The Evolved Traveler crafts personally curated sustainable luxury journeys What is “Evolved” at The Evolved Traveler? We will donate "1% for the Planet." B. C.
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Philosophy:
The Evolved Traveler wishes to change the world for the better one journey at a time. We believe we don’t have to give anything up to live our dreams; we only have to give back. (How we give):
We design meticulously planned journeys for each of our guests; they are as individual as our guests. Each journey is based on authentic experiences that enrich the lives of our guests, as well
as those they meet. On every trip, guests will have the opportunity to donate a few hours to philanthropic causes that The Evolved Traveler will support in each country. This might be a school where guests provide needed school supplies and interact with the students or a women's organization that supports cultural heritage. Here is an example of one such organization in Peru:
Qaytu Kausay is an association of female weavers from the Parobamba - Paucartambo community founded in 1995, a time when the knowledge of textile art of the Peruvian pre-Columbian cultures that resided in this region of the Andes was in the hands of just a few and on the brink of becoming a lost art. Qaytu Kausay now fosters cultural exchange by allowing domestic and foreign guests to be part of the experience which includes: identifying camelids (alpaca, llama, vicuna guanaco whose fibrous hair is used in the textiles), dyeing, weaving and interpreting ancient iconography. This is done with the intent of encouraging and promoting their trade and to preserve ancient traditions as well as conveying this knowledge to future generations creating opportunities for their own social and economic development. Two core values of The Evolved Traveler are philanthropy and charity through the travel experiences we provide. We believe this requires us to actively participate in this process as an organization. We will accomplish this by donating a total of up to 5% of gross revenue on every trip booked in the following way:
A. A
global movement of companies which
donate at least 1% of their annual net
revenues to environmental organizations
worldwide. We will work with Carbonfund.org to offset
the carbon footprint for every trip. We will donate 3% to the charity of the
guest’s choice such as the American
Cancer Society, Make-a-Wish, or more
internationally focused charities such as
Nothing but Nets (providing mosquito
netting for areas where this is any issue)
or Water for Life which provides fresh
water or access to it for
villages/towns/regions that don't have it. There will be 10-12 charities to choose
from and the donation will come from The
Evolved Traveler’s revenue, made on
behalf of the guests with no direct
donation required of them. Sustainability:
We believe that Sustainable Tourism is crucial to the future of our business and our planet. Our philosophy is simple: when we treat the environment as an integral part of our daily lives and not just an afterthought, we ensure the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations. Sustainability is also one of the core values of The Evolved Traveler; it is fundamental not only to what we do as a company and the journeys we plan for our guests, but we strive to implement sustainability in our everyday lives as well. It is passion that motivates us daily. There is no “one size fits all” solution for the number of issues that ail our planet, our environment, and even the multitude of cultures among us. Recognizing that, we have resourced the sustainability guidelines set forth by several organizations we consider to be at the forefront of this effort. They are: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Sustainable Tourism International and UNESCO. The guidelines adopted by The Evolved Traveler for sustainable tourism focus on three primary areas:
• Maximize social and economic benefits for
the local community
• Enhance cultural heritage
• Reduce negative impacts to the
environment
Together, we will make a lasting positive change on people and the planet. Who We Are:
Justin Smith
The founder and president of The Evolved Traveler, Justin Smith is a 30-year veteran of the travel and cruise industries. Having traveled to over 100 countries, he possesses extensive international knowledge and a high level of expertise in itinerary and tour development. Justin continually strives to bring new and rewarding experiences to his guests worldwide. Believing that travel could “evolve” into something even more rewarding and inspiring not only to the travelers themselves but also to the people they encounter and countries they visit on their journeys, Justin decided to create The Evolved Traveler. This is a unique approach to travel that encompasses all the aspects of international luxury journeys, combined with philanthropic and charitable elements. His philosophy is simple: “We don’t have to give up anything; we simply have to give back.”
Justin resides in Los Angeles not far from where he grew up, but continues to travel the world at every opportunity. He participates in community activities as well as spending time enjoying the “outdoor” lifestyle that Los Angeles affords his family and friends. Ryan Biggs
Ryan Biggs is the Director of Sustainability and Green Initiatives at The Evolved Traveler. As a young boy, Ryan enjoyed camping and exploring the outdoors, and while walking the path toward the rank of Eagle Scout, he learned the importance of leaving nature in better condition than he found it. That lesson has never left him, and was an integral part in his decision to study Sustainability at Arizona State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Ryan visualizes a world where people of all backgrounds are able to work together in harmony for a sustainable future. When he's not saving the planet, Ryan enjoys Formula 1 Racing, hunting down that elusive perfect chimichanga, and spending time with his two princesses...his daughters.
