Jess here (DA Marketing)! I first met Jackie on my Great Wall of China Trek in 2018; she was the kind of person you instantly warm to. Her enthusiasm for the adventure ahead was infectious, and we bonded over countless laughs and shared moments on that unforgettable trip.
Since then, Jackie has continued to travel with Discover Adventure at least once a year, and in 2023, her partner Tim joined her to see what all the fuss was about. Together, they’ve become some of our most loyal (and favourite) customers, taking on multiple challenges a year. They are a firm part of the Discover Adventure family!
Finding Their Passions
Jackie discovered her love for walking over a decade ago and has since achieved an impressive feat: she’s completed all but one of the National Trails in Great Britain, with plans to conquer the Pennine Way next year. “I was never any good at sports in school, but I’ve found my passion with walking and trekking,” she shares. “If I can do it, then you can do it!”
Tim’s love for nature started when he was a child. “Ever since I was a small boy, I’ve loved the outdoors,” he recalls. “I kept frogs and newts in buckets and caterpillars in jam jars. Growing up, I longed to travel to those places you see on the telly—a sort of Attenborough fanboy, really.”
Their shared passion for exploration and adventure has taken them worldwide – we’re rapidly running out of trips they haven’t done! Tim jokes, “Jackie keeps signing me up, so I can’t say no, really!”
The Discover Adventure Experience
Jackie has been travelling with Discover Adventure since 2017, and Tim joined her in 2023. Both rave about the support and professionalism they’ve experienced. “Discover Adventure makes this all possible,” Jackie says. “I research the trek I want to complete, pay the deposit, and DA organises the rest. Communication is clear, the itinerary is comprehensive, and the guides are extremely knowledgeable.”
Tim adds, “You just pack a bag, bring a passport, and begin the journey of a lifetime. I’ve been to places where tourists don’t really go, places that give you a ‘real’ view of life in that country, along with views and locations that take your breath away.”
One of their favourite aspects of these trips is the sense of community. “You start as strangers motivating each other every day, and by the end, you’re a member of one big happy family,” Jackie explains. “I’ve met lots of buddies who I now see on subsequent trips.”
Moments That Stand Out
For Tim, it’s the small, reflective moments that leave a lasting impression. “Sometimes, on these trips, I find myself sitting on a rock or lying down, just looking and listening. You forget about the rest of the world,” he says. “I’ve learned to be more patient, less irritable, and more focused on the moment.”
For Jackie, it’s the challenge of stepping outside her comfort zone and the joy of meeting like-minded adventurers. “I adore being outdoors—the scenery, the sense of freedom, and how it makes you feel afterwards,” she says. “The people you meet are simply inspiring with incredible stories.”
Tim also appreciates the lessons learned through the challenges. “Anything—or rather everything—is possible, and nobody gets left behind… ever,” he says. “I have cycled, climbed, swam, skied, dog sledged, kayaked, snorkelled, got scared, got breathless, got sunburnt, got soaked, got altitude sickness, and taken thousands of photos but had the most fantastic time every time.”
What’s Next?
With 2025 on the horizon, Jackie and Tim already have more trips lined up, starting with the snowy landscapes on our Transylvania Winter Wilderness adventure. Jackie’s upcoming adventure wishlist includes India and Costa Rica. True to form (and like any good Adventure Buddy), Tim is along for the ride, ready for whatever Jackie signs them up for next.
Their advice for anyone considering a challenge? “Take the plunge,” Jackie says. “You will be well looked after every step of the way by DA and the amazing people you meet on the trek.” Tim agrees: “You just pack a bag, bring a passport, and begin the journey of a lifetime.”
Final Thoughts
We’re so lucky to have adventurers like Jackie and Tim in our community. Their love for exploration, openness to an adventure (in all its guises!), and willingness to jump in remind us why we do what we do: to help people discover the adventure of a lifetime. Whether trekking in the mountains or meeting incredible people along the way, Jackie and Tim are proof that the best journeys are shared… with the ones you love or the people you meet.
