MY CONTACT DETAILS
mike@talkofthetowntravel.com
(416) 960-1393
I have been a passionate traveller since childhood, having lived and worked in Africa, Asia, Europe, and various parts of Canada. This experience has fueled my lifelong interest in exploring as many places around the world as possible. I grew up mostly in Ottawa and Halifax and have lived as an adult in the Toronto area. I taught international high school in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, the Philippines, and Thailand. After a 34-year career as a full-time teacher, I retired in 2024. I continue to update my knowledge and experience throughout the year to better support my clients’ needs.
As part of my travels, I enjoy photography, videography, running, hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path places, and experiencing different cultures. My goal is to provide excellent customer service with timely advice and to create amazing trip itineraries for individuals, families, and groups that create unforgettable memories.
I live in Pickering, Ontario, just outside Toronto, with my wife. We have one adult daughter.
My specialties are: Cultural/Adventure Travel, Safaris, Road Trips and Tours
Some of my favourite destinations include: Lesotho, South Africa, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Uganda, Jamaica, Iceland, China, France, Germany and Canada.
Destinations I’ve been to: My previous destinations include road trips throughout Western Europe, southern to eastern Africa, the Philippines, most Southeast Asian countries, Jamaica, Tokyo, northeastern to southwestern China, 48 U.S. states, and all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland and the Territories.
My recent vacations: My most recent destinations in 2025 included the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa, and Calgary. I will be visiting India for the first time in early 2026.
Destination Specialization: Southeast Asia especially Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines; India; southern and eastern Africa; Jamaica, Canada and the U.S.
Certifications: Ontario Teacher’s Certificate, Travel and Tourism Diploma, South African Specialist, Botswana Specialist, Philippines Specialist, Alaska Specialist, Alberta Specialist, Iceland Specialist, California Specialist, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways.
Languages: English, novice French