Leading Gap Year Travel Experts

I am an ex travel agent who has worked in the travel industry for over 11 years, with an overlap into travel writing for the past 5 years. Focusing on solo, female travel through a decade of gap years and working holiday visas, I help people plan their own trip of a lifetime.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

Passionate traveller and co-founder of CheckinAway.com, where I share detailed reviews and guides for upscale hotels and unique destinations. Exploring the world one trip at a time—here to share insights and help you plan unforgettable adventures!

I am a trekking Guide and adventure traveller from Nepal. I have been Handling Adventure Trekking, Expeditions, cultural, and Wildlife Tours in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan since 2006. I love showing new people new places and giving them experiences they'll never forget. I have several past and current clients recommending me and my team, whom you can contact directly. This is, in fact, our best advertisement. Now I am working with smaller and more private groups through this. I love to travel around the world and share my experiences.

Turning the world into words Travel writer and journalist specialising in solo adventure and story-led travel for women. I'm Nika—a journo, adventurer and author with a 25+ years of experience across radio, TV, print, digital and social. My passion is solo travel and slow adventures—not just seeing places but getting under the skin of them. Walking my way to stories - my feet are wiser than my head, finding cultural connection and a deeper understanding through the people who live there: local families, creatives, journalists. And always, the taste of place. I've worked with global media and brands, including the BBC, Emap, News UK, DMGT, Bauer, Wizja TV, Foxtel, Expedia Group, Weber Shandwick, Havas and Publicis Groupe. 12x book babies on health & wellness. I mentor journos through the NUJ and host a Writers' Café in Hastings & St Leonards. Work and collaborate with me → https://nikatalbot.io Since 2020, I've been building Bold Types, recommended by Hotflash Inc. as “a helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many of us.” 🌐 Bold Types Adventures in journalism, from a GenXy writer who walks. Your weekly hit of optimism and grit. Join us → https://www.nikatalbot.io Professional memberships National Union of Journalists (London Freelance SoMe officer), Women in Journalism, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Digital Creator Association, The Media Society, Talking Travel Writing, TravMedia. Wall of Love “They should frame this newsletter in the Louvre—simply a joy to read!” – Eoin Whyte, Chief Revenue Officer & co-founder, Savvy. Here to fix your content gaps! 💎 “Two things to say from all of us… BRAVO & AMAZING! It was really engaging and fun to read. This is the reference we should keep for upcoming work.” — Daniel Mondragón, Global Brand Lead, Nestlé, The Science of Growing Up Happy Book "Recommended reading for Workforce Futurists!" - Andy Spence, Founder, Workforce Futurist “I was impressed with how much you connected to people and the place when you were here. You’ve got a gift for it. Not everybody is like that – comfortable striking up conversations with strangers.” — Marianne Lehnis, Founder, The Green Techpreneur Gold star for reading this far 🤩 Working in travel media? I'd love to connect. Get in touch - nika@nikatalbot.io.

With 25 years in the travel industry across Europe, I have recently started my own business as a travel consultant. Leveraging my experiences as a tour guide in France, Norway and the Benelux, as well as resort work in other countries, I now help plan itineraries for independent travelers to Europe,

Jennifer Spatz is the Founder of Global Family Travels and a leader in regenerative, community-based tourism. A cultural anthropologist at heart, she designs immersive travel experiences grounded in her company’s mission to Learn, Serve, and Immerse—connecting travelers meaningfully with local communities, cultures, and natural environments. Through partnerships with global and local nonprofits, Jennifer integrates regenerative tourism principles and aligns programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her journeys combine cultural exchange, educational experiences, homestays, and community-driven projects that strengthen social and environmental systems in the destinations visited. Her insights on regenerative travel have been featured in TravelAge West (“Regenerative Meets Family Fun”) and on the podcast Regenerative Tourism: When Sustainability Isn’t Enough. (see all news links here: https://www.globalfamilytravels.com/news)

Jen Curnutt is a travel blogger, freelance writer, and content creator behind Jen33Travel, a premier travel blog focused on outdoor adventure, curated itineraries, and climate-conscious travel. Based in Southern California, Jen has worked with 100+ travel and lifestyle brands, creating engaging content that inspires readers to unplug, explore hidden gems, and experience the world more meaningfully. IG @jen33travel.

Luxury travel advisor, 500hr yoga-trained, aerial instructor, community leader of 150K, international resort leader

I'm a mom of 2, and travel often with my husband and kids. I've travelled to nearly 40 countries and lived in 7. My website, Tiny Footsteps Travel, reaches tens of thousands of readers each month. Drawing on nearly a decade as a public school teacher, I create thoughtful, eco-conscious travel guides on my site that are family-friendly, for kids of all ages. I create itineraries, videos, and resources that make meaningful travel accessible for parents and their children. I primarily cover the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, Scandinavia (especially Sweden, Denmark and Iceland) and the British Isles. I ensure that my readers have a true picture of what their trip entails through honest feedback based on real personal experiences.

