About Grassroots Adventures
Grassroots Adventures began with a simple idea, that group travel could feel more personal, more relaxed, and more connected to the places you visit.
Since the early days, the approach has stayed much the same. Rather than offering a long list of destinations, Grassroots focuses on a smaller number of carefully chosen journeys, each one shaped by firsthand experience. Trips are designed to avoid the obvious, travel at a comfortable pace, and leave room for the unexpected moments that often become the most memorable.
A lot of time is spent behind the scenes researching destinations, revisiting places, and refining itineraries so that each journey feels considered rather than formulaic. That hands-on approach continues to shape everything Grassroots does.
What really defines Grassroots, though, is the way the trips feel. Groups are small, the atmosphere is relaxed, and people tend to settle in quickly. Many travellers return more than once, drawn as much by the experience of travelling this way as by the destinations themselves.
Fay Schaw (Founder and Leader)
Fay founded Grassroots Adventures in 1994 after years of travelling the world and leading international tours. What began as a way to share more authentic, small group travel experiences quickly grew into a loyal following of travellers who valued her relaxed style and carefully crafted itineraries.
Over the years, Fay has led hundreds of journeys and built Grassroots into a company known for its personal approach and depth of experience. While she no longer leads tours, she remains closely involved, continuing to travel regularly, research new destinations, and shape itineraries. Her influence is still at the heart of every Grassroots journey.
Adriana Hayde
Adriana grew up travelling with Grassroots, so being part of the business has always come naturally. Over time, she became more involved behind the scenes, researching destinations and helping to develop new itineraries.
Now leading Grassroots, Adriana brings a fresh perspective while staying true to what has always made the company special. With a background in teaching and music, she combines strong organisation with a natural ability to connect people, creating trips that feel relaxed, welcoming, and genuinely memorable.
She leads many of the tours herself and continues to explore new destinations, keeping each journey fresh while holding onto the style of travel Grassroots is known for.
Judy Oates (Tour Leader)
Judy has been part of Grassroots for many years, bringing a great sense of humour and a relaxed, positive energy to every trip.
She first travelled with Grassroots in 1994, later joining the team as a tour leader. Since then, she has led countless journeys and brings a depth of experience to her role.
Before Grassroots, Judy worked as a school teacher and comes from a farming background. She has a strong love of the outdoors, with interests ranging from tramping and kayaking to sailing, cycling, and horse riding, something that naturally shapes the way she leads her trips.
Judy especially enjoys the people side of travel and takes a genuine interest in the stories and experiences of those she travels with. Her down-to-earth nature, adaptability, and sense of fun help create a relaxed and supportive group dynamic, particularly in more remote destinations.
Graeme Hutchings (Leader)
Graeme began travelling with Grassroots in 2005 alongside his wife Heather, and went on to become a tour leader in 2012.
After a successful career as a dairy farmer, Graeme brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to the trips he leads. Known for his laid-back and caring nature, he connects easily with both fellow travellers and locals.
He has developed a strong knowledge of the destinations he visits, which adds depth to the travel experience. With a particular passion for wildlife, Graeme enjoys sharing his experiences from tours, from African safaris to the Galapagos Islands, and encounters with Bengal tigers in India.
Outside of travel, his interests include fishing, mountain biking, off-road 4WD adventures, and spending time with family, all of which reflect the energy and enthusiasm he brings to each journey.
