Conscious Travel Collective

12/09/2024

Exciting news....
We’ve been features in Forbes! ✨

Travel writer Ann Abel shines a light on Unforgettable, Responsible Travel Destinations for 2025, and the companies working to show travelers these places in a meaningful way.

Thank you for this amazing feature and for including us in the list of Where to go in 2025! ✨

We are honored to be among the wonderful “places and people who are doing things right”. As a women-owned small business working hard to let our values lead the way, we are proud to be recognized alongside the other innovative companies committed to responsible travel.

This is such a great article.
Link in bio.

🙏

11/25/2024

Travel can be meaningful, magical, and transformative …. It also takes time, patience, and a lot of insight! 🗺️

We’ve been hearing from folks on the many frustrations of planning travel their solo trips, family getaways or group adventures! 🧐
But did you know…. working with an expert travel designer is simple!
With all the local knowledge, and resources, having a team custom create your trip makes the best use of your time, energy & money!!

We make M E A N I N G F U L travel, easy!! 🫶

Alleviate the stress of ....
🔆choosing a quality hotel
🔆finding the right neighborhood for you
🔆sifting through the overwhelming info online
🔆logistic of trains, planes, ferries or rental cars
🔆know how much to time to spend
🔆Joining or avoid festivals & events
🔆customs & courtesy to be a respectful traveler
🔆being at the mercy of flight delays
🔆the best dining & culinary experiences
🔆FOMO – not knowing what to do
🔆what to pack
🔆staying in budget

But many of you also share that some parts you really enjoy too! 🙋🏻‍♀️

PERFECT!
Y’all will be HAPPY to know our process is 100% personalized to you! This means you can be in on the planning as much or as little as you’d like!🤝

Curious how it all works?🤔
Check out the slides for a preview.

Did we mention our consultation calls are TOTALLY FREE!
Yep, you speak with a destination expert, you’ll walk you through ideas for your trip at No Cost! 😎

Interested in learning more?
📞Contact us in DM’s or set up a call at our website! 🍋Easy Peasy!

11/08/2024

There is something so restorative about an authentic, soulful conversation. It just leaves you feeling lighter, warm, with extra energy that seems to glow from within.

We’re big fans of podcasts for tapping into this magic!!🎙️

Especially when the experience is like listening to two friend discuss things they’re wrestling with compassion, curiosity and encouragement. These conversations can be a model for both our outer and inner dialogues and be a library to house meaningful thought and discovery!

A favorite travel pod happens to be the so when our friend Christine asked Conscious Travel Collective Founder Tara to join for one such intimate conversation, we were beyond flattered!

Christine’s guests are women leading the travel world away from the travel status quo (which too often looks transactional, superficial and often performative) toward travel that is restorative, transparent and designed to support communities over bucket lists. With her guests, Christine explores the joy, wanderlust and curiosity that inspires travel through women change makers bringing their creative visions to life! 🤗

If you are not familiar with the pod, save a few episodes in your que, and you’ll quickly discover why it is such a gem!

The conversation between Tara & Christine is a share on sustainability, what it means to be mission driven, intentionality and finding meaning in travel.
We’ve dropped a link to bring you there🔗

We hope these convo’s connect with you & leave you inspired! 🫶🫶

Take a listen and share your favorite episode below👇

11/07/2024

Excellent TRAVEL TIP from our founder, Tara!!
🎯Keep this one in mind when you are planning your family / friend/ group getaways for next year....

Looking for the entire conversation between Tara & Christine Winebrenner Irick on the Soul of Travel podcast, follow the link below ⤵️

Christine Winebrenner Irick, Founder of Lotus Sojourns and Host of the award-winning Soul of Travel Podcast.In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 5: Wome...

10/28/2024

Who loves a good puzzle? 🧩
And not the pre-cut, from the box deals you do with family on the kitchen table over the holidays. Not that but, one you had to cut and shape, piece by piece, until they fit together, perfectly!

Have you ever thought of travel design like that?

We do! 🙋‍♀️
Probably because this is what we do, everyday!

Travelers have diverse needs, desires and budgets. Even each trip comes with its own unique set of needs & expectations. Add this to the slew of complexity at every destination, and you see why this is a challenging game!

In other words…. Travel design is tricky.

However, in our experience, there are a few trusted routes that deliver phenomenal experiences that can be applied in most travel scenarios! (Trust us, we know what we are talking about!)

Take these 8 Critical Elements ♟️

Each of these (along with a few others) are part of our intense vetting process when first researching a new destination. This starts long before we ever send a traveler there, the months (in some cases years) of research is often guided by looking for these 8 things!!

You can use these as pillars too, when shaping your own travels! Think of these are the corner pieces of the puzzle, they will help center, and guide your days so it all comes together with intention.

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Part of what makes CTC unique is our additional criteria ✅ that every element of trip have meaning for the traveler ➕ create a positive impact for the local community.💫⁠
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Scroll to see 8 critical elements we lean into when creating personalized, intentional travel that is meaningful (and more often magical).

