Trading a high-powered career in strategic advisory for a life of curated global exploration, Lesley Whyte followed her passion for travel and is now sharing it with others.

It’s not often someone changes career direction from corporate professional to adventurer, but that’s exactly what Lesley Whyte did ten years ago. With a background in strategic advisory, governance and project and change management, she had spent decades as a business consultant. But she was always drawn to travel. So she left her corporate job and set up not just one, but multiple boutique tour businesses.

Now consolidated under the Travel with Lesley Whyte brand, Lesley has built a leading tourism business that specialises in small group tours, combining her passions for travel, creativity and fostering genuine connection. Originally starting as a passion-driven start up, the business has grown into a dedicated team of 13 people and it’s taken her all over the world – literally. From Antarctic expeditions to Baltic winter wonderlands, to bustling Australian cities, the remoteness of the Chatham Islands, cycling tours, food tours and everything in between.

‘It is truly one of the most rewarding jobs,’ says Lesley. ‘For many clients, it’s a trip of a lifetime, a real bucket list experience. Getting to play dream-broker and exceed their expectations of what a destination could be is such a privilege. There is nothing like letting someone in on an under-the-radar restaurant or viewpoint off the beaten path and seeing their excitement at a new, unexpected experience.’

Lesley spent most of her corporate career coaching and mentoring team members and now applies that people-led focus to facilitating life-changing travel experiences, particularly for women, creating environments where self-confidence can flourish through social interactions and exploring new destinations.

Unbeknownst to many travellers when they book, they are travelling with an expert photographer – one who is only too happy to share her passion and skills. Photography has been one of Lesley’s passions since she was young and she carved a niche for herself offering photography-led travel itineraries.

Designing travel with women in mind has always been a priority for Lesley. She’s run many small group excursions over the years, with many women returning time and time again; they know they’ll have an exceptional experience with lots of laughs along the way.

The latest iteration of this has been a project years in the making; Travel with Lesley Whyte has partnered with AmaWaterways for an exclusive women-only river cruise through Spain and France. The special hosted departure is a blend of elegance, exploration and connection, creating a space where women can travel solo or with friends in an inclusive environment that naturally fosters friendships. ‘I’m incredibly excited about our inaugural river cruise in August of 2027. For years, I’ve wanted to create a river cruise itinerary that put as much emphasis on personal connection as it did the sights, and this journey has been created exclusively for women who share a passion for travel, culture, friendship and adventure,’ she says.

‘This one is especially close to my heart because it includes so many unique touch points that go beyond standard cruise excursions. Think lavender gin tasting, Miraval Champagne breakfast and a Van Gogh Heritage experience – not to mention the exceptional local cuisine and regional wines served throughout. I think women are really going to love it.

‘Like all of my tours, I’m really proud of the way we create an environment that is particularly welcoming to solo travellers. In fact, we’ve worked with AmaWaterways to ensure 50% of the cabins on board are allocated for solo passengers. As we get older, often people are a bit nervous about travelling on their own, especially if it’s to some of our more remote or exotic destinations. I get such fulfillment from watching people arrive as solo travellers and leave not only with firm friendships, but often they’re already plotting their next adventure together!’

To find out more visit travelwithlesleywhyte.com