Travellers Photos

Updated 13/04/08

About Grassroots Adventures

Established in 1994 by Fay Schaw, an ardent and dedicated traveller, Grassroots Adventures evolved out of a lifetime of personal first hand travel experiences.

Grassroots offers a limited number of destinations which have been selected for the unique and fascinating experiences that they offer. Each destination is personally researched so that the tourist traps are avoided and the best value for money ensured.

All Grassroots leaders are experienced travellers who are passionate about the countries they visit and the special service style which is the "Grassroots Concept". They are totally committed to providing Grassroots travellers with the holiday experience of a lifetime.

	Fay Schaw (Founder and Leader) Fay has always had a burning interest in things geographical and in enjoying the outdoors. Over the years she has travelled widely both as a back-packer and in her capacity as Musical Director of the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra. As Tour Director for this orchestra Fay planned and operated nine major international concert tours over 20 years, to China, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. Her wealth of first hand destination knowledge and years of group travel experience enables her to offer Grassroots Travellers this series of unique and very personal travel experiences.
	Helen Ripley (Leader) A keen walker and outdoor pursuits enthusiast, Helen is a lively, vibrant personality who delights in sharing her love of the destinations we offer.
	Judy Oates (Leader) Judy's interests are tramping, kayaking, horse riding and adventure travel. She has a farming and teaching background and just loves taking people to explore new and exciting destinations.
	Eileen Cameron (Administrative Executive and Leader) Eileen grew up in the Waikato. Her passion for travel started at a young age but what cemented her love for life outside of New Zealand was spending a year living with a Brazilian family as an exchange student in her last year of high school. After that she did a B.A at Auckland University in Spanish and Latin America Studies and then in mid 97 upon completion of her degree, moved to South America and started working for the Canadian Tour Operator, GAP Adventures. Since then she has mostly been based in Mexico but has also visited and led tours in most countries in the Americas, finding each one enchanting and unique. Latin America is an area of the world she is passionate about and enjoys sharing her love for it with everyone. With Grassroots she looks forward to visiting other areas of the world as well. Like most kiwis she is an adrenaline junkie and loves the great outdoors!!