As a child, I'd spin a globe to decide where I'd imagine visiting next.
My little digit often came to rest on the white Andean peaks that surround Santiago, Chile.
I'm from a small town called Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, a beautiful corner of the world. If my home wasn't on the globe, I couldn't imagine how grand Santiago could be.
That formative desire to see something different has stayed with me. I can't imagine my life without travel.
And now, when I return home to Gloucestershire, the familiar seems new, thanks to my experiences around the globe.
But it's always South America that calls me back for more adventures.
I am a sucker for mountains, music, and adventure.
That might mean hiking, cycling, or rafting. Perhaps it's spotting wildlife, or swimming in the sea.
And South America is the continent that captured my heart. And it's not just the iconic moments at Machu Picchu or Galápagos. It's trying new food, people watching in plazas, and the smells of forests. The roar of glacial-fed rivers, or the distant knocking of a woodpecker.
It's also about laughing with locals in bars. Although I do not need to see Diego Maradona's goal vs. England again, thank you, locals at El Abuelo bar, Puerto Piramides, Argentina.
I live in Barcelona, regularly cycling off into the nearby hills, swimming, and running. If there's time, some writing or playing my guitar.
“I just wanted to let you know how extremely pleased we were with Tom Shearman’s work on helping us plan our recent bike trip to Chile/Argentina. He was extremely responsive and informative right from the start and he made the whole experience of planning such a big trip that much easier and smoother.”
“Based on our experience with Tom, I would certainly recommend your company to anyone looking to plan a holiday in South America and we would certainly use him again should we venture again to that part of the world.”
Tracy Horton, Chile/Argentina
“Tom always got back to us really quickly, answered our questions clearly and gave us lost of really useful information and details. We were very impressed.
“It gave us so much confidence in Andean Trails, unlike other replies we got from other agents, which were also much slower. We decided to travel with you because of Tom’s efficiency and friendliness.”
J. Fairweather, Galapagos cruise
Patagonia: so much more to see in those vast, open spaces.
