Allen is a seasoned Luxury Travel Specialist based in Knoxville, Tennessee, whose passion for immersive travel began at age 13 during a student exchange in Copenhagen. His global adventures, from living in Buenos Aires and New Zealand to exploring the Bolivian Amazon and East Africa, give him a uniquely informed perspective on culture, nature, and adventure. Allen curates bespoke journeys with meticulous attention to detail, whether planning remote fly-fishing expeditions, culturally rich itineraries, or luxury escapes, always ensuring each experience is deeply personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Ready to explore the possibilities of bespoke luxury travel? Connect with Allen directly at travel@sheencotravel.com or call him toll-free at 888-6743-244. Stay tuned for exclusive insights as he shares the inspiration behind the unforgettable experiences crafted under his guidance.
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. My passion for international travel began at the
age of 13, when I spent a month in Copenhagen, Denmark through an exchange program, a
formative experience that sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world. After earning my degree
from the University of Tennessee, I moved to the UK, where I worked in London for a company
specializing in importing Irish goods. When my work visa expired, I booked a one-way ticket to
Nairobi, Kenya and spent time backpacking through East Africa, going on safari and summiting
the region’s tallest peaks.
That adventure inspired me to return home and pursue graduate studies in Anthropology at Texas
A&M University, a decision that ultimately launched me into a global journey. My travels
became deeply immersive: I worked with indigenous whalers in Indonesia and spent over 15
months living in the Bolivian Amazon with the Tsimane Ameri-Indians.
Later, I moved to Buenos Aires with my Argentine wife, where we welcomed our first son. My
academic path then led me to New Zealand, where I accepted a position as a lecturer in
biological anthropology at the University of Auckland. There, I spent four years raising two sons
and exploring the stunning natural landscapes of both the North and South Islands.
For the past fifteen years, I’ve been back in Knoxville, running my own business centered
around fly fishing, planning and guiding angling adventures to some of the world’s most remote
and extraordinary destinations. I’m passionate about helping others realize their dreams and
creating memories that last a lifetime.
What’s your most memorable vacation?
I recently returned to the Tsimane territory in Bolivia, leading a group of friends on a Golden
Dorado fishing trip in the same region where I had lived and worked two decades ago. It was
incredible not only to reconnect with the Tsimane people but also to share the experience with
some of my closest friends.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend as much time as I can outdoors, taking full advantage of the incredible natural beauty that
East Tennessee offers. Whether it’s trail running with my dog or mountain biking with friends, I
love staying active. I’m also deeply involved in the local lacrosse community,helping run my
son’s high school program and officiating both high school and middle school games.
Do you have a favorite place to visit?
My connection to Argentina runs deep. My children’s grandfather was a dairy farmer there, and
his father—a civil engineer—played a role in building the country’s railroad system. The family
estancia is a true British-style estate nestled in the heart of the pampas. Buenos Aires, often
called the Paris of South America, is a lively and cosmopolitan city that retains an old-world
charm. And the remote beauty of Patagonia is something
