited.
Dominique’s North American journey continued as she carved her own career in travel, using her time off to see as much as possible of this vast continent. Inspired by the classic film Thelma and Louise, she embarked on a road trip for a month with her best friend, driving from the Great West through the entire Deep South region of the USA, absorbing the scenery, music, culture and history. With all the sights, tastes and sounds of different cities and states she explored, it was a road trip she will never forget.
However, Alberta and British Columbia in Canada are the two places that have left a permanent imprint. The mind-blowing landscapes and remote wilderness, as well as the plethora of animals and outdoor adventures, are hard to beat. Surrounded by bears, sea wolves, orcas and birds of prey, Vancouver Island has always been one of her highlights.
Dominque has now worked in North America product and marketing for over 10 years and is using her extensive knowledge and experience to bring her passion to life. Ultimately, she wants others to have the same incredible authentic experiences and be able to explore more of this ever-changing and diverse continent.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Take your time with the trip and don’t rush – so many people try to cram in multiple states in 10-14 days but it’s impossible to take it all in. Take your time where it matters and always spend at least two days at a national park or you will miss the best bits.
Packing cubes have been my life saver. Quite often in North America you are on the road and living out of your suitcase as its not a flop and drop destination. I find using packing cubes keeps everything accessible and easy to get to. I put Jeans and shorts in one cube, tops in another, swimwear and beachwear in another and outdoor/hiking gear in another – that way it’s always easy to reach and takes no time at all!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE...?
Place
This question is impossible – both countries have some of the most incredible places to visit, its just so hard to choose. Every state and province has something I love. If I were forced to choose a top three it would be:
– Vancouver Island for the Great Bear Rainforest. Go and view the bears catching the salmon in September and October, preparing for hibernation.
– Bryce Canyon in Utah for some of the most spectacular rock formations.
– The Deep South for its music, food and most of all the people!
Hotel
The Post Ranch Inn Big Sur in California was one of the most memorable hotels I have ever stayed in. It’s situated high on a 1,200ft coastal ridge and the views of the Pacific and the mountains are just unreal. It is just off the famous Highway 1 and you will find beaches, state parks and hiking trails at your fingertips. The food, the wine and the restaurant that offers 180 degree views makes the stay extremely special. It is understated pure luxury and an experience I will never forget.
Excursion
Kayaking the swamps of Louisiana with alligators was an unfogettable experience – it was absolutely beautiful and not scary at all. Alligators aren’t interested in humans, so once you get used to that, you can take in your surroundings and relax – it really was so memorable.
WHAT ARE YOUR DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS?
The Rocky Mountains (Canada) – One of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world, surrounded by world class hotels, the most spectacular turquoise lakes you can hike around, kayak on or simply stay and take in the view. Whether you take the train through it or take a road trip in a car or a motorhome, this is one place on earth that should be on everybody’s bucket list at some point!
The Grand Canyon – Seeing the Grand Canyon in pictures or on TV just doesn’t do it justice compared to witnessing it first-hand. It really is the most jaw-dropping modern wonder of the world! You can view it from one of many viewpoints on the different rims, take a helicopter ride over it and land on the canyon floor with a glass of fizz, or the more adventurous can raft down the Colorado River that runs through the bottom of the canyon or hike one of the many trails and camp overnight. It is so awe-inspiring and I believe that everyone needs to see this incredible canyon at least once in a lifetime.
The Deep South
– This destination is the one that left a long, lasting impression on me, in particularly the Civil Rights history and Dr Martin Luther King’s story. You can actually walk with real foot soldiers who marched with Dr King and hear their story, it gives me goosebumps.
All the states are so rich in history, offer culinary delights at every turn, and are all bound together with a love of music and the music that is just unbelievable! From Nashville for its country, New Orleans for jazz, Memphis for blues, Kentucky for bluegrass, you are so spoilt for choice and never have to look far to find it, not to mention the amount of famous recording studios that you can tour and be in the same room legends like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones recorded in!
You also can’t forget the beaches of the gulf coast of Alabama – it’s honestly like being in the Caribbean, surrounded by nature it’s a must do!
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