Meet Becks
About Becks - New Zealand Travel Designer
My love of travel began over 30 years ago with VW Combi road trips through Europe and North Africa, followed by years of exploring destinations around the world. I’ve since travelled extensively and spent many years living abroad in the UK, Ireland, Japan and Dubai. I’m now based in Nelson, New Zealand.
Those experiences have given me a deeper understanding of places, cultures and what makes a journey truly memorable - well beyond simply seeing the highlights.
Today, I draw on that experience as a travel designer, creating everything from tailor made independent itineraries and small group tours to personally escorted journeys. I know what makes a trip work - the right pace, the right places, thoughtful details and experiences worth travelling for.
If you’re looking for a journey that’s thoughtfully designed, beautifully paced and shaped around the way you like to travel, I’d love to use my experience to bring it all together for you.
Rebecca MacFadyen
Travel Designer & Personal Travel Manager
Where I’ve Been Lately
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![A woman stands on a rock in a desert canyon with red rocks, looking at a tall rock formation in the distance. Two people sit on a ledge to the side of the canyon.]()
Capturing moments with Sienna at Cathedral Rock - Sedona, surrounded by stunning red rock formations and breathtaking desert views.
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![View of Las Vegas Strip skyline with the replica Eiffel Tower and a body of water in the foreground, palm trees, and various tall buildings under a partly cloudy sky.]()
A very late brunch with stunning views from our restaurant in Las Vegas before our drive to the Grand Canyon
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![Woman taking a selfie on a cruise ship with a large body of water and a blue sky with clouds in the background.]()
Cruising offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with stunning views, and the chance to explore multiple destinations and meet new friends. And yes, they’re addictive!
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![Curving black asphalt road with white lane markings in desert landscape, leading towards large reddish-brown rock formation under clear blue sky, with sparse green bushes along the roadside.]()
We hiked up the famous Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, Phoenix, in 40-degree heat, and waited to experience the vibrant, desert sunset Arizona is so well known for.
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![A woman wearing a sombrero hat, black tank top, and denim skirt stands outdoors with colorful woven blankets hanging behind her.]()
When in Mexico……I resisted the purchase but couldn’t resist trying it on, bought some locally crafted, artisan pottery instead.
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![Tropical beach with green palm trees and ocean view, under a clear blue sky.]()
That view! Pure relaxation on our mid-winter escape at the perfectly laid-back Oarsman resort in the remote Yasawa Islands of Fiji.
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![A woman standing next to a wax figure of Mahatma Gandhi inside a museum. The woman has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a black jacket and jeans. The museum background includes a bookshelf, a blackboard, and other visitors.]()
Wax Museum in Sydney, finally I’m taller than someone! I have a tradition of travelling one-on-one with each of my teen kids, and this time it was Harrison’s turn.
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![Person paddleboarding on calm ocean waters under a blue sky with scattered clouds.]()
Paddleboarding with Harrison in the Marmanuca islands of Fiji, didn’t drop my phone or fall off which made a nice change.
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![Ancient stone temple with incense burner in foreground, lush green grass, blue sky, and temple ruins in the background.]()
Exploring Angkor Wat with my group of 14 was unforgettable — seeing one of the wonders of the world up close and wandering through its amazing temples was just incredible.
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![A woman standing between two men dressed in traditional Indian costumes with pink kurtas, white dhotis, and gold headgear, all holding staffs, in an indoor setting.]()
Enjoying the grandeur and history of palace life with my guards, adding a royal touch to the unforgettable experience.
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![People wearing conical hats on boats working on water plants in a lush, green area.]()
My group enjoyed more unique moments with these hardworking local women, a highlight was watching them go about their lives trading goods on the Mekong.
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![View of a swimming pool with clear blue water, palm trees in the background, and a bright blue sky.]()
A well-earned relaxing pool & spa day in our riverside resort, always great to end the day as a group catching up over cocktails Hoi An, Vietnam
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![A woman with long brown hair wearing sunglasses taking a selfie on a rocky beach with ocean waves and cliffs in the background. Two children, a girl with red hair and a boy, are exploring the rocks nearby under a clear blue sky.]()
California road trip, I loved exploring all the beaches between San Diego and Los Angeles, La Jolla, Coronado & Laguna were some of our favourites.
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![View from a cruise ship deck showing a large metal bow, calm blue water, green hills on either side, and a partly cloudy sky with wispy clouds.]()
A fabulous cruise experiencing the beauty of Fiordland & Stewart Island on a gorgeous small ship world voyage originating in Southampton.
