Meet the Host!

Sahara Rose De Vore

Founder & CEO of The Travel Coach Network

Sahara Rose De Vore is the Founder and CEO of The Travel Coach Network, a global community of travel coaches. Sahara went from broke college student to traveling to 84 countries solo to trailblazing a new path in the travel industry. She believes that there is more to a travel career than just blogging and booking trips and that the travel planning process is more than just a transaction. This led her to creating the world's first and only ICF accredited certification program for travel coaches. Sahara is a published author, global speaker, TEDx speaker, and has been in over 200 media outlets for her travel and business expertise including Forbes, Travel Weekly, Conde Nast Traveler, and CNN Travel. Sahara was also named one of 2023’s Most Influential Women in Travel by TravelPulse and will be appearing on Season 8 of Project Pitch It.

Sahara organized the first ever Women Thrive Through Travel MasterFind Virtual Event in 2021,a rough time in the tourism industry, to bring more positivity into how we were talking and thinking about the future of travel. WTTT brings together inspiring women in tourism, hospitality, wellness, journalism, media, social media, business, and more while striving to inspire and empower women around the world to thrive through travel in business, wellness, and lifestyle.

Connect with Sahara Rose @thetravelcoachnetwork

Veerle Beelen Da Costa David

Founder of UnpackbyVeer

Certified Travel Coach & Life Coach

Meet Veerle:

Veerle Beelen Da Costa David is a certified Travel Coach & Life Coach and the founder of Unpackbyveer. She helps people use travel and relocation as a path to transformation, purpose, and connection abroad. Veerle has lived in Spain, Cambodia, and Australia, has traveled to 40+ countries, and is currently based in the Netherlands. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as Thrive Global, Wander Mag, and The Balance Theory. 

Session description:

Turn Your Travel Story into a Thriving Coaching Business  

We all have a unique story, but how do you turn your personal travel experiences into a meaningful and profitable travel coaching business? In this talk, Veerle will share how she transformed her own journey — navigating life abroad, losing her job and visa, and overcoming countless obstacles — into a thriving coaching career. You’ll learn how to think outside the box, embrace your story, and turn your travel experiences into a business that not only fulfills you but also empowers others. If you’ve ever felt called to create something deeply meaningful from your travels, this session will show you how.

Connect with Veerle:

https://www.instagram.com/unpackbyveer/

https://www.unpackbyveer.com/

Colleen O'Neill Mulvihill

Wellness Travel Coach

Founder of Holistic Health Traveler

Meet Colleen:

Colleen O'Neill Mulvihill is a Certified Health Coach, nutrition consultant, Wellness Travel Coach, and founder & CEO of Holistic Health Traveler. She's on a mission to help women over 40 reclaim their health and well-being by pairing immersive wellness travel experiences with comprehensive health coaching. Colleen is a member of the Wellness Tourism Association, a published travel writer and blogger, and the coauthor of the hardback book The Wellness Bucket List: 1000 Escapes and Experiences to Enrich Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

Session Description:

Empowered Journeys: Discovering Holistic Wellness in Travel 

This session will explore how women can embrace travel as a path to self-discovery and improved well-being. It will delve into the emerging trends in wellness travel, including retreats, immersive cultural experiences, and nurturing environments that promote healing. We'll also uncover the tools and resources available at various wellness destinations worldwide and why you should consider taking a wellness trip as a part of your ongoing journey toward better health and well-being. 

Connect with Colleen:

https://holistichealthtraveler.com/

https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthtraveler/

Alyssa Nogaski

Founder of Solo Girl Wanders

Meet Alyssa:

Alyssa Nogaski of Solo Girl Wanders sees how much intentional solo travel has done in her life and she wants the same for every woman! She has traveled to 33 countries and almost all 50 US states which has allowed her to build up skills, tools, and knowledge that she loves sharing with the world. With a background in social work and mental health, teaching, and training and now excelling as a certified travel coach, she reminds women that they don’t have to wait for the fear or anxiety to go away in order to say yes to themselves. In fact, she chooses to embrace the motto of “do it scared” and through emotional and logistical support, she coaches her clients to use solo travel as a tool to overcome challenges, connect to themselves, and change their feelings or identities.

Session Description:

Solo Travel: Finally Say "Yes!" to Yourself

Waiting is the name of the game for many women--waiting to lose weight, change jobs, find a partner, or coordinate plans with their friends. These waiting games women play are usually rooted in fear, anxiety, and limiting beliefs, keeping them stuck and saying no to themselves. But what if the real journey isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment, but about saying yes to yourself now? Through travel coaching insights, this session will explore how we can use the tool of solo travel for personal growth and confidence-building in ALL aspects in the journey of life. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to start applying the principles of transformative solo travel—whether at home, at dinner, or on your next adventure. Take the first step toward a deeper, more empowered journey—no waiting required!

