Luxury and Adventure Travel Consultant

Sailing through Laubeuf Fjord, Antarctica

If you love the idea of seeing the world in comfort without feeling like a tourist on a conveyor belt, you’re in the right place.

I’m Ahmer, founder of Hourglass Expeditions and a Diamond-level Travel Leaders advisor based in California. Over the past 20 years, I’ve traveled to 60+ countries across all 7 continents and personally experienced many of the trips my clients dream about—from camping in Antarctica and cage-diving with great white sharks in South Africa to trekking in Nepal, diving the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring the souks of Morocco and the temples of Egypt.

But this isn’t about how many stamps are in my passport. It’s about what that experience does for you.

What I do for my clients

I design tailor-made, eco-conscious luxury and adventure itineraries for travelers who want more than a generic, one-size-fits-all package. My clients typically come to me when they want to:

Plan complex, multi-stop journeys (safaris + city stays + beach extensions, Europe by rail, Antarctica & Patagonia combos, etc.).

Experience “bucket list” trips with confidence (Egypt, Kenya/Tanzania safaris, Antarctica expedition cruises, French Polynesia, Norway & the Arctic, New Zealand, and more).

Travel responsibly and meaningfully, with itineraries that support local communities and minimize environmental impact.

Enjoy luxury with substance—not just 5-star hotels, but rich experiences, smart logistics, and peace of mind from door to door.

Why travelers choose to work with me

Proven track record: I’m a Diamond-level agent with 31+ verified 5-star reviews and 100% recommendation rate from past travelers.

Real on-the-ground insight: I don’t just sell Egypt, Antarctica, or Costa Rica—I’ve personally been there, scouted experiences, and built relationships with trusted local partners and guides.

High-touch service: From our first call to your arrival back home, I’m your dedicated point of contact—answering questions, smoothing out logistics, and being available if anything unexpected comes up while you’re away.

Honest, value-driven advice: I’ll tell you where to splurge, where to save, and what to skip entirely. Many clients appreciate that I’ll recommend against certain tours or options if they don’t add value to your experience.

Specialties & favorite types of trips

While I plan custom itineraries worldwide, I’m especially passionate about:

African safaris & Kilimanjaro treks (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, plus extensions to Zanzibar or Cape Town)

Polar expeditions (Antarctica expedition cruises, including camping and sea kayaking)

Egypt & the Middle East (Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruises, Jordan extensions)

Europe with depth (Ireland, UK, Norway, Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and more—by rail, self-drive, or guided)

Tropical and island escapes (French Polynesia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, Barbados, Indonesia, the Philippines)

Family, couples, and small-group trips that balance adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion

How we’ll work together

Discovery call: We’ll start with a short phone or video call where I learn about your travel style, wish list, budget, and timing.

Custom itinerary design: I’ll craft a personalized, day-by-day proposal with handpicked accommodations, activities, and logistics that match you—not a template.

Seamless booking & support: I handle the details—flights, hotels, transfers, cruises, tours, insurance recommendations, and more—so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Ongoing support while you travel: If you need anything while you’re away, I’m just a message or call away.