
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
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New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Expert in Caribbean, Mexico, Belize & Costa Rica
Mexico & the Caribbean: Your Perfect Escape, Your Way
Ah, Mexico and the Caribbean—two of my absolute favorite places to escape to. I find myself traveling there multiple times a year, and honestly, I never get tired of the warm breezes, turquoise waters, and laid-back luxury.
There’s something truly special about stepping into an all-inclusive resort, where everything slows down and your only job is to relax. One of my favorite memories is from my boyfriend’s very first all-inclusive experience. As he strolled through the refreshing pool with a banana daiquiri in hand, he said, “This is the first time I’ve ever not once thought about work, and it’s beautiful.” That moment? Pure vacation bliss.
That said, I know every traveler is different. While I love helping clients find the perfect all-inclusive resort that checks all the right boxes, I’m equally passionate about crafting trips that include boutique hotels, charming villas, or immersive local experiences. Whether you want to unwind in a luxury resort or explore the culture, cuisine, and hidden gems beyond the resort walls, I’m here to help design the getaway that fits your style perfectly.
Whether you’re drawn to the lively energy of Cancun, the relaxed vibes of Riviera Maya, the vibrant culture of Puerto Vallarta, or the stunning beaches of Los Cabos… or maybe the island rhythm of Jamaica, the crystal-clear waters of Turks and Caicos, the lush beauty of St. Lucia, the historic charm of Barbados, or the serene shores of the Dominican Republic—I’ve been there all over, and I’d love to help you find your perfect match.
Caribbean Island Favorites: St. Lucia & Antigua
Of all the Caribbean islands I’ve explored, St. Lucia definitely ranks near the top. I like to call it the Hawaii of the Caribbean—with lush landscapes and jaw-dropping views in every direction, it’s no wonder it’s on so many “must-visit” lists.
Another favorite? Antigua. It’s been gaining popularity lately, and after visiting, I totally understand why. The beaches are stunning, the culture is rich, and the overall vibe is peaceful and welcoming. It might just be the perfect spot for your next island escape!
Of course, while I adore a great all-inclusive, I also understand it’s not the right fit for everyone. In fact, some destinations—and some travelers—are better suited to more immersive, hands-on experiences. Depending on your travel style and interests, I may recommend skipping the all-inclusive route in favor of boutique stays and authentic cultural adventures that allow you to truly connect with the destination.
Belize: The Underrated Gem of the Caribbean & Central America
Let’s talk about Belize—a place that totally surprised me in the best way! I explored Placencia, the Cayo District, Hopkins, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, and I loved every part of it.
Belize is unique: it’s part Caribbean, part Central America, and the only English-speaking country in the region. The cultural blend here is incredible—Kriol, Maya, Garifuna (Garinagu), Mestizo, Mennonite, Chinese, and Lebanese influences all come together in one vibrant place.
The food? Unforgettable. Think locally caught Red Snapper and homemade Key Lime Pie!
Adventure lovers, take note: from Mayan ruins to cave kayaking, birdwatching (500+ species!), and unspoiled beaches, Belize is a dream. With 80% of the country undeveloped and 60% forested, it’s the perfect escape for those craving nature and culture in one.
Costa Rica: Nature, Adventure & Pure Vida
Costa Rica had always been a dream destination for my boyfriend and me, and we finally made it happen with a stay at the incredible Nayara Resort in Arenal. We thought it would be a one-and-done trip—but we already know we’ll be back!
Costa Rica gives you the best of both worlds—relaxation and wild adventure. Whether it’s white-water rafting, zip-lining through treetops, trekking by Arenal Volcano, or soaking in hot springs, there's something for every kind of traveler.
This destination is perfect for anyone wanting a deeper connection with nature while still enjoying comfort, culture, and adventure.
So... Where to First?Mexico? The Caribbean? Belize? Costa Rica? Wherever you're dreaming of, I’m here to help make that dream a reality. With my personal travel experience and insider insights, I’ll help you plan a trip that fits you—whether it’s laid-back luxury, thrilling adventure, or a little of both.
