Michael Carson

A native of Montreal Quebec, Canada, Michael Carson has been backpacking the world since he was 18. After graduating from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor's degree in political science, Michael was truly able to indulge his passion for travel combined with his love of hiking and cycling. Not only did he backpack and hike through southeast Asia, India, the Middle East and Europe, he spent three years living and working in Hong Kong and one year in Israel where he worked on a Kibbutz.

In 1987, Michael opened Breakaway Adventures to give people a more authentic and intimate look at the countries they visited, an experience he had enjoyed during his travels. Initially, the company specialized in longer-stay trekking and hiking trips in India and Nepal. In 1997, however, when he married his wife, Carol Keskitalo, and the two expanded the company to the United States. They eventually added cycling, walking and barging tours through some 30 countries throughout the world, growing the business into the success it is today.

While Michael assists in all aspects of running the company, he focuses on the development and selection of tours. The couple regularly travels to Europe to check out new programs, test routes, sample cuisine and review accommodations to make sure each and every tour offered to their customers meets their expectations. Michael also manages the technology side of the business, including the company's Web presence and Internet marketing.

The father of young twin boys, Michael is looking forward to taking them on their first hiking trip to Nepal. He and his family live in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.