Say Hello to Our Experts

Linda

Linda Shepro

Travel Expert

CEO

For those of you who know me, particularly in my former career(s), I focused on finance, accounting and private equity. I have a very organized, detail oriented, structured way of thinking. I always thought these traits were the opposite of the spiritual side. Travel has enabled me to explore that spirituality in ways that are way different from what I have been used to and comfortable with at home.

But what I have come to learn through travel is that spirituality is founded on traditional practices. Whether it be the belief in reincarnation, the worship of Pacha Mama, the ceremonies of the shaman, the motions of the tribal dancers or the rituals of the healers, all are based on centuries old structures that provide guidance to the believers.

I am blessed to have met so many people who fully embrace life, who like each of us values family, friendship, and respect for tradition above all else.

I am also grateful to be part of an industry that can add so much enrichment through new cultural experience and people to people exchange.

As I learned years ago from the gentle people of Bali- Where we have been is just as important as where we are now, and the past provides us the foundation to be confident that we are headed in the right direction.

Namaste. Travel Well

Contact Linda Directly : linda@latitudexp.com

Dennus

Dennus Baum

Travel Expert

My first travel adventure was a journey to Mexico when I was 15, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My appetite for travel is never-ending; even before I return from one trip I am already planning the next. The best part of travel is seeking out new experiences, meeting people, and forming long-lasting friendships at home and abroad. The stories, culture, food, and history are just as important as the tangibles in a destination.

As a wildlife and nature photographer, it is important to me to have a knowledgeable guide, one who can increase my odds of getting that iconic picture, which includes making recommendations on the best destinations and times of year. Working with Latitude, I am exposed to the best operators and guides through careful vetting and exploratory journeys that enable me to provide the best advice to our clients and provide solid tour leadership for small groups.

On a recent trip to India, while at the Taj Mahal, my guide showed me the best location to photograph the reflecting pool in front of the monument, and where to best capture the shimmering beauty of the tomb. It is this attention to detail that our specialized guides deliver, not only in the areas of photography, but to all guests’ special interests that make a Latitude trip truly outstanding.

Some of my favorite destinations and experiences are ones I would like to share with fellow travelers:

East Africa- Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda- Where I served as tour leader to a small group to experience and photograph The Great Migration and Mountain Gorillas.
Fiji- Diving the incredibly colorful reefs.
Galapagos- Photographing the wildlife unique to these islands, both above and below the sea.
Turkey & Greece- Sailing the Mediterranean Sea aboard a private yacht.
Ireland- Sipping whiskey in the historic and colorful pubs of Ireland.
India- Envisioning the life of a Maharaja in the palaces of India.
Patagonia- Photographing the mountain peaks, glaciers and wildlife.
Costa Rica- Where abundant wildlife, reptiles, butterflies and amazing birds are prevalent
Peru- Most notably mysterious Machu Picchu and quaint Cuzco

My ever evolving Bucket List includes Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Spain. (I am checking off Egypt and Jordan this year.)

I would be pleased to share the itineraries we envision for these magical places.

Contact Dennus directly: dennus@latitudexp.com

206-949-0116

Anne

Anne Kay

Travel Expert

My father introduced me to the world of exploring at a young age and today my appetite for travel and discovery remains insatiable. As I have grown, my mode of travel has changed from ticking off the box to fully immersing myself in rich experiences, diving into the fabric of the locals’ everyday life. I have lived with families and artists all over the world, spent time in kitchens, gardens and tucked away villages, prayed in temples from India to Abu Dhabi and everywhere in between. My love of color and textiles has led me to some of the most amazing and inspiring people and places one can imagine, such as dying silk on the banks of the Mekong in Laos, creating batik in the rice paddies of Vietnam, and creating natural dyes with world renowned masters in the mountains of Oaxaca. I have worked with weavers and leather artisans in Guatemala and Maasai women in Tanzania to bring these beautiful crafts back home to share. These experiences have enabled me to take an insider view to best understand a place and a culture that may appeal to a traveler’s senses. Sharing my passions and love for people is my job and being part of the Latitude team enables me to deliver dreams. That is what keeps me seeking new discoveries.