What are some of YOUR critical elements when thinking about travel??
Let us know below 👇️⁠
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Travel design, how to create meaningful travel, tools for building incredible trips, what to look for to create sustainable travel, travel tips from the pros, slow travel, boutique hotels Italy, Boutique hotels croatia


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02/26/2024

The ONLY destination in America we create custom travel & itineraries.

Why you ask?? Well, we absolutely love it! And it’s a perfect match for our values of…

✔️ sustainability
✔️ community ownership
✔️ farm to table
✔️ active support of the arts
✔️ appreciation for local storytelling
✔️ preservation of natural spaces!

So and grab your coziest flannels, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to forge connections with places and people through the sacred space of travel in one of the most underrated destinations in America!
🌄

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02/08/2024

Sometimes folks in the “travel industry” use terms that are actually super helpful for travelers to know about.🫶
Not ones to hold back sharing resources with travelers, the concept of Community Based Travel is a topic we hope you’ll dig into! Explore in your travels! And (importantly) ask your travel suppliers about, to understand how your excursions, tours, activities and accommodations can support the local community!

Are you familiar with this term?
Share with the community what it means to you 👇



Community based tourism, Understanding the impacts of travel, how to make positive impact with your travels

02/05/2024

Tara here 👋 with my own little ode to sunshine and foodie travel 🌞🍋

Since there is no better combo! Fight me 🥊(narrator: no one fought this as everyone agrees)

Looking for a 💯 personalized foodie getaway - reach out in DMs or schedule your complimentary call with an expert travel designer!



Foodie travel guide for winter, sunny winter travel destinations for foodies, winter foodie travels

01/31/2024

If you’ve been a friend of CTC for a minute, you probably noticed that deep dives, and connection are kinda are thing!

That’s why it made for the perfect pairing, when CTC founder Tara sat down to speak with Christine for an exploration on intentionality and finding meaning in travel.

On the , Christine explores the joy, wanderlust and curiosity that inspires travel through women change makers bringing their creative visions to life! 🤗

I hope this convo connects with you & leaves you inspired!

Take a listen and let us know👇

01/28/2024

Looking for perfect “undiscovered Italy” itinerary??
We are sharing secrets gems! 🤫🤫

We offer our travelers comprehensive itineraries that go way beyond anything found on a “best of” list! Our team of locals put you in touch with the lesser-known destinations, to connect with people and visit places travelers don’t get to see!

For slow travel that’s pure La dolce vita, check out our suggested itinerary for Northern Italy! 🇮🇹

And connect with a travel designer today to talk about a trip personalized for you! 🤗

12/18/2023

From wishful thinking to trip of a lifetime 🤗

Bring your favorite people together with…
a group VACATION 💫

This time of year brings lots of social opportunities, but often the quantity doesn’t equal to the quality time we need. If you’re feeling a longing for undistracted, quality time, consider taking a trip!

Whether getting together at a friend’s house or around the globe, it can be tricky to plan as a group!
But we’ve got that covered, group travel is our area of expertise!

We’ve got three easy tips to help you create a vacation for your group!

Need extra help? We’ve got you covered!
Try setting up a call with our travel designer while you are all together over the holidays! This is a great time to get a commitment from your crew, and not put off this trip for another year (again)!

12/04/2023

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

From momentary encounters to lifelong friends, it's the people that we encounter that make travel memorable. Often, we forget what gets checked off the bucket list, and what we keep with us forever are the special moments of connection, a laugh, a kindness, these personal exchanges that commonly are the start of friendships. 🫶

Drop a heart ❤️below if this resonates with you.

11/27/2023

We are sharing pro tips for not only when to book, but essential questions to answer before you start the planning process to ensure your trip checks all the boxes!

As we near the end of the year, lots of folks are thinking about their travel plans for 2024! In our latest blog (link below) we share insider tips on getting the best deals, the accommodations you want, taking advantage of seasonality, and more – PLUS, important factors to consider to make the most of your trip!

We know your resources, both time & money, are precious. If you’d like to benefit from our knowledge and expertise, talk to a travel designer about crafting your trip!
Not sure what we do? – Well, we believe that travel is most meaningful when it’s centered around connection and community. We craft transformational journeys that quench the curious traveler’s palates with special culinary adventures, connection with the people keep local traditions alive, and stunning nature, for an immersive experience that most travelers never get to see!

What does that look like? - From private wine tastings with generations-old family vineyards to foraging in nature with farmers or relaxing on a sunset sail as you take it all in! Our incredible local guides open doors to destinations, like a welcoming friend showing you their home.

Plan your getaway now using the tips in our useful 2024 Travel Guide or let us arrange your singular adventure! Get plugged into travel experiences sure to profoundly impact how you see yourself and the world.

And be sure to bookmark ConsciousTravelCollective.com as your resource for mindful journeys guaranteed to nourish your spirit.

