Get to know the founder: 12 facts about me (Abbay!)
Travel is personal. Between all the calls, emails, and texts from the first client discover call to the time my clients get home, my clients usually end up becoming my friends, which is one of the best parts of my job. So let’s get to know each other, shall we?
Cruising the Thames
If we have something in common, please reach out because I would love to connect!
The facts.
My name is Abbay, pronounced like ‘Abb - eee.’ I’ve never met another human with same spelling as mine ending in an -ay.
I’m from Alabama and went to the University of Alabama (#rolltide) where I spent 5 years getting a degree and a master’s in Accounting. Don’t worry though - I also had a lot of fun. (I was also a Tri Delta!)
I was a CPA for over 6+ years. I love an Excel spreadsheet. Where are my numbers people 🤓?
In 2017, I moved to New Zealand on on a 4-6 month secondment with my accounting firm. My 4 months in New Zealand turned into 4+ years…sorry, Mom and Dad.
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand with my other half, Chris (see #5 below)
5. I met my English husband, Chris, in New Zealand. The pandemic foiled our plans for an English wedding, so we eloped in New Zealand.
Our elopement at the newly rebranded Rosewood Matakauri, just outside of Queenstown.
6. I took a career break in 2018/2019 to spend 9 months traveling around the world, quite literally, as I circumnavigated from New Zealand to New Zealand.
7. In 2022, Chris and I relocated to England and welcomed our son Leo into the world. We love bringing him around the world with us.
2023 trip to Alentejo, Portugal
2023 trip to Alentejo, Portugal
8. I love a luxury hotel, but in keeping with #7 I also like getting completely off the grid and spending the night under the stars in my tent.
9. If I could go back to university and earn more degrees, I’d learn a foreign language and a type of world history degree. Can you tell I’m a travel advisor?
10. I’m a cat person. I actually love all animals but am also an unapologetic cat lady.
11. If I could travel anywhere right now, I’d go on safari on southern Africa.
12. When I’m not traveling or helping other people traveling, I enjoy playing with our son, hiking, doing yoga, drinking strong coffee, cycling, trying to surf and paddle board, and trying new eats.
Hiking the Alta Via 1 Trail in Italy
Cycling New Zealand’s Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
Do we have something in common? Please let me know in the comments below!
Abbay's Escapes is a boutique travel advisory company. As an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel (the oldest travel agency in the USA), we have preferred relationships with the industry's best hotels, resorts, and tour operators across the globe. This means expert intel, VIP status, extra perks, and upgrades for you, our client.