Sally Blyth

SUMMARY
As a professional Travel Leader, I lead tour groups and design travel. I offer Personal Travel Companion Services for those who need assistance through my company Beyond Travel Companion Services.
As a Travel Writer I always have an eye on my next destination and my mind on potential stories in anticipation of what might unfold wherever I may be.
My life has never followed a straight line and I guess this has enabled me to evolve into a person with many dimensions. Being multifaceted may mean juggling all sorts and managing much, but it also enables me to view life through a wide-angled lens and approach it with a strong focus.
Following a solid education, a diverse and unconventional career unfolded for me, which has taken me around the big wide wonderful world as well as around a few tricky corners. I wouldn’t change a thing!
Travel, writing, language, creativity and communication are important components in all that I do.
Throughout my life, professionally and personally, I’ve been gifted a great deal of experiences. Whether incredibly joyful, truly challenging or thoroughly eye-opening (often all three at once!), I’ve embraced these experiences head-on, and learnt precious skills along the way.
The exuberant and fun moments have engendered a relaxed and upbeat outlook on life; the demanding times have equipped me with resilience and the ability to turn my hand to many things. Creativity always inspires me, both grounding me and letting me loose. It constantly generates new perspectives and enables me to get right outside my comfort zone often.
I’d summarise myself as follows:
• I have courage, confidence and energy, and am always up for a challenge.
• I pride myself on inner stamina and resourcefulness which enables me to tackle even the trickiest problem in an unflappable and level-headed way.
• I have a flexible approach to life and an easy-going manner.
• I love to observe and absorb the world and people around me and am conscious of health & safety issues.
• I have an appreciation of global cultures and diverse environments.
• I’ve worked with people young and old, in the professional and creative realms, and have many years of experience as a companion for mature/elderly people and in assisting people with various disabilities.
• I'll chat about anything and everything, and I love to laugh. It's even more fun with wine!
Enabling connections, generating inspiration, sharing experiences, looking beyond the first glance and taking people beyond their expectations are what I enjoy most.
BACKGROUND
I’ve lived most of my life in Auckland but was born in Dunedin and have an affinity for the Otago area. I also lived in London for the 1980s decade, working throughout Europe for much of that time. I have travelled extensively and am a self-confessed Europhile and a Kiwi at heart. The UK is my second home and I return as often as I can to visit friends and favourite places, as well as discover new ones. Exploring the world makes me very happy.
When I'm not away travelling, I spend my time between Auckland and Omaha Beach, the latter being my "soul home", a place I've been going to since 1972. I have two adult sons, born 1993 and 1996 who also love to travel.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
I have mainly worked in the not-for-profit and NGO (non-governmental) sectors, both in NZ and overseas, in the fields of health, disability and wellbeing. I also have experience in small businesses, large corporates, professional practice, industry, consultancies, the arts, design and sport. From project coordination, writing, editing, transcription, travel, administration, conference & event organisation, facilitation, coaching, governance, creative endeavours, voluntary work and more, the roles I’ve held have taken me far and wide around the world and introduced me to many amazing organisations and individuals.
I've been a practising artist and mask artisan since 2000 and have exhibited, sold and donated my art alongside professional work, as well as received various awards and commendations. I'm also a WOW Wearable Arts enthusiast and have designed and created garments that have been on the World of Wearable Art stage in Wellington and in the Nelson WOW museum since 2011 (eight garments over six shows, four on display in the museum).
In May 2006 I set up my own company “Beyond” which has enabled me to combine my diverse skillset and passions in a truly flexible way. Each day, each week, each year holds something new, different and inspiring. My travel work – tour leading, travel writing/editing, personal companionship – is all part of that.
People have always been at the core of what I do; from youth to the elderly, I love interacting with people, regardless of age or circumstance.
I approach everything in life from a “big picture” perspective, with a vision in my head and an eye on things that can’t quite be seen yet. From this, magic comes.
My offering evolves, but the purpose is the same: through travel, words, creativity, connectivity and inspiration, I aim to take people beyond their expectations, beyond their limits, to new horizons. It's about you, not about me.
I love horse racing, skiing, quiz, creativity and great food & wine. I love cooking, food, wine, Bridge, languages, music and piano. It goes without saying, I love travel, and people!
COMMUNITY/VOLUNTARY INVOLVEMENT
I’ve been involved in all sorts of community organisations, volunteering my time and energy is many ways for many years.
• Co-President of the Epsom Girls Grammar School Old Girls Association (2015-2023).
• Vice-President and Member of Executive, NZ Racehorse Owners’ Federation, since 2016
• President, Auckland Racehorse Owners’ Association
• Many years’ involvement with NZ Family Planning
• Manager, Grammar Junior Rugby Club (2005-2009)
• Member of numerous school and community committees and trusts
• Assisting with and participating in many Rotary functions, events and fundraisers
MY MOTTO: Let’s make it happen! no limits, new horizons