Our Team
Thomas Carpenter
After many years as an entertainment industry labor lawyer, I started Huckleberry Travel along with David, with the idea that we could share our passion for authentic, destination-immersive travel with others. I’ve visited every continent, and more than sixty countries, and I count myself lucky to have had “once-in-a-lifetime” travel experiences many times in my lifetime, so far. My first trip overseas was as a high school exchange student in Germany. Since then, I’ve made it my personal mission to see as much of the world as possible, and to help others do the same! I’m certified as a Verified Travel Advisor by ASTA (the American Society of Travel Advisors), and I comment frequently in industry trade publications about emerging travel trends in the industry.
David Slivken
When Tom and I started Huckleberry Travel, we suddenly had a way of turning our passion for travel into a wonderful opportunity to help others have incredible experiences themselves. My love for seeing the world probably began when my parents put me on a plane by myself to visit my grandparents in Chicago and it hasn’t stopped since! My most memorable travel experiences include losing my luggage and shopping for replacement clothes as a teenager with my dad in Chile, working at London’s legendary Harrods Department Store followed by a summer of riding trains in Europe, and sitting in a freshly-dug natural hot spring next to a guy who looked like Santa Claus in Antarctica!
Erin Richards
As a former airline brat, I caught the travel bug early. But the real epiphany of travel and what it can do for your soul hit me when I took one of those "If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" trips to Northern Europe in high school. I didn't want to come home! And I've been a traveler, not a tourist, ever since. I'm passionate about understanding a place from its food to the people to the culture. I’m here to help others experience new places (or the same place in a new way) and encourage everyone to check off those bucket lists! (Seriously, mine includes drinking cocktails in their bar of origin.)
Jaime Weinberg
What began with family road trips and a first flight to Disneyworld at three years old has led to so many great adventures so far. I have traveled by air and rail through Southern France, hiked through national parks in the US and camped on beaches in New Zealand. I have also had the luxury of holidays spent with friends and family in five-star resorts. My travel style may be a little unconventional at times, but it has allowed me to develop my passion for seeing the world, meeting new people, and engaging in diverse cultures. I have given in to my wanderlust and I encourage you to do that same. I am here to dedicate my time to helping others expand their horizons and fulfill their greatest travel fantasies.
Jesús Meléndez
I am thrilled to be a part of the Huckleberry Travel team! I’m passionate about the restorative power of travel and helping clients maximize their time and resources to ensure a fun and dynamic experience when exploring their favorite destinations. I’m especially passionate about my favorite destinations of Miami, Orlando, and Puerto Rico, so if you’re looking for a trip to Miami Beach, Universal Orlando Resort/Walt Disney World, or San Juan, I am especially versed on the best beaches, restaurants, bars, and attractions in the places I call “home.” But anyplace you’d like to go around the world — I can help make that happen for you!
Michelle Fink
I started traveling at a very young age. My first plane trip happened when I was four years old! I vividly remember being on that plane and the excitement I felt. It was in 1972, so the plane was one of those multi-level planes with a separate lounge area. It was amazing, and I was hooked! As an adult I’ve been a business traveler as well as a leisure traveler, and as a result, my passion is really in hotels and resorts. I’ve been very spoiled with accommodations throughout my travels. I believe the right place to hang your hat sets the tone for the whole adventure.