About
Mission
Tern's mission is quite simple: have as much fun, in as many places, for as long as possible, while creating a positive impact in the communities we visit.
About Tern
Tern Travel took its name from the Arctic Tern, the world’s furthest migrating bird. It travels from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, averaging 56,000 miles (90,000km) each year – equal to about two trips around the globe. It seeks the warmer temperatures yet will brave the polar extremes.
At Tern Travel, the bird’s habits resonated and became a goal: to travel great distances in search of the best. And that’s what we do – we find the best places and create great experiences to share with you.
Our Team
Nebiel Shaw, Founder & Trip Leader
Nebiel Shaw is a natural host who enjoys meeting new people and creating fun experiences. He is always traveling to or researching new destinations. Tern Travel is the offspring of his desire to share these incredible experiences he's discovered while living in or visiting countries all over the globe.
Bria Shaw, Trip Leader and Head of Charity Relationships
Bria loves immersing herself in any culture she gets to visit, and with Tern Travel she is able to share this love of culture with her guests. What makes Bria so passionate about her job is the ability to see firsthand the lasting relationships that are formed through new experiences, group exploration, cultural immersion and active excursions. Bringing people together in unfamiliar territory and witnessing their relationships with each other and their surroundings transform is what brings Bria back, trip after trip. She also has a spot-on Chewbacca impression.
Katie Robertson, Costa Rica Trip Leader
Katie joined one of the first Bali trips and must have had a great time! After years of returning to Santa Teresa again and again, she pitched the trip and now she’s a trip leader! Katie lives in Santa Monica, where she spends her money on music festivals and her time with her family. Given the opportunity to travel, she loves to do so with purpose.
Rafael Martinez De Sanzo, Argentina Trip Leader
Rafa is a true authentic Argentine. He obtained degrees in Law from the University of Buenos Aires and Georgetown University. He was a member of the Argentine Foreign Service for 16 years, where he was positioned in Washington DC and Los Angeles. Rafa was also the Director of Pepperdine University’s Buenos Aires Study Abroad program for 15 years. During this time, he led college students on educational field-trips throughout Argentina during his time as director. He has being advising foreign investment for more than 30 years. Lastly, he has ben managing his 35,000 acre ranch in Southern Patagonia for the last 20 years.
Putu Wismaya, Bali Guide
Putu is from a small village in the north of Bali but now lives in the south with his two wonderful kids. With his charming and happy personality, he is always the highlight for our guests. He is eager to share his love of Bali with our guests and knows the island by heart. When he’s not working, you’ll find him cooking delicious meals for his family and friends (he makes a spectacular sambal matah). Far more than being the best driver on Bali, Putu works to expand our network around the island introducing us to village leaders to set up more projects and translates for the group. Hey Putu, will it rain today? “Maybe. Maybe not.”