What is your favorite travel memory?
Travel brings up such a variety of experiences from connecting with others, to experiencing solitude in nature, to dancing without inhibition when the moment strikes. So many of my memories abroad are ones that I can vividly recall without effort, having transformed me in ways that are often hard to describe. However, if I were to pick one it would have to be trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake in Myanmar; with verdant green rolling hills, inviting families willing to share a meal, and small villages to stop for a cup of Lahpet tea along the way.
Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Due to Colombia's recent history it is only just emerging as a popular travel destination. With a population that is progressive and inviting, an environment that is overwhelmingly diverse, and a culture that is exploding with palpable energy, Colombia has long been one of my favorite countries to visit. It's hard to pick a place that is overrated, as we all interact with destinations through our own lenses. However, I personally found Sihanoukville, Cambodia to be a place littered and destroyed by tourism. With so many people pouring in for a loud party on the beach little of the places original beauty is intact.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I personally believe that a company's success stems from effective and transparent communication. All staff members need to be engaged in both the details and the overall direction of the company. In addition, information passed on to the companies audience should be honest, genuine, and straightforward. Creating a dialogue and keeping everyone involved in the conversation is key to meeting and surpassing goals.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
GVI is a company of passionate and talented individuals. Travelers at heart everyone is motivated intrinsically to help others experience the world in a meaningful and mutually beneficial way. Driven by our own connection to the companies mission and value means that GVI is a company with a lot of heart.
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of your current team.
Visiting our marine conservation base located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and participating in their bike racing event in order to raise money for Fiji (after it was devastated by Cyclone Winston) was a particular highlight. Seeing the effort that our field staff had put into organizing the event, the success that our volunteers had in raising money for relief efforts, and the amount of pure positivity and energy that everyone brought to the day was nothing short of inspiring.