Since 2016, Arielle Lightcap has become one of AdventureSmith’s most meticulous expedition planners. For nearly a decade, she has guided travelers through everything from rugged, wildlife-focused voyages to refined luxury polar experiences. Her steady judgment and accountable planning have earned industry recognition, most notably as a 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist.
Hi, I’m Arielle
I help you choose wisely and travel confidently.
Arielle is known for being detail-oriented, calm under pressure and exceptionally thorough. She approaches every trip with care and accountability, keeping logistics seamless, expectations clear and recommendations aligned with your travel style. Her earlier professional background in client service and business development sharpened her responsiveness and organizational discipline, qualities that continue to shape her work today.
Behind every successful expedition is methodical preparation. Arielle tracks the details others might overlook so your experience feels smooth, informed and fully supported. Being part of a small, experienced team means accountability is personal. As she describes it, she is “a duck on the pond,” calm above the surface while paddling hard underneath so her travelers can simply enjoy the journey.
How Arielle’s Experience Benefits You
- Nearly a decade of expedition cruise & wilderness lodge planning
- Firsthand travel experience aboard 10+ expedition ships ranging from 16 to 132 guests
- Meticulous planning management and record-keeping for seamless logistics
- Steady communication and accountable guidance from inquiry through return home
Whether planning a family adventure, a private charter or a once-in-a-lifetime polar journey, Arielle focuses on aligning the right ship, season and style to your goals. Her experience allows her to clearly explain the trade-offs that shape a trip, from ship size and onboard comfort to wildlife timing and seasonal conditions. Clients appreciate her ability to cut through the noise and clearly outline what matters most.
Awards, Media & Industry Honors
- Top Travel Specialist (Condé Nast Traveler, 2026)
- Best Places to Go Whale Watching in California (Condé Nast Traveler, April 2026) – consulted on whale watching cruises
Credentials & Professional Training
- IATA Accredited Travel Agent – International Air Transportation Association (IATA)
- Alaska Certified Expert – Alaska Travel Industry Association
- Certified Adventurist – UnCruise Adventures
- Expedition 360 Certified – National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
- Polar Pro Certified – Quark Expeditions
- PONANT Explorer Certified – PONANT
Personal Roots & Hobbies
Drawn to the endless options of outdoor activities the Lake Tahoe region has to offer is what led Arielle to call Truckee, California her adopted home. A bookworm at heart, she finds the most peace when settled into a cozy place with a book in hand and her cat, Moshe, on her lap. Health and well-being is also important to her, and she practices yoga regularly. In the summer she enjoys hiking, backpacking, biking and paddleboarding, and snowboarding in the winter.
What’s next for this expert trip planner? “The Arctic continues to be at the top of my list for my favorite trip taken to date. It made me feel so connected to the Earth. But I have a lot more of the world to see.” At the top of her bucket list is Madagascar, where she hopes to meet a lemur.