Connect with Alyssa:

https://www.instagram.com/sologirlwanders/

https://www.sologirlwanders.com/

Monika Lewicka

Founder of empowered.travel

Meet Monika

Monika is an energetic adventurer, transformational tourism leader, and champion of women’s empowerment through solo travel and sabbaticals. She has explored over 70 countries across five continents—hiking solo in the Himalayas, cycling through China, Southeast Asia, the Balkans, and Cuba (when Fidel still ruled and smartphones were nonexistent). Wherever she goes, she carries her rock-climbing shoes, always ready for the next ascent. A former director at The Transformational Travel Council and founder of Empowered.Travel. Monika has built an international community of 300+ adventurers seeking transformation. With eight sabbaticals and a decade of navigating life transitions, she helps women break free from burnout and reclaim their purpose through Japanese Psychology-inspired journeys. Having lived in 10 countries and deeply immersed herself in local cultures, Monika now calls Boulder, Colorado home—where she continues her mission alongside her newly adopted, free-spirited husky puppy.

Session Description:

Empowered Solo Sabbaticals: Transform Your Life with Japanese Psychology

Burnout, crossroads, or craving change? In this short but powerful session, discover how a solo sabbatical can be more than just a break—it can be a turning point. Using a Japanese Psychology-inspired DIY framework, you'll learn simple yet transformative tools to navigate life transitions with clarity and purpose. Walk away with practical insights on how to structure your time away, embrace change, and return stronger.

Connect with Monika:

https://www.empowered.travel/

https://www.instagram.com/empowered.travel/

Willyetta Mitchell

Transformational Travel Coach

Owner of Lady W’s Tours and Travel

Meet Willyetta:

Dr. Willyetta Mitchell is a certified professional Transformational Travel Coach and the Owner of Lady W’s Tours and Travel, based in Louisiana. With over 20 years of experience in personal development, education, and community building, Dr. Mitchell uses Transformative Travel – because sometimes, stepping away helps you step into your purpose, Biblical Principles – because faith is the foundation for a

truly fulfilling journey and Happiness Coaching – because joy isn’t a destination, it’s a way of life to create a unique blend of coaching, workshops, and immersive travel, that empowers women, senior citizen and high-achieving professionals to reignite their passion for life.

Session Description:

Y’all Gonna Make Me Book a Trip!- Losing Myself in Life, Finding Myself in Travel

In my session, I will share my deeply personal journey of how travel became my lifeline amidst the overwhelming responsibilities of being a mother to a child with a seizure disorder, the wife of a pastor, a high school science and math teacher, and the caretaker for my mother and grandmother. Through the stress and self-sacrifice, travel offered me more than just an escape—it became a pathway to healing, clarity, and renewal. I’ll discuss how embracing transformative travel not only saved my life but also inspired me to help other women use travel as a tool for self-care, balance, and personal growth.

Connect with Willyetta:

www.ladywstoursandtravel.com 

https://www.facebook.com/LadyWstoursandtravel

Crystal Carnahan

Founder of Zenfully Aware

Meet Crystal:

Crystal Carnahan is a Regenerative Practitioner who specializes in guiding discerning women through the transformative journey of navigating divorce through travel. With a unique blend of personal experience, holistic wellness expertise, and a deep reverence for the natural world, Crystal invites her clients to embrace the "divorce afterglow" - a powerful portal for personal reinvention and wholistic healing. As the founder of Zenfully Aware, Crystal has developed the ARISE Framework – a comprehensive approach that weaves together mindfulness, somatic healing, and the restorative power of regenerative tourism. Through this framework, she supports women in not only disentangling from the past, but in cultivating an embodied, expansive mindset that allows them to confidently step into their next chapter.

Session Description:

Regenerative Tourism: Restoring Self by Restoring Place

Description: In the realm of sustainable travel, the concept of "leaving a place better than you found it" has become a familiar mantra. But regenerative tourism takes this idea to an entirely new level, inviting us to consider the profound interconnection and evolutionary potential between the restoration of self and the regeneration of the places we visit. Through stories of place and insightful frameworks that guide self-reflection, this talk will explore how engaging in regenerative tourism can cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the natural world, facilitate the healing of personal trauma, inspire a more holistic understanding of global challenges, and empower us to become active agents of change. Prepare to expand your perspective on the transformative power of travel, as we delve into the heart of regenerative tourism and unlock the profound ways in which healing the self can heal the places we love.