11/22/2023

Have you ever noticed that something magic happens at a table?⁠
When we sit together, sharing a meal or a beverage.... within this sacred time ...... where distractions fall away..... we sit close together in an intimate space... something miraculous takes place ...... we naturally begin to connect. 💞⁠
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We sit down as strangers, but rise from the table differently, somehow these brief but powerful moments lead us to a more personal connection. A fast-track to familiarity.⁠
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Our founder Tara shared, "I've sat at tables without a common language, but the act of passing and sharing food between smiles and friendly gestures created a beautiful exchange. This intimate space nurtures familiarity and leads us to be more relaxed and open with one another."⁠
It's a remarkably beautiful thing.⁠
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At Conscious Travel Collective we utilize this wonderous form of magic throughout the trips we tailor design. 🪄⁠
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After all, we intentionally seek out ways for our travelers to connect with people, places & each other, while immersed in the pleasures and richness of a destination! There is often no better way than at a shared table. 🫶⁠

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Do you have a favorite experience of sharing a table with strangers? Share below 👇️

09/30/2023

Get ready to be shocked 😳

Today is “International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste”- we are sharing a few stats that honestly, we found quite shocking when they were brought to our attention.

🪲 Did you know, tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions? From plane flights and boat rides to souvenirs and lodging, various activities contribute to tourism’s carbon footprint.

Did you also know, this exact SAME % of global greenhouse gas (G.H.G.) emissions comes from food loss and waste!! 🚛🥬

Who else finds it Astonishing that food waste can be as impactful as global travel!!??

Although, it makes a lot of sense these two polluters contribute to each other. When you see kiwi on the hotel buffet table in New York City you can be sure it’s not locally grown. 🥝

But there is hope! 🪴

Of the estimated 17% of total global food production wasted, 5% is food service & 2% in retail. ✳️ This means the other 11% comes from household waste.

We can be mindful of waste, practice freezing products before they spoil, and composting and more! Small adjustments contribute to less waste but also financial savings for your household. ♻️

🌴 Travelers - let hotels know you support practices that reduce waste, like locally based menus, freshly prepared foods in place of buffets, less paper and plastic, or selecting meals in advance.

Another fact to consider, hunger is on the rise globally since 2014! 🧩

Saving just one-fourth of the food currently lost or wasted in the World could help feed 870 million people who are living in hunger as well as fight climate change! 💚

Food loss/ waste greatly undermines sustainability of food systems — water, land, soil, air, energy, labor, and capital. 🌳 All leading to a depletion of the ozone layer and contributing to climate change.

❇️What do you think?
Would you support a hotel that asked travelers to participate in practices with the goal of achieving zero food waste?

🚦Where do you see opportunities to reduce food waste?

Tell us below👇🏼


Source: Sustainable Travel International & NationalToday.com

09/22/2023

It’s not easy, but it is simple.

Connection is the magic behind meaningful experiences 💗
Maybe it sounds woowoo or esoteric (and maybe it is) but if you believe we are connected - as beings on this planet, with nature, animals, plants, seasons and our shared humanity - feelings of connection and compassion are a powerful force! 💪

And one gateway to spark our sense to connect deeply, os found in travel! 🫶

We know this to be true. That is why we design your travel to cultivate the moments that bring us together, creating compassion and connection. 💖

What do you travel for?
What are you seeking?
Tell us below ⬇️

🌎

Meaningful travel, conscious travel, sustainable travel, regenerative travel, community, connection, respectful travel

09/21/2023

It’s Climate Week in New York City! 🌍

This week we’ve been attending and participating in conversations centered around the future of travel in a changing world. And, importantly how to achieve BIG goals for fundamentally reshaping the future of travel!

🙏 Big thanks to NYU & the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab for inviting us back to participate in an incredible discussion with an all-star panel!

Our founder, Tara, shared the stage with panelists representing government, academia, destinations and corporations.
“It was a total honor to be among such an esteemed and knowledgeable group of travel professionals to discuss the complexities of ‘sustainability”’. Isn’t it just like NYU to make sure there is a dialogue happening. Some of the highlights of the evening came from student voices. It was a fabulous evening!”

We wanted to share with all of you a few of the critical topics discussed this week that we’re the MOST excited about….

🌟 indigenous wisdom and land rights
🌟 Agrotourism and regenerative farming
🌟 What does Climate resilience look like?
🌟 Resource management in a rapidly changing planet
🌟 Policy and grassroots efforts to limit tourism in protected / fragile areas
🌟 Community led conservation
🌟 Impacts of women entrepreneurs in rural communities
🌟 Systems and intelligence sharing across sectors & places.

➡️ We’d love to hear from YOU!!What voices should be amplified in climate conversations?📣
In an unprecedented time for the planet and humanity - What are you finding most inspiring and hopeful💟
Tell us below 👇🏼





Climate issues in travel, sustainable travel, conscious travel, conscious travelers, regenerative travel, net-zero goals, climate action in travel and tourism, community based tourism

09/19/2023

Seasons remind us that it’s never possible to check a place “off our list”.

🍇 Places, like people, are ever-changing and evolving.

🌾 With each new season, new phase, new era - is a new way to meet places. A new chance to rediscover an old friend, as we bring a new version ourselves to connect with theirs. 🫶

This is incredibly magical! There is always awe in being a beginner ✨marvel at the newness each day brings .

🌞When you return to a place, what new eyes can you see it with?

🌝 How do you meet the changing seasons?
Tell us below👇🏼



Seasons, travel wisdom, musings, autumn travel, sustainable travel