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![People walking along a busy street on a sunny day with a large Ferris wheel in the background. A red sign for 'Supreme Crab Seafood Buffet' with an arrow points to the right. Other storefront signs, trees, and streetlights are visible.]()
Sienna and I strolling through the vibrant streets of Fishermans Wharf at sunset - Loved our first time in San Francisco - we’ll be back!
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![A woman wearing a hat and sunglasses smiling in front of an ancient Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza during daytime.]()
After a late-night trying Mescal, an early morning visit to Chichén Itzá before the crowds and the heat was a great decision, before swimming in local Cenotes to cool off for the day.
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![Clear turquoise water with a traditional wooden boat, a sandy beach with palm trees, and a partly cloudy sky.]()
Soaking in the stunning blue waters of Aitutaki on the Te Vaka cruise was an unforgettable day, filled with music, laughter, and breathtaking azure waters.
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![Resort pool area with lounge chairs and tables, tropical trees and cabanas with thatched roofs, green hills in the background, under clear blue sky.]()
Relaxing in our beachfront bungalow at Tamanu Resort, Aitutaki, with kayaks and paddleboards at our doorstep – the perfect island escape.
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![A person with a green backpack walking on a narrow suspension bridge over a river in a lush, green forest, with mountains in the background and blue sky overhead.]()
With my son Tullamore at the Royal Botanical Gardens, over 4,000 species of plants, including rare orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. - Sri Lanka
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![Woman wearing a straw cowboy hat taking a selfie on a sandy beach with boats and trees in the background.]()
After a Safari Day of 4-wheel driving through rivers & bush in search of elephants, we relaxed at one of many stunning surf beaches.
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![A cow walking on the street in front of a weathered building with electrical wires overhead, a man standing near the building, and a motorcycle parked beside it.]()
Sacred cows leisurely roaming the streets of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, adding to the town's charm and unique cultural atmosphere.
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![Two women smiling and posing for a photo in a desert with sand dunes and a clear blue sky in the background.]()
Sienna and I at the Imperial Sand Dunes on our magnificent road trip between Phoenix and San Diego. The climb to the top was unbearably hot.
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![People walking on a sidewalk in front of a colorful, weathered building with barred windows, and a yellow bus on the street under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Wandering the charming streets of Valladolid, loved the colourful colonial architecture, cobblestone roads, and vibrant markets as well as the history here.
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![A woman standing in front of a large, ornate reddish-orange building with intricate white decorative patterns and numerous windows.]()
Jaipur, is a vibrant mix of royal history, stunning architecture, and lively markets. Famous for its rose-hued buildings, here I am, standing infront of Hawa Mahal, it’s a must-see destination for culture and beauty.
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![Swimming pool surrounded by greenery, with lounge chairs, an umbrella, and a building with a balcony and a palm tree.]()
I love hotels that reflect the destination. This charming, historic, convent-turned-boutique hotel was a gorgeous escape in Mérida, with the perfect pool to escape the midday sun.
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![Colorful paper lanterns hanging in a shop, with a wooden stool at the center.]()
Evening strolls, glowing lanterns, lively bars & markets, and mouthwatering street food with lots of shopping. I Love Hoi An!
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![A smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a straw hat taking a selfie from a safari vehicle as a line of open-top vehicles follow behind on a dirt road with trees on both sides.]()
Escorting the group on Safari, we explored the wilderness in open-top jeeps, navigating river crossings and getting up close to wild elephants in their natural habitat—a memorable adventure like no other.
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![A blue train traveling across a stone arch bridge over a lush green landscape, with a forested hillside in the background.]()
A stop on our train journey in the heart of Sri Lanka breathtaking scenic journey through lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and dense forests. Often considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
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![Nighttime cityscape view from a rooftop restaurant with people dining and socializing on a wooden deck, overlooking a city skyline with illuminated buildings.]()
As we depart Melbourne, the city’s beautiful lights fade into the distance, marking the start of our relaxing small-ship cruise originating from Hamburg. A stunning vessel, it carried a strong sense of Europe from the moment we set sail.
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![Three women smiling outdoors in front of trees, one in a straw hat, another wearing traditional Indian attire, all looking at the camera.]()
Loved connecting with these Indian women who were from the south but visiting New Delhi for the first time too! From bustling markets & mouthwatering street food, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences that bring India’s past and present to life.
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![A group of people hiking on a narrow trail through a dense forest with tall trees and green foliage.]()
Am I holding up my group tour or leading it? A little lost? Always take the high road. Never a dull moment when travelling with Becks!
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![A young boy smiling while holding a large yellow and black snake draped over his shoulders outdoors.]()
Harrison in Thailand, the only one brave enough for the job. A beautiful family friendly, fun resort stay at the Marriot Resort & Spa, Phuket.
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