Travel Expert

Teresa Barndt

I am the owner and founder of Elevated Travel Destinations, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network. I have traveled all around the world and am passionate about helping others to experience other cultures and cuisines. I especially love to plan experiences to bring generations of families together and to mark special occasions. Specializing in travel to the Asia-Pacific region, I have 18 years of Mandarin Chinese fluency and love to be able to communicate directly with my in-destination contacts to ensure a beautiful and seamless vacation experience for my clients. I believe the Asia-Pacific has something to offer every traveler looking for a beautifully unique and meaningful experience to last a lifetime. I hold a Master's Degree in Asian Studies from The George Washington University and also worked in Washington DC for six years, including positions for the U.S. House of Representatives, contractors on the Hill, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, and the US-Asia Institute.

I have traveled throughout the world and have lived in England, Taiwan, and mainland China for a combined total of 2.5 years. Some of my favorite destinations have been Kending, Taiwan; Guilin/ Yangshuo, and the Great Wall, China; Hong Kong; Sydney, Australia; Queenstown, New Zealand; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Devon, England. Basically, I am in love with coastlines and mountains. I visit beaches any chance I get and visited Yosemite National Park 15 times in 2 years. Lately, some of my favorite vacations have been cruises with my multigenerational family and the memorable ports of call we were able to visit together. They have been incredible opportunities to connect all age-groups in a convenient and meaningful way.