Denell Falk, President & Founder

It takes a traveler to know one — a statement to which Denell Falk can attest and the ethos with which she has guided Civilized Adventures for 30 years. Denell works behind the scenes to ensure that her team can provide the high standard of custom travel planning for which Civilized Adventures prides itself. Her 40+ years in the industry have given her a wealth of industry knowledge, connections with guides and operators around the world. It’s these relationships and know-how that pave the way for exceptional, personalized experiences.

Denell’s spirit of adventure was sparked at an early age, by her first trip to Newfoundland with her grandmother. A desire to discover new destinations and cultures lead her to later treks through Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. She also explored Europe, overlanded across Africa, trekked in the Himalayas, kayaked in the Arctic and Antarctic, and snorkelled the pristine waters of the Seychelles and Papua New Guinea.

Perhaps most importantly, Denell understands how to travel well. Her “civilized” approach means more time in new places, carefully crafted itineraries and efficient transfers. In short: maximizing the fun stuff! With forethought, precision, and nuance, Denell and her team have opened doors to new cultures, fostered understanding, and ignited a sense of wanderlust for discerning travelers.

Favourite Type of Travel

Denell’s favorite place is in the back of a land cruiser armed with a big-lensed camera and binoculars, witnessing the wonders of nature on an African safari. She also finds inspiration when introducing travelers to life changing experiences in foreign lands, helping create memories that linger for a lifetime.

In Denell’s Words:

Travelling nurtures the soul and opens our hearts. We show respect and friendship for the people we visit and support conservation of the wildlife, environment, and special places we are fortunate to see.

Kylan Falk, Managing Director

With a passion for travel and exploration, Kylan officially joined the family business in 2012. Through dedication and a natural aptitude for the industry, Kylan has ascended to a top-level travel advisor, with a specialization in African safaris and Antarctic expeditions.

As a hands-on leader, Kylan is actively involved in trip planning, sharing his extensive knowledge, and instilling a culture of excellence. By prioritizing meticulous planning and attention to detail, Kylan ensures that operations run seamlessly, striving for perfection in every aspect of the business.

Kylan’s profound understanding of this niche market and unwavering commitment to his client’s experience, he continues to shape the company's success, upholding Civilized Adventures’ trusted name as a leader in custom travel planning service.

Amanda Hopkins, Custom Travel Advisor

Since first catching the travel bug in her early 20’s on a trip to Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, Amanda has embraced adventure travel and loves to create exciting experiences for others. Amanda works diligently to provide her clients with unique activities and can often be found researching new destinations to find hidden gems. Having travelled in 23 countries, Amanda’s goal is to give travelers something they perhaps didn’t even know they were seeking - whether that’s visiting rural villages in the Middle East, witnessing baby sea turtles hatch in Costa Rica, or photographing an African sunset. Amanda loves to work with active, adventure-seeking travelers who wish to experience an intimate in-depth destination experience. Her genuine excitement around orchestrating travel is evident right from the first meeting.

Julie Bates, Office Manager

With extensive global travel under her belt, Julie has ventured to dozens of destinations worldwide, ranging from hosting overland groups in Africa, Egypt & Jordan, to curating impeccable first-class custom travel itineraries. Julie's extensive career began as a tour guide, where she spent a decade overseas, honing her skills and gaining invaluable insights into seamless travel operations. Her firsthand experience has provided her with a strong understanding of diverse cultures and destinations, enabling her to curate exceptional itineraries.

In 2013, Julie joined Civilized Adventures, where she has been instrumental in planning spectacular adventures for clients. Her dedication extends beyond her clients, as she also serves as a mentor to the company's newer team members, sharing her wealth of knowledge and ensuring high-quality service standards are upheld. Julie's commitment to crafting exceptional journeys and her extensive experience make her an invaluable asset in the world of custom travel planning.

Lena Dojcinovic, Custom Travel Advisor

Lena lived in France for 22 years, India for 7, and now brings her global citizenship to Civilized Adventures to create personalized adventures for her clients. She has traveled extensively in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, throughout Europe, and in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. She infuses the trips she plans with her first-person experiences. Lena understands the adaptability international travel requires, and works meticulously with her clients to come up with out-of-the-ordinary adventures, yet in a very civilized style. She attends to every detail as if it were her own vacation, then adds in activities that match her clients’ interests, whether that’s a cooking class with a local family, taking a tuk- tuk to market or meeting with monks at a temple. Lena’s excitement about travel is evident in every trip she creates.

