Gamechangers: Leaders & Influencers - Full-Time Travel

Gamechangers: Leaders & Influencers

Gamechangers: Leaders & Influencers

Whether they’re striving for sustainability or shaking things up with new innovations and fresh perspectives, these Leaders and Influencers are making waves in the travel industry. We can’t wait to see what our winners do next.  

 

Radha Vyas, Co-founder of Flash Pack

Radha Vyas, Co-founder of Flash Pack

Radha Vyas was running a fundraising consultancy for the non-profit sector when the idea for a group travel company catering to adventurous travelers in their 30s and 40s first began to percolate. It was a chemistry-filled first date with Lee Thompson, the man who would later become her husband and business partner, that got the ball rolling on her entrepreneurial endeavor, and in 2013 the couple launched Flash Pack. Geared towards solo travelers in their 30s and 40s who want a proper break from their demanding careers, Flash Pack offers a thoughtful blend of adventure and comfort that appeals to the discerning traveler. But perhaps the most meaningful service Flash Pack provides is the chance to meet like-minded people. A reported 80 percent of Flash Pack travelers (most of whom are single) remain friends after their trip, and Vyas’s goal is for the company to create one million friendships. At a time when loneliness is rife, forging new connections abroad might just be the ultimate travel experience. 

flashpack.com



Alexis Bowen, CEO & Co-founder of Elsewhere

Alexis Bowen, Co-founder of Elsewhere

When the pandemic first hit, seasoned travel professional Alexis Bowen felt compelled to help the small local agencies she regularly worked with to book and organize travel. Teaming up with her colleague Craig Zapatka, the two created Elsewhere, a “direct to local” platform that connects tourists with experienced, sustainability-conscious travel professionals around the world, allowing them to book off-the-beaten-path experiences while also feeling good about where their money is going. In 2022, Elsewhere was acquired by Red Ventures with the intention of fully integrating the platform with Lonely Planet. Despite significant success and growth, Alexis and her team remain committed to Elsewhere’s core value: Facilitating travel with a positive impact on people, wildlife, and the planet.

elsewhere.io  



Kimberly Walker, Founder and Managing Partner of Nomada Hotel Group

Kimberly Walker, Founder and Managing Partner of Nomada Hotel Group

Kimberly Walker knows that a hotel can be so much more than a place to rest your head after a day of exploring. As founder and managing partner of Nomada Hotel Group, she teams up with local artisans to transform once-forgotten buildings into some of the most distinctive hotels on the Central Coast – hotels with stylish designs rooted in California’s unique history, culture, and landscape. Since launching their first boutique hotel, Granada Hotel & Bistro, in San Luis Obispo, Walker and her team have added four unique properties to the Nomada portfolio, including Nomada at Sea, a luxury catamaran, and Skyview Los Alamos, a revitalized 1950s motel. With three new openings slated for 2023 and 2024, including Pozo, a glamping venue with a historic saloon bar that dates back to 1858, Walker is solidifying her reputation as a hospitality powerhouse with impeccable taste and vision.

nomadahotelgroup.com 

 

Leo Ghitis, CEO & Co-founder of Nayara Resorts

Leo Ghitis, Owner of Nayara Resorts

Hospitality was Leo Ghitis’s second act. After years of working as a successful commercial real estate developer, Ghitis felt called to change track and begin pursuing a career that would make a difference in the world. He and his wife purchased and reforested some land near Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park and set about building Nayara Gardens, the first in what would become a trio of Costa Rican eco-resorts with a socially conscious mindset. Two hotels in Chile and one in Panama followed. Lauded for its blend of sustainability and luxury, the award-winning Nayara collection allows guests to experience some of the most beautiful and biodiverse places on the planet while respecting nature and supporting the local communities who live there. At a time when travelers are endeavoring to explore more consciously, we predict Ghitis and Nayara will continue to set the bar for responsible tourism. 

nayararesorts.com


* Featured image courtesy of Alexis Bowen

🌴 Jamaica offers more than just beautiful beaches, with diverse experiences for every traveler. ✨ Three experts—a solo traveler, a family-focused mom, and a luxury travel agent—have created itineraries showcasing the island’s art , cuisine , and adventures. Discover personalized journeys that highlight the best of Jamaica 🇯🇲. Link in bio. #visitjamaica visitjamaica loweluxurytravel shamelesslyblissful hey_ciara amomexplores ...

962 4

☀️ Solo Traveler’s Guide to Jamaica ☀️

Three days in Jamaica = pure paradise! 🎉 From Kingston’s street art to climbing Dunn’s River Falls 💦and chilling in Montego Bay 🌅, hey_ciara has your guide to exploring the island. Link in bio. 🇯🇲

#SoloTravel #VisitJamaica #JamaicaGetaway #IslandAdventures
...

174 3

🌴✨ Luxury Travel Expert’s Guide to Jamaica ✨🌴

Discover paradise in its most luxurious form!🏝️ From private villas to fresh seafood 🦞 and vibrant street art 🎨, Nydia Romero with loweluxurytravel shares Jamaica’s best. Explore her luxury travel guide as well as others from our solo and family travel experts. Link in bio.

#LuxuryTravel #VisitJamaica #JamaicaGetaway #IslandLiving
...

47 3

Sunsets in Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey offer a mesmerizing sight with vibrant colors against the backdrop of fairy chimneys and rock formations. It`s a serene and unforgettable experience, perfect for capturing stunning photographs and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Reel : adrianbaias
...

2185 16

Vietnam is a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush rice terraces to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, its landscapes are captivating. The warmth and resilience of its people add a unique charm, whether in bustling cities like Hanoi or historic sites like Hue. Vietnam offers a profound experience that merges breathtaking scenery with a vibrant local culture, leaving visitors enchanted and inspired.

Reel: zayyarlin84
...

770 4

Explore Madeira`s stunning coastline: rugged cliffs, volcanic formations like Ponta de São Lourenço, and charming fishing villages like Funchal. Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this Portuguese gem!

Reel: andrechaica
...

427 4

Elevate your date night at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas! Start with a meal at one of the property`s 40+ restaurants, then head to the stunning new High-Limit Gaming Lounge in The Palazzo. Whether you`re spinning the slots or going all-in at the tables, you`re in for an unforgettable experience. Ready to get lucky? Link in bio! ...

38 1