Be sure to check out more of my travel stories, resort reviews, and destination tips for even more inspiration. When you’re ready to start planning, I’ll be here—let’s create your perfect escape!
My Travel Albums
Natural Beauty in New Zealand
De'arra and Ken Travel the World!
Africa Safari - Client Photos
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Winter might feel like a distant memory right now, but in my world, it’s always just around the corner. After all, planning the perfect escape takes time—and that’s what I’ve been helping people do for a...Read more.
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My Reviews
140 of 225 people found this review helpful
Pam was great to work with and she made it super simple to book our honeymoon through her. We mentioned to her a couple of the resorts that we had in mind and she knew about every one of them and was able to answer any questions that we had about the resorts. We were very happy with Pam's service and we would definitely use her again int the future and recommend her to others.
By
Our Honeymoon
from
Minneapolis, MN
Traveled to
Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Pam MacIntyre responded:
Happy to hear your honeymoon was memorable! Thank you again for your business, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future!
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105 of 165 people found this review helpful
Pam was very friendly and gave us advise based on personal experience. She listened to what kind of experience we were looking for and suggested the perfect place. She called before we left to make sure we didn't have any other questions and give us a couple more pointers before we took off!
By
S&R
from
Mankato, MN
Traveled to
Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Pam MacIntyre responded:
It's always very gratifying to know that you helped someone find the perfect place, for this once in a lifetime experience! I hope to work with you on future travels!
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87 of 138 people found this review helpful
We did not feel detailed help was given. Thank goodness I know my way a bit around travel or we would have been completely bewildered
By
Kim & Ryan’s wedding
from
Minnesota
Traveled to
Bora Bora ~ French Polynesia ~ South Pacific
I would not recommend this agent to my family and friends
Pam MacIntyre responded:
Very sorry you felt the information I provide in your personalized Travel Documents and my email with more than 20 pointers for travel in Bora Bora was not detailed. I wish you had reached out to me if you had specific questions not answered in the documentation I had provided. I know travel in French Polynesia is a new experience for most, so am always happy to share my personal experience to help everyone get the most of their travels to this exotic part of the world.
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77 of 119 people found this review helpful
I have worked with Pam twice and both times had a great experience. I originally decided to try using a travel agent to book our honeymoon. I told Pam our budget and the type of vacation we were looking for. She gave us several location options and we decided on Riviera Maya. She then gave us several resorts to choose from. She was able to tell us the pros and cons of each resort - their proximity to town, pools, spas, etc - which was very helpful. We picked a resort and from there Pam took care of everything. Flights, transportation to and from airport, and the resort were all booked for us. Fast forward to our vacation and we had a fantastic time. The resort was exactly what we were looking for. I saved so much time not having to research locations, looked at dozens of resorts, and get everything booked. It was definitely worth it.
By
Ashlee
from
St. Paul
Traveled to
Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Pam MacIntyre responded:
Thank you for the kind words, it's great to feel so valued and I look forward to working with you on your vacation next year!
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108 of 181 people found this review helpful
Pam is very friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and very very helpful!! We have worked with Pam for all of our vacations since 2009 and we refer our friends and family to Pam as we have had such great experiences with her. Our last trip was to Play Del Carmen Mexico and we stayed at the Paradisus La Esmeralda on Pam's recommendation and we absolutely loved the resort! Pam is very upfront and honest with us about the resorts that we want to stay at as well as dates and months that we want to stay. Pam is great with emailing or calling about our reservations and when we should book and she is great with keeping us informed on any changes.
We will continue to work with Pam and continually refer her to our family and friends. I have talked with family and friends that have worked with Pam and they too will work with her again!! She is the best!!
By
Molly Smith
from
Ramsey, MN
Traveled to
Playa Del Carmen ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Pam MacIntyre responded:
Molly, you've always been one of my most valued clients and friends! You've referred so many to me over the years, and I want you to know that it simply means the world to me that you always think of me immediately when you hear someone "Talk Travel". Thank you and here's to planning many more travel adventures together!
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