* Ex-Finance analyst who left NYC job to backpack around the world for 5+ years, visiting 70+ countries* Featured in CNBC Make It, Buzzfeed "Top 20 Black Travel Bloggers to Follow", Popsugar "Top 50 Black Travel Influencers to Follow", CNN, Lonely Planet, Signature Bride, Thrillist* Travel Blogger with 16K followers* Worked on several campaigns with clients like Skyscanner, High West Whiskey, Memrise, GRAYL, CDC gov, Seven Corners Insurance, Flyaway

Maina is a tourism professional with extensive experience working at eminent East African brands such as Elewana Collection, Soroi Collection and Angama. She has a love for storytelling, and for the behind-the-scenes intersections where travel, conservation, and relationships converge.

I'm a travel blogger based in Prague, with expert insider knowledge on Prague and Czech Republic travel. I dabble in online marketing and write for my own travel blog, TravelGeekery.com, which I founded in 2014, as well as for other outlets. My work has appeared in Lonely Planet, and I authored the full Prague section in The Secret Cities, a book highlighting hidden corners of major world destinations. My travel writing has also been published by outlets such as AOL, Yahoo, and The Daily Gazette. As a Prague local, I share insider knowledge that goes beyond guidebooks, while my travels across Europe and beyond give me a broad perspective on culture, food, and unforgettable places.

My name is Kristen and I have traveled, lived and worked all across the globe for over a decade. In 2013, after nearly a decade building a career in corporate marketing in NYC, I left it all behind to travel solo across 3 continents and 26 countries. From there I became a scuba diving instructor, and spent the next 10 years living and working in Thailand, Mexico, St. Croix and Florida. In 2017, I was voted PADI's Inspiring Woman Diver of the Year. Beginning in 2024 I joined Fora as a luxury travel planner and have launched my own travel brand and blog, Dear Destination Travel, so that I could help inspire others to make their travel dreams and goals come to life. I have now traveled to 6 continents and over 35 countries. My website, deardestinationtravel.com, is a complete travel resource and inspiration hub.

I'm Phillip, and I'm a marketing consultant focused on SEO. I've been a digital nomad traveling around Europe, mainly in Lisbon and Portugal. I fell in love with the city and the country, which made me start a website to share all my knowledge and let other people have a fantastic time in Lisbon. Toda,y I live in Denmark, visit Lisbon multiple times a year, and help my amazing clients grow organically on Google and through email marketing.

Hannah Snyder Wernecke is a Partner at Snyder Funeral Homes, Ohio’s largest family-owned funeral group, and a fourth-generation funeral director who has written thousands of obituaries published nationwide in newspapers. She helps families across Ohio through life’s hardest moments while also leading the firm’s digital strategy and brand innovation. Outside of funeral service, Hannah is a world traveler (40 countries, all 'New 7 Wonders of the World'), keeps a digital scrapbook at SeeThePyramids.org, is a musician and lyricist releasing music under artists names Vin Fiz and Ghosted by History, and co-founded the history-inspired apparel brand GhostedbyHistory.com Hannah speaks Spanish, ranks among the top 10% of Unsplash contributors for her travel photography, and is married to Dantan Wernecke—an historian, French and Farsi linguist, and superb home chef. Her favorite film is Clue. Life has just one ending, but it's more of a known unknown.

International Business Management Student | Entrepreneur Welcome to my LinkedIn profile! I am Laura Bernazano, an aspiring entrepreneur and marketing enthusiast, I strive to make an impact by combining my academic expertise with hands-on experience in the floral industry.Founder at Vermont Flowers Europe: A thriving wholesale company specializing in preserved flowers. I established this venture to bridge the gap between the European market and our company in Kenya who invented preserved flowers 40 years ago. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and customer service, we cater to a diverse range of clients seeking flowers, foliages and moss to create unique floral arrangements or moss walls.Continuous Learning:In my pursuit of excellence, I am a firm believer in continuous self-learning. Whether it's staying up-to-date with the latest digital tools, attending industry conferences, or engaging in online courses, I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge base to deliver optimal results.

Sue Calvert is the founder of Sojourns With Sue, a travel blog and YouTube channel inspiring women over 50 to embrace solo travel with confidence, humor, and curiosity. She covers solo adventures across Europe and the U.S., with a special love for big-city energy and the charm of small-town escapes. By blending safety advice, practical tips, and a touch of wit, Sue helps midlife women discover destinations, hotels, and strategies that make traveling alone not only doable but deeply rewarding.

I'm an adventure traveller on a journey to visit every country in the world, having been travelling most of the time since January 2019. I share travel insights on my own blog "Adventure to Every Country" as well as other big name publications in the industry. My specialist areas within this niche are adventure travel, budget travel and travel safety. I have a particularly high knowledge of Latin America, which is my favourite region of the world, although I'm also a big fan of Asia.

As the Senior Travel Writer and Content Marketer at Zicasso, I leverage my MFA in Creative Writing and over 10 years of experience in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry to create engaging and informative content that connects travelers with authentic and personalized experiences. I have established hundreds of articles, sample itineraries, bulletins, emails, blogs, and social media posts that showcase the diversity and richness of global destinations and cultures, while also developing and implementing SEO and advertising strategies that drive traffic and conversions. I manage and mentor a team of writers, researchers, and editors, and collaborate with travel partners and stakeholders to ensure quality and consistency across all platforms and channels. My passion is to build connection and trust through storytelling, and to inspire others to explore the world with curiosity and wonder.