Travel reminds us of who we are, how we think, why we do what we do. It is the stitch that binds us together in this beautiful tapestry of the world. My quest is to help others find deeper connections in their journeys. Try everything, share stories, share smiles. Building connections that start with something so foreign, so unfamiliar can lead to memories of the best days of your life.

Contact Anne directly: anne@latitudexp.com

858-220-9566

Julie

Julie Scardina

Brand Ambassador

My passion for working with animals and wildlife conservation grew during my career with SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. I was fortunate to have a stage as large as national TV with shows such as Today and The Tonight Show where I was invited to share my knowledge and showcase my animal sidekicks. Representing the parks and filming with animal personality Jack Hanna provided me amazing opportunities to travel the globe, in places as remote as Antarctica, Borneo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Once hooked on unique, experiential travel, there’s no going back.

Being on several non-government conservation boards has also given me a deep appreciation for the need to support work to preserve the places I love so much. I, and a few enthusiastic friends who traveled with me to Africa, founded Mission: Wildlife, an organization to create awareness and support for conservation. That is the impact travel can have.

I find the process of putting a trip together almost as enjoyable as going. With Latitude I found my perfect second career! Value, quality, safety, detail, and knowing the right season, people and unique experiences are the key to making a trip extraordinary. Whether it’s wildlife, culture, adventure, history, relaxation or all of the above, we’ll work together to create your dream trip and find those incredible, authentic experiences and places many travelers never discover.

Some of my favorite destinations include Uganda for gorilla trekking, song and beauty; Samburu and Northern Kenya for amazing wildlife and conservation visits, and incredible culture meeting ancient tribes practicing centuries old traditions; Brazil with brilliant bird life diverse landscapes, the Amazon, the Pantanal and fazendas (farm guest houses); Australia for unique marsupials, beaches and hospitality.

Contact Julie directly: jascardina@gmail.com

619-905-4422

Ken

Ken Webster

Travel Expert

I have spent the past 35 years fortunate to be in a career in the investment management industry helping people secure their financial wellbeing. That path has taken me all over the world. With each trip, I made it a point to spend additional time in those locations, and so many others, with my camera at my side and filled with a lifelong passion for adventure. The genesis of my love of photography, with a focus on nature and wildlife, has been the ability to bring home my experiences and share them with family and friends, to inspire them, and open their eyes to the true wonders of the outdoor world! I have intertwined both worlds through the sharing of my photos and adventure travel stories, with anyone showing an interest in exploring beyond their everyday boundaries. This sharing inevitably led comments like, “I always wanted to do that but wouldn’t know where to begin.” I have spent a lifetime now showing people where to begin… It is beyond rewarding to be able to help others expand their vision of life and experience a positive change through adventure travel! My other passions include working with children and young adults with special needs and a lifelong journey as a martial arts and transcendental meditation practitioner.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” – Helen Keller

See Ken's Photography at WWW.KWEBSTERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Contact Ken Directly : Ken@latitudexp.com

561-213-9383

Bob

Bob Shepro

Director Of Business Development

Bob has spent 30+ years working in the private family office, hedge fund and high net worth markets in Fintech to meet the complex needs of wealth management. As a creative entrepreneur, his role is to expand our highly curated travel advisory services to new markets that could benefit from our attention to detail and vetted high quality partnerships in remote parts of the world. Bob has spent time living in places like South Africa, South America and Australia and travels extensively in the places Latitude has expertise. He comes from a long line of travel advisors, starting with his grandmother back in the 1960s. His energy and commitment to guest experiences shines throughout his work with Latitude. “I have been fortunate to be exposed to other cultures and the natural beauty of our world from an early age. My interests in wildlife and photography have become hobbies that I love to share with friends. Working in this business does not feel like a job, but rather a passion.”