Connect with Crystal:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-carnahan-979b74115?trk=contact-info

https://www.instagram.com/zenfully.aware

Nyna Caputi

Founder and CEO of The Expat Woman

Linkedin Coach

Meet Nyna:

Nyna is the Founder and CEO of The Expat Woman, a global platform focused on connecting, supporting and empowering women who have moved abroad or plan to relocate. In the last 11 years since she launched her business, she has hosted over 400 virtual and in-person events and workshops for both expats and LinkedIn learners. She is also a LinkedIn Coach and was recognized as one of the top 15 LinkedIn Experts in San Francisco in 2023 and has trained and coached 100s of CEOs and corporate teams at some of the leading startups and companies in Silicon Valley and beyond. She lives with her husband, kids and four cats in the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoys going for walks, playing tennis, singing in the church choir, growing succulents and making jewelry.

Session Description:

From Passion to Profit: Leverage LinkedIn to Elevate your Coaching Business

Want to attract more clients, grow your authority, and build a thriving coaching business? In this session, I’ll share how I grew The Expat Woman into a six-figure business by strategically using LinkedIn to showcase my expertise, expand my network, and create opportunities. You’ll learn practical strategies to optimize your profile, create engaging content, and connect with the right people—so you can turn your passion for coaching into profit. 

Connect with Nyna:

www.theexpatwoman.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nynacaputi/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/theexpatwoman

https://www.facebook.com/TheExpatWoman/

Zanny Merullo Steffgen

Travel Journalist

Meet Zanny:

As the daughter of a writer and a photographer, Zanny had the opportunity to travel the world from a young age while accompanying her parents on assignment. She had her first travel essays published while studying abroad in Italy and backpacking around Europe as a teenager, then wrote a regular column about expat life in Cambodia when she moved there full-time at age 20. These days, Zanny is based in Colorado and works as a freelance travel journalist and copywriter for businesses in the tourism industry. She writes essays about her experience as a disabled traveler and stories that get at the underlying impact of travel on both travelers and destination locals. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Toronto Star, Adventure.com, and other publications.

Session Description:

How to Get the Most Out of Your Collaboration With Travel Media

Earned media is an essential component of getting exposure as a travel business, but as the travel media landscape evolves, so do the needs of its writers. In this session, led by experienced travel journalist Zanny Merullo Steffgen, you'll learn how to make the most of collaborations with travel media members, from finding writers who are a fit for your business to crafting compelling pitches, setting realistic expectations, understanding what a writer needs to cover a story, navigating challenges that arise, and more. This is your all-access pass to the world of earned media and your chance to improve your outreach strategy! 

Connect with Zanny:

www.zannymerullosteffgen.com

https://www.instagram.com/zanmerusteffgen/

Dr. Kristina Wachter

Founder of Cross-Culture Connections

Meet Kristina:

Dr. Kristina Wachter is a cross-cultural strategist, best-selling author, and award-winning business professor who works with business leaders, travelers, and students navigate new cultures with confidence and authenticity. As the founder of Cross-Culture Connections and creator of the Culture SPIN Method, she combines decades of global research with real-world experience to deliver customized strategies for cultural immersion. Through interactive coaching, immersive programs, and hands-on training, she empowers individuals to build meaningful connections, avoid cultural pitfalls, and thrive in any environment.

Session Description:

Enhancing your Travels: How to Thrive in any Cultural Setting

I will discuss how cultural intelligence and confidence empowers individuals to navigate new environments, build meaningful connections, and lead effectively across different cultures. In an increasingly interconnected world and a rise in immersive cultural experiences, understanding cross-cultural dynamics—the ways in which different cultural values, communication styles, and social norms shape interactions—is essential for more memorable and meaningful travel experiences. Using the Culture SPIN Method, travelers will explore strategies for adapting to cultural differences, overcoming challenges, and developing a personalized approach to global success. This session will provide actionable insights on transforming travel into a tool for personal and professional growth, equipping travelers with the preparation and communication skills needed to not just survive but thrive in any cultural setting.

Connect with Kristina:

www.crosscultureconnections.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-gibby-wachter-phd-44659b64/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1369565225

https://www.instagram.com/cross.cultureconnections/

Anastasia Arwas

Co-Founder of Generation Nomads

Freedom Business Coach

Meet Ana:

Anastasia Arwas is an award-winning tech startup mentor turned location-independent business coach, helping travel-loving coaches transform their stories into irresistible offers that attract high-value clients. Featured in publications like Thrive Global and endorsed by several startup accelerators like The Startup Bootcamp, she shows clients how to package their unique magic without feeling salesy or second-guessing themselves. After walking away from a fast-climbing corporate career for a more meaningful path, Anastasia and her husband embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, now settled in their happy place in Portugal with their 2-year-old daughter. She’s on a mission to help coaches build businesses that don’t just pay the bills, but fund their version of an extraordinary freedom life.

