About Grassroots Adventures
Founded in 1994 by Fay Schaw, an ardent and dedicated traveller, Grassroots Adventures evolved out of a lifetime of personal first hand travel experiences.
Grassroots offers a limited number of destinations which have been selected for the unique and fascinating experiences that they offer. Each destination is personally researched so that the tourist traps are avoided and the best value for money ensured.
All Grassroots leaders are experienced travellers who are passionate about the countries they visit and the special service style which is the “Grassroots Way”. They are totally committed to providing Grassroots travellers with the holiday experience of a lifetime.
Fay Schaw (Founder and Leader)
With an insatiable curiosity for all things geographical and a deep love for the great outdoors, Fay has led countless journeys across the globe, earning Grassroots a reputation as the first choice for travel adventures among her loyal clientele. Many of her travellers are repeat clients, some having embarked on as many as 15 to 20 trips.
Fay’s journey into travel commenced well before Grassroots Adventures; she once directed an international orchestra on numerous global concert tours. Her transition to Grassroots Adventures stemmed from a desire to offer a more authentic group travel experience. With a passion for exploring captivating destinations, Fay has led hundreds of remarkable tours, crafting itineraries that surpass the ordinary with her signature laid-back style. Her wealth of firsthand travel experience, coupled with her fun-loving nature and genuine care for fellow travellers, has positioned her as a leader in the field. Fay and her carefully selected tour guides immerse travelers in each destination’s essence, often fostering lifelong friendships along the way.
Whether trekking through remote wilderness, discovering hidden gems in bustling cities, or engaging with local communities, Fay ensures that every journey transcends the ordinary, delivering genuine and unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Adriana Hayde (Leader)
Adriana’s love for travel was ingrained early on, having always joined Grassroots tours at every opportunity. Behind the scenes, Adriana has been an integral part of Grassroots Adventures for years, often embarking on reconnaissance missions to discover new destinations off the beaten track.
Adriana has a background of teaching and music, living on the shore with her husband Jayson and their 3 sons. With her infectious joy of travelling, and genuine interest in people, she infuses each expedition with a spirit of camaraderie and adventure, making every journey unforgettable.
Judy Oates (Leader)
Judy, a seasoned tour guide for Grassroots Adventures with a passion for adventure and exploration. With interests ranging from tramping and kayaking to sailing, recreational cycling, and horse riding, Judy brings a wealth of outdoor experience to her role. Coming from a background in farming and teaching, Judy has a natural knack for leading and educating others in new and exciting destinations. She finds joy in hearing about the travel and life experiences of those she guides.
Having embarked on the very first Grassroots tour back in 1994, Judy’s journey with Grassroots began as a client before she later joined the team as a tour guide. With countless tours under her belt, Judy thrives in remote destinations, where her down-to-earth nature, sense of fun, and caring demeanour shine through. Adaptable and enthusiastic, Judy is dedicated to ensuring that every traveller’s experience is memorable and enjoyable.
Graeme Hutchings (Leader)
Graeme, along with his wife Heather, embarked on their travels with Grassroots in 2005, with Graeme becoming a tour leader in 2012. Graeme enjoyed a successful career as a dairy farmer. Known for his laid-back, and caring personality, he effortlessly connects with all who he meets, locals and fellow travellers alike.
Graeme’s extensive knowledge of his destinations enriches the travel experience for everyone involved. Driven by his passion for wildlife, Graeme eagerly shares his encounters from the tours he leads, spanning African safaris, the enchantment of the Galapagos Islands, and notably, the Bengal Tigers of India. Alongside his many interests including fishing, mountain biking, off-road 4WD adventures, and just enjoying family life, Graeme brings a vibrant energy to every adventure.