A BIG thank you to Sunset and Kelsey Mulvey for featuring us in this great article on the importance of working with a travel advisor. We are very excited about this!
Let us know if we can help you plan your next great adventure!
With the internet and other resources, it seems that you don't need a travel agent. But in some cases it's worth it for vacation planning.
Wet or fine, the air of Portugal has a natural happiness in it, and the people of the country should be as happy and prosperous as any people in the world.” – H.G. Wells
We enjoyed an amazing trip to Portugal this time last year and thought it was well worth a visit again. Authentic is a term used far too often in the travel vernacular, but Portugal deserves to be called so—it retains a genuine old-world charm, a modern cafe culture, and a laid-back ambiance—plus, you can never have too many pastéis de natas! Seriously, you can’t!
“To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines.”
— Edith Wharton, writer
Fes is one of the most mystical and exotic places we know. It is like stepping into a fantastical movie - only better; it’s real! From Tangier to Marrakesh, from the Sahara to the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is a wonderful adventure around every turn.
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“Paris is a divine section of eternity.” ~ E. E. Cummings
Paris and France will be in the spotlight this year with the upcoming Olympics. Discover the enchanting streets of Paris and the breathtaking landscapes of France, freshly invigorated by the Olympic spirit. Let us plan an unforgettable journey through the heart of French culture, cuisine, and history, where every corner tells a story - like the enchanting Montmartre.
“People will stare. Make it worth their while.” —Harry Winston
Knowing how to dress appropriately when traveling should never be underestimated. As for our friend here, overdressed? Quite possibly, but who would pass on that hat?!
“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor.” - Keith Bellow
Based on our recent experience, India is a destination that certainly gets into your heart. It also allows for exploration of many various regions of the country, each a unique and memorable destination in its own right. The question is not, ‘Would you like to visit India?’ The question is, “Where in India would you like to visit this time?’
“See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream.” – Ray Bradbury
The magic and beauty of the world are on display in An Giang, Vietnam, south of Ho Chi Minh City. These ladies displaying their water lilies creates a picture that is nothing short of artistry.
Over the past few months, we set out on an exciting journey of growth – and evolving. We are excited to unveil the new branding and website of The Evolved Traveler. While we have a new look and website, our mission remains the same: in partnership with our guests, we strive to evoke the positive power of travel.
At The Evolved Traveler, we curate our custom journeys worldwide that champion sustainable tourism and responsible travel. Our goal is to foster an environment where every trip is a step towards a more connected and respectful world. Through our "benefit to all" philosophy, our goal is to ensure that our travel experiences enrich not only our travelers but also the communities they visit and the world around us.
We invite you to take a moment to explore our new site and discover how we can enhance your travel experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection with the world, we're here to guide you on your journey. Let us be a part of where your travels take you next. www.evolvedtraveler.com
Hey! Just checking in; we’ve been out of touch for a while . . . we’ve been, well, evolving. We are really excited about 2024!
Check it out!
“My Destination is no longer a place, rather a new way of seeing.” Marcel Proust
Greece is the mother of the arts and eloquence." - Henry Miller
Recalling our wonderful trip to Northern Greece this past spring. Greece is so much more than great islands. The Peloponnese Peninsula and Northern Greece hold so many beautiful locations and wonderful surprises like these enchanted bridges in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zagori.
This is a very challenging, often sad time in the world. We hope our collective humanity will be remembered and restored.
"Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." ~ Kurt Vonnegut
The peculiarities and nuances of a destination can be what make it truly special and memorable. Strasbourg's location in the Alsace region, with its blend of French and German influences, adds to its distinctive character.
The lively, bright, and whimsical atmosphere of the city is infectious. Strasbourg's charm and cheer, regardless of the season, make it a wonderful destination year-round. It's often these small details, like a cozy tea shop with a rich history, that leave a lasting impression on us.
Exploring local gems like can be one of the most rewarding aspects of travel, as it allows you to connect with the culture and history of a place in a personal and meaningful way.
"A traveler am I, and a navigator, and every day I discover a new region within my soul." -~ Kahlil Gibran
Incredible Israel - the colors and modern culture of Tel Aviv (Miami on the Mediterranean!) to the wonders of Jerusalem, the world's greatest history book, to the heroic story and awe of Masada and the Dead Sea. With so much to see and experience and the warm and welcoming people, Israel is one of our favorite destinations; it will always allow you to 'discover a new region of your soul - and so much more!
