Sumner Payne

sumner.payne@embarkbeyond.com

1-713-805-5522

Sumner’s passion for travel was ignited at a young age, and over the past 25 years, she’s had the privilege to visit over 45 countries, live abroad in 4, and stay at some of the best and most iconic hotels in the world. From sipping fine wines on the French Riviera to living onboard an Arctic explorer’s expedition boat with BBC and NatGeo photographers , she’s equally at ease free diving with wild Orcas whales and indulging in fine dining experiences. For Sumner, travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination: the serendipitous stops along the way, spontaneous discoveries to be found, and unexpected connections with others, culture, and the world around. She’s an avid sailer and adventurer, having explored far-flung destinations such as India, Japan, Vietnam, Bali, Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands by sailboat, train, motorcycle, paraglide, car, and plane. She believes traveling well is an art, mastered through a unique alchemy of exceptional service, attention to detail, local immersion, and plenty of room for discovery and exploration. Sumner has a passion for planning trips, both for herself and others, that strike this perfect balance between this preparation and improvisation.

Favorite Destination and Why: India is a trip for the senses and is exotic in every sense of the word visiting for the first time - sights, colors, spices, flavor, vibrant culture and religions. The opulence of the hotels was magnificent to behold, and the sights are draw-jobbing. No global monument has humbled me or surprised me as much as the Taj Mahal. I will never forget seeing a woman on the streets of Delhi giving out free water for good karma. I’ll also never forget seeing a Jain monk on the road along the Aravalli Mountains, sweeping ants out of his way with a brush so as to not step on any. This is a rare sighting and one I will always cherish!

Areas of Specialty: Ultra-Luxury, Adventure, Culture

My Travel Style Is: Adventurous and off-the-beaten-path.

Fun Facts About Me:

I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

I was a ballet dancer for 18 years

I've gone free-diving with wild Orca whales in the Arctic Winter.

Contact me!

sumner.payne@embarkbeyond.com

1-713-805-5522