Meet the Team

We come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from ecology, marketing, technology to sales, but we share a passion for sustainable and responsible travel and a common sense of awe at the world around us.

Colombian Highlands

Michael D'Amico

Co-founder

Michael D’Amico has held sales, operations and management positions in the Hospitality and Retail Sales Industries for almost two decades. He is responsible for creating the Global Basecamps operating systems, drawing budgets, managing staff and resolving issues. Mike has traveled around the world with his wife, Casey, and looks forward to showing his daughter, Olivia, and son, Leo, how beautiful the world is. Michael also demonstrates his passion for international community outreach by sitting on the board of Kids for Peace.

Nicaraguan Nap

Sebastian Riedel

Co-founder

Sebastian Riedel has more than a 15 years of experience in software development, database management and travel information systems. Prior to working in the software and travel industries, Sebastian developed his passion for the environment and sustainability while studying Environmental Science and Ecology during undergrad and graduate school. At Global Basecamps, Sebastian wears many hats and has his hands in everything from technology to marketing. Sebastian also participates in a guest lecture for San Diego State University's course in Global Sustainable Tourism Management.

Cruising in Vietnam

Meagan Yash

Sales Manager

Meagan's love for travel began in college when she had the incredible opportunity to take a semester off from Santa Clara University to explore Bhutan. She then spent the next couple of years exploring the world; in search of enlightenment, adventure, and Irish pubs. In 2005, Meagan decided to go back to school for her Masters in International Development and Economics in order to combine her life's two passions - travel and sustainable development in growing economies. After graduating Meagan was drawn to Global Basecamps' passion for travel and vision of the role of tourism in sustainable development. She has spent the last six years providing each and every one of her clients with unique and profound travel experiences.

Exploring Northern India

Andres Zuleta

Senior Travel Specialist

Before joining Global Basecamps, Andres Zuleta studied Asian & Latin American cultures at university, and subsequently spent several years in Tokyo, where he honed his Japanese while simultaneously developing curricula for public elementary schools, working for a bilingual publisher, and moonlighting at a surfer-run Mexican bar specializing in rare tequilas. At Global Basecamps you'll find him studying maps, researching new destinations, and helping clients plan remarkably unique trips to throughout the world. A lover of all things both Asian and Latin, Andres dreams of the day in the near future when he'll be able to triangulate between Tokyo's ramen, his base in the US, and Colombia's eclectic and lively culture. Talk to Andres for help in planning trips to Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and more.

Awards: Finalist, TravelAge West’s 2013 Trendsetters Awards, Upward Bound Rockstar Agent Under 40

On the go in Lima

Lauren Hoffman

Travel Specialist

Lauren contributes her enthusiasm and commitment to promoting sustainable tourism each day as the product development manager at Global Basecamps. She recently graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in International Security and Conflict Resolution and has always been interested in environmental issues and ecotourism. During her summer study abroad program at Oxford University she took the opportunity to explore the European continent. One day she hopes to continue her wander lust travels throughought South America and Southeast Asia.

Hanging out in Cairo

Elias Garcia

Marketing Specialist

Elias's passion lies in communicating within and between cultures. Born to Mexican immigrants in San Diego, he was raised halfway between the States and Mexico and had the opportunity to travel across both countries extensively. While earning his B.A. in Public Relations at Pepperdine University, he had the opportunity to live in Florence, Italy for five months. During this time and other travels, he has walked and talked in countries across Europe and Northern Africa. At Global Basecamps, Elias assists the Travel Specialists in creating custom itineraries for every client and enjoys diving headlong into researching the culture and people of every country he comes across.

Hiking in Peru

Richard Rowley

Travel Specialist

Richard has had a passion for traveling all his life. Born in Austria and extensively traveling through Europe as a child has helped establish a travel minded lifestyle. To pursue his passion to experience the world and its many cultures he studied international business with an emphasis in Latin America at San Diego State University. During his studies he had the opportunity to study in Buenos Aires, Argentina and work in sustainability in Cusco, Peru. Experiencing South America has influenced him to become more conscious of the importance of sustainability and responsible tourism around the world. At Global Basecamps he assists the team in building customized itineraries allowing others to experience the world as well.

Exploring the Arenal Volcano

Dan Taukinukufili

Travel Associate

Dan's path isn't quite as interesting as his last name, but it's close. Fed up with life as a banker in the Bay Area, he chose to quit his career and travel the world. With money saved, he traveled across the US, Europe and Central America commissioning friends, strangers and anyone who could provide a lift or helping hand. Enlightened by his experience, he landed a position working for a famous boutique fishing resort in Baja, Mexico and became reunited with his Tongan ancestry's love of fishing and the ocean. These days you can find him creating fully customized itineraries at Global Basecamps or paddleboarding in Mission Bay. He holds a degree in Sociology from UCSC.

London Bridge Boat Cruising

Amber Soukup

Project Specialist

Amber is always eager to travel to a new place or try new food. She is passionate about business and with her degree in Marketing, Amber believes in businesses who have a purpose, and those that are committed to making a difference in the world. Her enthusiasm to be apart of Global Basecamps comes from growing up in a small town on her family farm in Hawaii where eco-friendly processes, organic produce, and respect for a multifaceted cultural upbringing was a way of life.