From guiding in Alaska to leading the global small-ship adventure travel market, I bring a lifetime of firsthand experience, leadership and vision to AdventureSmith Explorations. My career reflects a rare combination of front-line expertise and strategic achievement, making me an authoritative voice in the expedition cruise industry.
Hi, I’m Lis
I help small ship cruising get on your bucket list.
My path to adventure travel started while working as managing editor for a regional magazine. It was there that I began telling stories of the places and people that made it shine.
Today I’m proud to be one of the longest running employees and a senior staffer at AdventureSmith Explorations. I’ve been on dozens of expedition cruises and I know what valuable stories this style of travel has to tell. And how impactful it is for our travelers because I’ve not only been there but have read thousands of our client testimonials come in for more than 15 years.
My crew & I do this in three ways:
- Partner with the best expedition operators in the world and know their products better than they do with firsthand experience across verticals.
- Establish a personal relationship with each traveler to match them with the perfect trip, being accountable throughout the planning, booking and follow-up process.
- Respect the individuals, organization and environments encountered throughout our shared journey.
Recognized Expertise in Expedition Travel
I have been recognized throughout the industry, including 12 selections to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Top Travel Specialists list, most recently in 2025. My leadership in sustainable travel helped shape AdventureSmith’s small-footprint philosophy and its early adoption of carbon-free cruising initiatives.
I serve on the board of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), reflecting my ongoing commitment to conservation, responsible tourism and the advancement of expedition travel. I frequently share my expertise at professional gatherings such as the Adventure Travel World Summit and the Alaska Travel Industry Association conferences.
My work and perspectives have been featured on television programs including Jungle Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and Lonely Planet Travels. I have contributed to conversations on podcasts such as Big World Made Small and Vanbassador, offering deeper insight into expedition travel and wilderness exploration.
Featured Media & Expert Commentary
I am frequently interviewed and quoted by major media outlets on expedition cruising, sustainability, and adventure-travel trends. Recent examples include:
- Cruise Industry News – featured interview in the 2025 Expedition Market Report
- Robb Report – insights on Antarctic cruising during the avian flu outbreak
- San Francisco Chronicle – coverage of Californians traveling to Antarctica
- Yahoo News – expert commentary on Alaska and Denali travel
- The New York Times – perspective on Mediterranean cruising and seasonal trends
- TravelPulse – multiple features on Arctic, Galápagos, Costa Rica, Baja, and industry insights
- Condé Nast Traveler – contributions to articles on Alaska and adventure travel
- Washington Post – expert quotes on Antarctica travel and seasickness guidance
Awards & Industry Honors
Under my leadership, I’m proud that AdventureSmith and I have earned prestigious industry awards including:
- Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists
- Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies
- Outside Magazine Best Places to Work
- Expedition Cruise Network Best Expedition Cruise Travel Agency
- Sunset Magazine Travel Awards 2025 Best Cruise & Best Transportation Service
- National Geographic Adventure one of the Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth
- Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Award
- Outside Magazine Best Trips of the Year
Credentials & Professional Training
I hold numerous professional certifications including:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Ecology – San Diego State University
- Certified Interpretive Guide, Certified Interpretive Trainer – National Association for Interpretation
- Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification – American Canoe Association
- Wilderness First Responder – American Red Cross
- Accredited Travel Agent – International Air Transportation Association
- Alaska Certified Expert – Alaska Travel Industry Association
- Certified Adventureist – UnCruise Adventures
- LEXpert – Lindblad Expeditions
Personal Roots & Philosophy
I live in Tahoe City, California, where I immerse myself in mountain-town life as an avid skier, mountain biker, boater and philanthropist. I’m proud to serve on the board of Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST.
“When I founded AdventureSmith, I believed that the expedition-cruising product was our biggest asset. We were on the forefront of a travel revolution… Now I realize it’s the genuine relationships – built on mutual respect and effective communication—with our clients, staff and operator partners that are most important.”
Todd Smith – AdventureSmith 20 Year Anniversary
How My Experience Benefits Your Journey
Choosing to work with me and AdventureSmith Explorations means you’re tapping into:
- A travel-professional leader who still spends time scouting, testing and reviewing small-ship expedition cruises and wilderness lodges firsthand.
- A company built on authentic adventure expertise rather than mainstream cruise-marketing hype.
- A trusted partner in designing remote-destination experiences (Antarctica, Galápagos, Arctic, Baja, Alaska) with the strategic insight and operational credibility to deliver.
- A mindset of sustainability, conservation and low-impact travel, which enhances ethical trust, long-term value and meaningful experiences.
LET’S PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP
Your adventure starts
one-on-one with us
Travel Expertise Straight From the Field
Travel is central to my work at AdventureSmith. Each journey deepens my (and my team’s) firsthand understanding of the ships, crews, and destinations we share with our travelers. The articles below bring that experience directly to you and will help inform and inspire your next adventure.
- Learn the Best Time to Cruise the Mediterranean and the benefits of travel each month.
- Find the Best Alaskan Cruises for Families with insights on cruises, charters and deals.
- I crunch the numbers and offer advice to answer How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica.
- An honest review of Alaskan Dream Cruises to determine if this cruise line is right for you.
- My curated list compares Antarctica Cruise Ships with advice on how to choose.
- Compare small ships and big cruise ships in this handy guide.
- From Rapa Nui to Alaska I rank the World’s Best Wilderness Lodges.
Where I’ve Traveled – All 7 Continents
Travel is central to my work at AdventureSmith. Each journey deepens my firsthand understanding of the ships, crews, and destinations we share with our travelers.