Let us help you plan your journey to Israel and a NY of the incredible countries of the Middle East.
The sky is never the limit; it is just one of the views. - Anonymous
Sometimes, we just need to stand up, take a look around, and change our view. We can't think of a better way to do that than travel.
Africa is one of our favorite destinations for exactly that reason - the world just seems aligned there, and every view is amazing! Besides, meerkats are cool! What view would you like? We would love to help you plan a trip next journey. Reach out to us and let us know where!
“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor.” – Keith Bellows
And now, India, in her majestic beauty in black and white - and we agree; India is a place that gets into your heart.
&wphotography
“To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a pilgrim.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cochin and Kerala were the final stops on this epic journey of India. Cochin is the hub, and Kerala is the southernmost state on the tip of India; it is a world unto itself. Completely different than anything we had seen in Delhi, Rajasthan, or Bombay, Kerala is tropical, beautiful, and amazingly serene. Its lifelines are the backwater canals where life here takes place. Here are some of my favorite pics from the wonderful week we had in Kerala. We can't wait to go back.
Reach out to us and let us know about planning your epic adventure to India!
“We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits: empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.” – Graydon Carter
Today is World Elephants Day - these creatures should be cherished and revered, and it is our place to protect them for us. These gentle giants are some of the most intelligent and magnificent animals on the planet. They are also often one of the most poached and abused. Elephants are known for their intelligence, memory, and social behavior. Here are some of the ways they show these
From our inception, The Evolved Traveler has had an Animal Engagement Policy as part of our commitment to sustainability practices.
We promise not to involve ourselves or our guests in any activities which cause harm, discomfort, or danger to animals of any kind, nor will we engage our guests in activities that involve contact with endangered species or captive wild animals. We also will not offer rides on elephants at any point.
We hope you enjoy some of our own pics of wonderful moments with these incredible elephants, including a recent visit to the Dera Amer Camp in Jaipur, India.
"India lives in several centuries at the same time." – Arundhati Roy.
Though Rajasthan is full of gems, Udadpur is someplace special in-and-of-itself. On the shores of Lake Pichola, Udaipur is brimming with ornate palaces and temples from the era of the Maharajas. Add the charming labyrinth of narrow streets and the sensory fusion of the colorful bazaar, and it genuinely feels as if you are exploring an exotic land that time has passed by. Add some pretty amazing hotels that you have you thinking about extending your stay, and Udaipur is one very cool destination!!
We can't recommend exploring Udaipur and India enough; it is truly the journey of a lifetime. Contact us to start planning your adventure!!
“India has many customs and rituals that may seem bizarre to anyone not used to its distinctive culture. It is a strange combination of being a young nation as well as an ancient country.” – Hanadi Falki
The incredible adventure in India continued through colorful villages and street scenes between Agra and Ranthambore and then onto Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Jaipur, we had the pleasure of visiting the Der Amer Camp, an elephant sanctuary. Our visit was one of the highlights of the journey.
India is infinitely fascinating at every turn - the people, the towns and cities, the monuments and palaces,m the colors, the food - the insanity of the driving and traffic, it all just goes together, and it somehow works! There is never a dull moment or view here.
Stay tuned as we visit Udaipur, Bombay, Cochin, and and Kerala
Waking up in India is like waking up to life itself.” – Reymond Page
We are just wrapping up an amazing trip to India, our first - and was one incredible adventure. Truly the journey of a lifetime. Our explorations took us from Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bombay, Kerala, Kumarakom, and Goa.
The culture, colors, sights, sounds, food, and people are all equally engaging and entrancing. We'll be sharing our adventure over the next few days and hope you will take the journey with us.
If you are looking for a journey that will blow you away and exceed all expectations, let us curate your adventure to India. Heartfelt thanks to Wanderluxe Destinsions and Greaves Tours for the amazing opportunity and their endless hospitality.
YOUR MOTHER IS STAYING HOW LONG?!
(Give us your best caption!)
One of the beautiful mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda with quite a surprised look on its face. The treasure trove of unique destinations and stunning accommodations in Africa are all incredibly diverse and rewarding experiences - think the pyramids in Egypt to the penguins of South Africa, the gorillas of Virunga to Victoria Falls in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Africa truly touches your soul would like nowhere else in the world - it holds an endless array of "joruneys-of-a-lifetime."
