Troy Johnson
About Troy
Born in Germany into an Air Force family, Troy was introduced to international travel at an early age. His formative interests were equally split between military service and the performing arts. He earned degrees in Political Science, International Relations and Negotiations before embarking on a distinguished military career.
Following college, Troy attended naval flight school and was designated a combat helicopter pilot, ultimately accumulating more than 2,000 flight hours. After 20 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Navy at the rank of Commander.
Upon retirement, Troy returned to his performing arts roots, starring in numerous regional productions and performing leading roles in acclaimed contemporary musicals including RENT, Chicago and A Chorus Line.
An avid traveler and adventurer, Troy spends his free time summiting mountains, diving oceans around the world and sharing new experiences with his family across all seven continents.
Since joining TCS World Travel in 2019, Troy has participated in over a dozen private jet expeditions and now focuses on leading Small Group and Private Custom Jet Expeditions. Known for his meticulous preparation and engaging presence, he brings deep knowledge, energy and warmth to every journey—creating memorable experiences for guests at every destination.
20 Questions with Troy
1. In my carry-on bag I always have my phone loaded with favorite playlists and family photos, a collapsible water bottle, moisturizing lotion mixed with a few drops of Moroccan argan oil, a 4-in-1 charging cord for multiple devices and my DSLR camera.
2. On my first TCS Expedition, we landed in Samoa only to learn that, due to COVID, the country had just changed its entry requirements, impacting several of our guests. While still on the tarmac, we coordinated with our home office, secured all necessary permissions and diverted to New Zealand within three hours. That moment truly demonstrated the influence, reach and support behind TCS Expeditions, and its ability to consistently exceed guest expectations.
3. The most unique thing I’ve done on a TCS Expedition was sit in an open pasture in Rwanda when a young gorilla unexpectedly tugged on my shoulder from behind.
4. A place I thought I’d dislike, but I fell in love with was Marrakech. It wasn’t high on my list initially, but once there, I was completely won over by its warmth, energy and unmistakable Moroccan charm.
5. My absolute favorite hotel is the Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice, Italy, where I once stayed in the Presidential Suite. Situated along the Giudecca Canal and just a short water taxi ride from Piazza San Marco, it offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and classic Italian elegance.
6. One place I haven’t seen yet but am eager to visit is Croatia. With its Adriatic coastline and rich European influences, I can only imagine how stunning and culturally fascinating it must be.
7. The strangest foods I’ve ever tried are shirako in Japan and tarantula in Cambodia.
8. Some of my favorite countries to eat in include Italy for long, leisurely meals; the United States for classic barbecue; and Japan for teppanyaki counter dining.
9. The best meal I’ve ever had was a multi-course dining experience at Jugyu-an in Kyoto, Japan.
10. The best souvenir I’ve ever bought myself is artwork from around the world. My home has become a living gallery of international artists.
11. My favorite market in the world is slightly off the beaten path: Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way—shopping, atmosphere and dining all rolled into one.
12. The one place I love returning to is the Four Seasons Serengeti for safari. With exceptional hospitality, it feels both familiar and constantly evolving.
13. When I need to relax, I explore my creative side through photography, singing and painting.
14. My favorite thing to do on vacation is scuba diving. I consider the ocean the underexplored eighth continent.
15. My favorite experience for guests on a TCS Expedition is knowing that what comes next will fulfill a lifelong bucket-list dream—and then witnessing the awe on their faces when it becomes reality.
16. In my suitcase, you’d be surprised to find a portable leg massager. It’s perfect for long flights and unwinding after full days of exploration.
17. Before visiting a new country, I try to learn about how people celebrate births, weddings and funerals—moments that often reveal the deepest insights into a culture.
18. The first time I traveled abroad, I went to the United States. I’m an Air Force brat and was born in Germany while my parents were stationed there. I returned to the U.S. at age four and didn’t travel internationally again until visiting the Philippines in college.
19. My favorite foreign language to listen to is Italian, for its lyrical rhythm and expressive emphasis.
20. My best piece of travel advice is to explore with a sense of planned spontaneity.