gina wanders around - who is gina?
In late 2023, I quit my well-paying, high title role with a large non-profit organization to dive full force into full time travel.
While I had the support of close friends, there were so many people who thought I was absolutely crazy, and even irresponsible and reckless. I even questioned my own decision; WAS this reckless? Was I really ready to walk away from a stable paycheck and career I had worked very hard to develop?
All these thoughts and feelings were circulating around me, when an Instagram connection I adored made a huge announcement: She was quitting her big-wig Human Resources job to start her own travel agency.
She was candid about the impact her corporate job was having on her health and wellbeing: same.
She was open about its impact on her relationships: same.
She didn’t hold back in sharing the overwhelming feelings and doubts and challenges of making this decision: same.
Of course, there are an abundance of influencers and social media presences who have done the same, but Gina felt like a friend and confidant, even though we had never met.
We exchanged several messages and continued to follow each other’s journey from afar, until the stars aligned, and we were in Lisbon at the same time.
We made plans to meet up and finally take our on-line friendship to IRL.
It took all of a minute of meeting Gina in person to feel like we had known each other for years. I immediately felt at ease and comfortable with Gina. We talked all things travel, family, careers, risks and rewards.
It was so clear to me how passionate Gina is about not only travel, but people and making sure those two things come together seamlessly. She beamed as she spoke about trips she had planned for clients and her excitement to do more in the future.
Even when she talked about the challenges and pressure of planning others’ dream vacations, she had the biggest smile and it was obvious these are challenges she takes on headfirst and with confidence.
Even when she talked about the challenges and pressure of planning others’ dream vacations, she had the biggest smile and it was obvious these are challenges she takes on headfirst and with confidence.
Since meeting Gina, I have watched her build Gina Wanders Around Travel Collective from the ground up. Curating flawless vacations, destination weddings, group trips, and luxe experiences for a range of travelers. l have been both inspired and encouraged by her and have recommended her services without hesitation to friends and family.
I am far from a luxury traveler and do all my own travel planning, but I dream of the day I pivot to more luxury travel and am beyond confident Gina is the first person I will call when that happens.