Session Description:

From Story to Sales — How to turn your Travel Journey into Clients

Every travel business owner has epic travel stories to tell … BUT how do you go from sharing your story to actually attracting paying clients? The real magic happens when you frame your journey in a way that builds trust, positions you as the go-to expert, and makes working with you the obvious next step. In this session, I’ll break down how to craft stories that turn “Wow, that’s inspiring!” into “Where do I sign up?”

Connect with Anastasia:

https://www.instagram.com/generationnomads/

Ciara Turner-Ewert

Founder of Wellness Travel Diaries

Travel & Wellness Writer

Meet Ciara:

Ciara Turner-Ewert is a travel & wellness writer and photographer who’s visited over 40 countries and 20 national parks exploring adventure and wellness pursuits around the globe. Ciara’s love of travel, the great outdoors, and health took on a new meaning after she graduated college with a traumatic brain injury from collegiate sports. With a degree in neuroscience and as a certified wellness & adventure travel coach, Ciara helps others to use mindful travel to heal and tap into their own limitless potential. Her expertise has been featured in USA Today, Essence, Health Digest, and more. When she's not reporting on the latest travel and wellness trends, you’ll find her uncovering the best outdoor adventure destinations and wellness eats on her blog, Wellness Travel Diaries.

Session Description:

Unleash Your Brand's Power by Skill Stacking and Harnessing Media Magic

When I shifted my focus to securing media wins, everything about my business transformed. I went from having a blog that no one read (except my mom!) to landing my dream clients and opportunities. In this session, I'll walk you through the exact steps I used to turn my personal travel experiences into the foundation for building the business of my dreams.

Connect with Ciara:

 https://wellnesstraveldiaries.com

https://www.instagram.com/wellnesstraveldiaries/

Doris Dario

Relocation & Travel Coach

Meet Doris:

Doris Dario is a Relocation, Mindset, and Travel Coach who helps families, couples and individuals navigate the emotional and mental aspects of moving abroad. She is also the author of ‘The digital nomad family’, having relocated across 8 countries and explored over 50 together with her three children, Doris specializes in guiding others to build confidence, clarity, and a lifestyle that reflects their values. With a deep understanding of both the thrill of adventure and the importance of family connection, she empowers her clients to create fulfilling lives without choosing between stability and exploration.

Session Description:

Adventure or Family? Why you can have both

Many believe that adventure and family life are at odds—that choosing one means sacrificing the other. But what if you could design a life that blends both seamlessly? This talk breaks free from the outdated mindset that travel & adventure are over once you have children. Through her own journey across 90 countries, Doris will share how travelling and relocating abroad as a family is not only possible but incredibly rewarding and enriching.

Learn about the challenges, discover the key lessons she has learned, from embracing slowness to prioritizing stability, and explore education options for families on the move. Whether you're considering long-term travel or a fresh start in a new country, you’ll discover how to create a lifestyle that nurtures both your wanderlust and your loved ones. It’s not about compromise—it’s about designing a life that truly aligns with your values.

Connect with Doris:

https://www.cadariotravel.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cadario_travel/

Flavia Cornejo

Content Creator and Group Trip Host at Latina Traveler

Meet Flavia:

Flavia Cornejo, better known as Latina Traveler, is a Peruvian-American bilingual travel blogger, content creator and speaker. Her mission is to show women of color, particularly Latinas, how to travel solo more comfortably and confidently while staying safe. Expect to learn about off the beaten path destinations, safety travel tips, and hear about her travel experiences from a First Gen Latina perspective. Find her on all social media platforms as Latina Traveler and have her inspire and help you venture off on your first solo adventure. She loves connecting with her audience, so say hola whether online or IRL!

Session Description:

Why Hosting Successful Group Trips Is Possible for Nano Creators Too!

With the growing popularity of group trips in the last couple of years, many smaller creators believe that the only way to have their successful trips is by having a massive following. I'm here to show you that this is not true. I've hosted 3 group trips so far (Costa Rica, Morocco, and Brazil) and don't have 5k followers on any platform. If I could do this then I know you can too so let me show you how during my session!

Connect with Flavia:

https://latinatraveller.com/

https://www.instagram.com/latinatraveler/

https://www.tiktok.com/@latinatraveler

https://www.youtube.com/@latinatraveler