Contact Bob Directly: bob@latitudexp.com

760-550-1370

Courtney

Courtney Rivera

Brand Ambassador

My desire to travel and explore started at an early age. From learning about different countries in school and seeing beautiful cities and landscapes in books and movies, my bucket list of travel destinations grew quickly. Through sports I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many new cities, and even a few countries, but the demands of those activities limited my fully immersive travel experiences. I have joined Latitude with a marketing background and previous role as Senior Producer – Social Media with the Washington Commanders of the NFL and prior to that, the Carolina Panthers. Now I’m exhilarated at the chance to fully experience traveling in a whole new way and to bring travel ideas to others.

Travel helps us connect to the world around us and to better know ourselves. We learn about what makes us different but also see just how similar we are. I’ve always been one of those people that can’t “sleep in” on a trip, especially when I’m somewhere new. I always feel like I’m missing out on exploring and seeing new things if I don’t get up early and start the day. I am eager to get up when everything is still, when it feels like even the locals are still getting up and ready for the day, when I can walk down the streets and fully comprehend the beauty and little nuances that make a place special. Although I do enjoy having those little quiet moments to myself, my favorite part of travel is fully diving in and experiencing new cultures with my friends and family. I thrive on learning about history and meeting new people who help open up a part of the world I have yet to discover.

Most of my travel experience has been within the United States and around Europe, with Italy and Greece being my favorite destinations (so far), but I’m excited at the opportunity to explore more countries in the other four continents. Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Argentina and South Africa are currently at the top of my bucket list.

Contact Courtney directly at Courtney@latitudexp.com

847- 924 0245

Kolby

Kolby Sumskis

Brand Ambassador

I am a woman of the outdoors, having grown up in Steamboat Springs a ski-resort town in the Colorado Rockies. As a seasoned adventurer, I am passionate about exploring the world and sharing my experiences with others. As a brand ambassador for Latitude Expeditions, I bring my experience regarding luxury accommodations. I am the owner of luxury estate or second-home property management company, Bourque Estate Management.

With a passion for hospitality and attention to detail, I ensure that my clients enjoy the epitome of luxury living. My expertise in property management, along with a keen eye for design, allows me to create immersive environments that reflect sophistication and comfort. I am dedicated to exceeding expectations and delivering unparalleled service at every turn, I am excited to expand my offerings into world travel with Latitude Expeditions. From overseeing property maintenance to orchestrating personalized concierge services, I strive to elevate my clients’ stay into an extraordinary and indulgent retreat.

While new to this role, my enthusiasm for embarking on exciting adventures is contagious. With an evolving interest in cultural diversity and global exploration, I am eager to share the unique perspectives gained from each journey and inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the transformative power of travel. My relatable and candid storytelling, a fresh outlook and genuine curiosity mirror the ethos of our advisory – travel beyond boundaries.

Contact Kolby directly at: Kolby@Latitudexp.com

307-413-4938

Registrations

Shepro Travel Group, Inc. (STG) is registered as a California Seller of Travel , as required to operate as a Tour Operator located in California. The CST registration is 2141990. “Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.”

California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. STG holds client deposits net of payments to suppliers in a trust account. STG also participates in the California Traveler’s Restitution Fund (TCRF) which covers purchases by travelers residing in California.

A transaction is covered by the TCRF if passenger is located in California at the time of payment. Eligible passengers may file a claim with TCRF if the passenger is owed a refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services which the seller of travel failed to forward to a proper provider or such money was not refunded to you when required. The maximum amount which may be paid by the TCRF to any one passenger is the total amount paid on behalf of the passenger to the seller of travel, not to exceed $15,000. A claim must be submitted to the TCRF within 12 months after the scheduled completion date of the travel. A claim must include sufficient documentation to prove your claim and a $35 processing fee.

Claimants must agree to waive their right to other civil remedies against a registered participating seller of travel for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a TCRF claim. You may request a claim form by writing to: Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation; P.O. Box 6001; Larkspur, CA 94977-6001; or by visiting TCRC’s website at: www.tcrcinfo.org. (b) Sellers of Travel participating in the TCRF must disclose in www.tcrcinfo.org.

Shepro Travel Group is an accredited member of IATAN, 0568-4405. IATAN sets the travel industry’s professional service standards recognized globally, requiring proof of fiduciary responsibilities, E&O insurance, proper state and local licensing, and financial standing.