Andrew De Angelis, Custom Travel Advisor

With over 20 years in the industry and experience in 56 different countries, Italian-born Andrew brings infectious energy and enthusiasm to custom travel planning. Prior to moving to Canada from Italy in 2013, Andrew worked as a tour guide in Europe and South America. His carefully designed trips encourage travelers to push just that little bit beyond their comfort zone - the reward is incredible life changing and the memories are treasured! Guests rave about their experiences, whether that’s walking at Iguazu Falls after hours, sitting with silverback gorillas in Rwanda, or gazing out at Crete’s Balos Lagoon from a secret viewpoint. Ask Andrew about joining him on one of his annual trips to South America, Japan or Italy.

Kathy Oakes, Group Sales & Marketing

From her 35 years in the industry including 14 years with Civilized Adventures, Kathy has found her outstanding memories are of exquisite nature experiences, with the comfort of luxurious accommodations after hiking, biking, or touring archaeological sites, castles, and wineries. Her favourite times have been discovering extraordinary towns along the Moselle and Rhine Rivers from the convenience and comfort of a river cruise and sailing on small ships in Greece, where she hiked the hills of Santorini. Exploring Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu while staying in the Mountain Lodges was an experience unlike any other. Having been to over 56 countries worldwide, Kathy knows travel is good for the soul and mind and she will ensure her Civilized Adventures’ clients have memorable experiences every time.

Michela Sileo, Custom Travel Advisor

Whether she’s planning a culinary getaway in Italy, a wellness retreat in Southeast Asia, a cruise in a tropical paradise, or a family trip in Europe, Michela creates detailed, insightful trip proposals that reflect her careful listening to your travel goals. As a former resident of Switzerland and Italy prior to immigrating to Canada in 2015, Michela enthusiastically shares her insider’s perspectives to create extraordinary experiences for her clients. Michela’s travel favorites are: fine local food & wines, Formula 1 and Grand Prix racing, recharging at wellness resorts, and active family adventures in Europe or the Caribbean. Michela has the confidence and expertise that enable her to take a trip from standard to extraordinary unforgettable, all the way from start to finish.

Rebecca McKay (Lulu)

Although her name is Rebecca, she goes by Lulu. Fairly new to Civilized Adventures, Lulu finds the excitement never ends, whether she is on a trip or simply learning about adventure travel. Lulu holds special memories from growing up in Kenya, East Africa and visiting Israel and countries in Europe and Africa. During the last few years, she's been able to dig her feet in the beautiful sands of Mexico.

Lulu's days at Civilized Adventures involve handling the day-to-day administration of the company as well as managing daily tasks to help Travel Advisors stay organized and allocate more time to booking travel. She knows the details are what matters and pitches where she can help the team and Civilized's clients.

A good trip becomes incredible when well planned, with all the details and adventures crafted around individual interests.

Pam Scevior, Custom Travel Advisor

Pam Sceviour makes every custom vacation a “yes” trip, a chance to embrace new opportunities. She recently took her first two helicopter rides over Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Beyond the educational trips Civilized Adventures facilitates to ensure every advisor’s expertise, so far Pam has traveled to 14 countries. She puts herself in the clients’ shoes, considers all their needs and desires, and adds extra touches to ensure a memorable and personalized trip for each. From planning active trips to Scotland & France or a family adventure to Japan – each trip provides a framework for arranging creative & detailed experiences to exceed our clients’ expectations. Relying on her past hospitality experience and excursion planning for Royal Canadian Pacific’s luxury train, Pam understands that no two trips are the same and every itinerary is a blank canvas waiting for a thrilling adventure.

Raman Lamba, Custom Travel Advisor

Growing up in India, Raman always knew he dreamed of working in Tourism. In 2009, he planned and executed a solo motorbike trip to Ladakh, India, which transformed his view on travel and he knew it was part of his DNA. Planning every detail himself taught him the joy of spontaneity and adventure, like the time a wrong turn led him to a remote village where he was warmly welcomed by a local family, an experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of cultural exchange and the thrill of unexpected moments.

Since then, Raman has worked with a local travel company in India facilitating groups and high profile clients. He has extensive experience in India, Nepal, Dubai, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. His adventures range from exploring Bangkok's markets to discovering hidden beaches in Sri Lanka. Despite a previous attempt being thwarted by weather, he dreams of reaching Everest Base Camp, reflecting his relentless spirit of adventure.

Raman loves working with adventure travelers who seek off-the-beaten-path experiences. He believes the best holidays come from unexpected moments, such as stumbling upon hidden gems or joining local festivities. He brings this passion to his work, helping clients fulfill their travel dreams and turn their aspirations into reality.

His top travel advice is to "pack light, make new friends, create memories, and unwind. He believes travel can greatly benefit mental and physical health, whether he's planning a dream vacation for a client or setting off on his own adventure.