As with all other aspects of her approach to travel, Ann measures her impact in terms of the relationships she builds and the connections she brokers.
One of the most important and rewarding parts of a travel leader’s work is facilitating these connections for travelers as well as local hosts and knowing that the mutual benefits will continue long after the trip is over.
For Ann, this work has taken many forms.
Bodhi Surf + Yoga Surf-A-Thon participants, photo from Bodhi Surf + Yoga
MAKING WAVES FOR THE BAHIA BALLENA- UVITA COMMUNITY
Ann has made many friends on her travels throughout Central America, including Travis Bays, a co-founder of Bodhi Surf + Yoga, a certified B Corporation in Bahia Ballena-Uvita, Costa Rica. When reviewing the organization’s website and traveler reviews, Ann perceived that Bodhi’s level of community commitment and impact wasn’t translating fully to their visitors and followers. She encouraged Travis to think about what they could do differently.
Preparing groceries for Drake Bay residents
Helping local leaders connect with donors and build community capacity at a time of need.
When the global pandemic resulted in the closure of Costa Rica’s borders and the total suspension of tourism in the country – its largest industry – Ann reached out Rebeca Quirós, to learn more and see how she could help.
Rosa Evelia Montenegro, Joyería Frutal, Costa Rica
Opening doors for talented artists and creators
Ann sought out and built relationships over time with a wide variety of local entrepreneurs to incorporate their personal stories, goods and services into her trips in a meaningful way, for both the traveler and the creator.
Costa Rica’s Pedro and Dayla join one of Ann’s guided trips
Inviting local people to become fellow explorers
When a participant cancelled last-minute several years ago, Ann invited one of her local partners to take the open spot. She discovered she could deepen cross-cultural experiences further through a shared travel adventure in which visitors and locals are fellow explorers.