Luxury Ambassador of the Month
Helen Oksanen, Owner & Founder Helen's Journeys · Finland
What sparked your passion for the luxury travel industry?
"Travel has always been a part of my life – my uncle worked for the Finnish Tourist Board, and later my brother followed in his footsteps. In the 90s, I started out promoting Finland and rural holidays. In 2000, I shifted to long-haul travel and was very fortunate to learn from the best at a Finnish company specializing in luxury and around the world journeys. But the real spark came in 2005, on my first trip to Africa. That’s when everything changed – it was like finding a part of myself I didn’t know was missing. What I love most today is being able to help others feel that same sense of awe and connection. When travel is done right, it changes us for the better."
Career
- 2000-2002: Worldwide private and group travel planning, especially to the Southern Hemisphere
- 2002-2005: Co-developing the Finnway Deluxe product line
- 2007-2013: Creating tailor-made trips for one of Finland’s oldest long-haul travel companies
- 2014: Founded Helen’s Journeys after a life-changing journey to Africa
- 2023: Launched "Sinun Safarisi" – bespoke safaris for Finnish travelers
Which regions or travel themes do you specialize in?
"While I’ve planned luxury journeys all around the world, these days I focus mainly on tailor-made safaris across Africa. It’s where my heart truly is. There’s a raw, humbling beauty to the continent – and a deep human connection that always stays with you. I design each journey to reflect my client’s own dreams, and I never take that responsibility lightly."
Your favorite packing hack?
"I always pack by outfit instead of item – it makes things so much simpler and more compact. In my backpack, I carry a spare safari outfit, a few essentials, and my cosmetics and meds – just in case the luggage doesn’t arrive on time. For a two-week safari, my soft-sided bag usually weighs no more than 7–10 kg (15-22 pounds). I rotate three outfits and wash one each day – there’s always something fresh to wear. And I never travel without a kikoy – that is a versatile Kenyan sarong that works for almost everything."
What was the funniest client request you ever received?
"Once, a honeymoon couple asked if they could bring a metal detector to the Seychelles. I never quite understood the reason, but it was their hobby, and they thought it would be fun. (Turns out you need a permit – so it didn’t happen, but they had a lovely trip nonetheless.) Another time, a client wanted to drive a rallye during a private safari. It wasn’t possible at the time, but funnily enough, I now know where that could be arranged safely!"
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from another travel advisor?
"'Never go to your client’s wallet.' It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. We sometimes try to save our clients’ money without knowing whether that’s actually their priority. It’s better to ask, listen carefully, and tailor the experience accordingly – without making assumptions."
Which destinations are still on your personal bucket list?
"These days I dream more about spaces than places – a safari camp or lodge that feels completely out of this world. That said, Antarctica is still on the list – I’m drawn to its silence and surreal light. I’d also love to visit the Central African Republic and witness the golden forest elephants at a bai. But to be honest, it’s often the familiar places that keep calling me back."
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