Director & Founder · Forward Travel

Meet David Smyth

David has spent a lifetime travelling the world and shaping journeys that go far beyond standard itineraries — combining deep destination knowledge, practical expedition experience, and a strong focus on meaningful travel.

Talk to David Explore Destinations

100+

Countries

15+

Years

Continents

∞

Stories

Australia · Born Ireland

Based in

Australia · Born Ireland

Why David

A life built
around exploration

Having travelled to more than 100 countries, David's understanding of the world is grounded not in fleeting visits, but in meaningful, often challenging journeys — from the Arctic to Antarctica, from the Himalayas to the Australian outback.

100+ countries explored across every continent
Deep experience in polar and expedition travel
15+ years designing personalised journeys
Hands-on travel across remote and high-altitude regions

Biography

His Journey

The Beginning

Since his first international flight at age eight, David has approached travel as a way of life, not a holiday activity.

The Foundation

Born in Ireland, his early years across Europe built a deep love for culture, history, and meaningful exploration.

The Depth

With journeys to 100+ countries, his travel understanding comes from first-hand immersion in diverse and challenging destinations.

The Philosophy

He believes the best journeys are immersive, resilient, and transformative — designed to stay with you long after return.

First-Hand Experience

Defining Expeditions

These aren't highlights on a map — they're the journeys that shaped David's philosophy and sharpened his ability to design truly extraordinary travel.

Polar

Greenland & the Arctic

Kayaking alongside whales in ice-threaded fjords

Himalaya

Nepal & Himalayan routes

Deep trekking into remote high-altitude valleys

Antarctic

Antarctica & South Georgia

Wildlife colonies on the world's most pristine continent

South America

Ecuador's Andes & Volcanoes

Summit ascents and cloud-forest immersion

South Asia

India by Rail

A continent-crossing odyssey through colour and history

Australia

Outback 4WD Expeditions

Remote desert tracks through the vast red interior

The Company

Why Forward Travel exists

Forward Travel was created not simply as a travel company, but as a platform to deliver deeply considered, profoundly memorable journeys — experiences that endure, challenge, and inspire long after the journey ends.

Bring your dreams, ideas, and wish lists to David and let him crystallise your vision into an inimitable itinerary.

Immersion

Every itinerary goes beneath the surface, connecting you to the authentic heartbeat of a place.

Resilience

The most rewarding journeys require courage. David prepares you for them completely.

Wonder

Preserving that sense of awe is non-negotiable. Every journey is completely bespoke.

✦Ready when you are

Want to travel the world on your own terms?

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David Smyth

Director, Forward Travel

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Forward Travel

Tailor-Made Itineraries

A life built
around exploration

100+ countries explored across every continent

Deep experience in polar and expedition travel

15+ years designing personalised journeys

Hands-on travel across remote and high-altitude regions

Why Forward Travel exists

Bring your dreams, ideas, and wish lists to David and let him crystallise your vision into an inimitable itinerary.

Meet David Smyth

A life builtaround exploration

His Journey