"There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive." — Karen Blixen
"Santorini is calling, and I must go." - Anonymous
Santorini is Santorini! It is one of the most incredible places on Earth - even if you only account for its visual appeal, it goes far beyond that. The island is mythical in every way and is one of the few places I know that lives up to the legend. It is impossible not to be enamored with the stunning views, the white-washed homes, and the cobblestone streets accentuated by the blue domes of the Orthodox churches. One of the most exciting things about the views in Santorini is that they are as breathtaking in any direction, albeit looking up from the water, looking across the island at the towns and villages along the cliffs, or down at the blue waters of the caldera dotted with sailboats and the colorful dinghies of the fisherman. And despite its celebrity, Santorini stays authentic. It is hard to have a bad day on this magical island. Life is short; go to Santorini! DM us for a custom journey to Greece and Santorini.
We were fortunate enough to be on the island for Orthodox Easter. One of the highlights was going to the village of Pyrgos (a gem on the island!) on Good Friday. The entire town lights itself on fire - with candles! (Not to worry; it's all good!). It was genuinely remarkable to attend the annual event that is now becoming known worldwide.
A big shout-out to our new friends at the Magma Resort Santorini, which was our home on the island. We can't say enough good things about it or the fantastic team there.
"The light of Greece opened my eyes, penetrated my pores, expanded my whole being." - Henry Miller
Thessaloniki, Greece, was a great surprise. The second biggest city in Greece behind Athens, it is like nothing anything else typically associated with Greece! Located on the Northern Aeagan coast, Thessaloniki has a very authentic feel to it, including a local market that feels like stepping back in time, some great promenades that are reminiscent of the South of France, and a very cool cafe culture along its beautiful waterfront. There's a lot more to Greece! DM us to inquire about your custom exploration of this great country.
“Greece was a muse. It inspired creativity in magical ways that I can’t even begin to understand or explain.” – Joe Bonamassa
It was truly amazing to see the monasteries of Meteora, Greece! It is an 'other-worldly' and does not disappoint. Finding out how these monasteries were built, how they function, and the history of the region was absolutely fascinating! Meteora is one of the hidden gems of Greece. There is so much more to this wonderful country than just its lovely islands; it is full of surprises! Let us know how we can help you discover them!
“Worst thing about being a tourist, is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist!” – Russell Baker
Here's another example of the wonders and joys of travel - this is billed as the 'smallest hotel in the world!' It is located outside Shobak, Jordan (the Shobak Castle is in the background. The "hotel' (or CnB!) was created by "Abu Ali" Al-Malaheem, a retired Jordanian guide who fashioned this out of a weathered (very!) Volkswagen Beetle 'decorated' with his daughter's embroidery. It has become so popular in Jordan, King Abdullah II has even visited the 'hotel,' but the rumor is he couldn't stay because the suite was occupied. . We can not confirm an ensuite bathroom - probably better without in this case, but this is another great example of the benefits of getting off-the-beaten-track. And besides, Jordan is one amazing country, to begin with. Want to check it out?
Photo credit: Marta Vidal
Nothing is so mundane that it cannot be a source of wonder, creativity, love, and the deep satisfaction of being alive here and now.– Deepak Chopra
Love this shot of these young men in Kigali, Rwanda. Not a smartphone to be found, but they have a greater sense of contentment and wonder than most people we see daily. There is something to be said for a simpler life. Another reminder of the joys and appreciation we can get from traveling. Where will you go in 2023?
“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” - Mae Jemison
The "Umbrella Street" of Guatape, Colombia. Located about 80 kms/50 miles outside of Medellin, it is one of Colombia's most colorful towns. One of the city's other attractions is the La Piedra del Penol, The Rock - a giant granite outcrop. Colombia is amazingly diverse in every possible; from its Caribbean beaches to the Andes, it pretty much has it all!
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369 S. Doheny Drive , Suite 1232
Beverly Hills, CA
90211
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Over the past few months, we set out on an exciting journey of growth – and evolving. We are excited to unveil the new branding and website of The Evolved Traveler. While we have a new look and website, our mission remains the same: in partnership with our guests, we strive to evoke the positive power of travel. At The Evolved Traveler, we curate our custom journeys worldwide that champion sustainable tourism and responsible travel. Our goal is to foster an environment where every trip is a step towards a more connected and respectful world. Through our "benefit to all" philosophy, our goal is to ensure that our travel experiences enrich not only our travelers but also the communities they visit and the world around us. We invite you to take a moment to explore our new site and discover how we can enhance your travel experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection with the world, we're here to guide you on your journey. Let us be a part of where your travels take you next. www.evolvedtraveler.com #evolvedtraveler #responsibletravel #newluxury #travel #travelandtourism #travelcommunity #globalcommunity
Wonderful Amazing Israel
India in black and white
All Love & Respect Limousine LLC
433 N Camden Dr
