Nancy Deyo (center, black & white skirt) participated in the inaugural Venture to Tanzania in May 2018 and offers sage advice for embarking on an Experience and bringing a new philosophy to all of your future travels.

Jodi first told me about her idea for leading Venture Travel on a long walk one sunny day in the summer of 2017. I didn’t even have to think about it before responding—“I’m all in!” I knew it would be an unparalleled opportunity because I know Jodi, and I know how she’s been traveling the world for over 20 years. This was a chance for me to travel differently, and ultimately, think differently. 

I joined Jodi on her inaugural Venture to Tanzania in May of 2018. I was about to embark on a gap year to travel the world with my husband and couldn’t think of a better way to kick off that adventure. When I reflect on this experience and the opportunity awaiting future travelers, three words come to mind: LEARN, CONNECT and EXPAND.

• LEARN—Jodi offers a rich learning experience before you travel, while you travel, and after you return home. This is a chance to become a better informed global citizen, understanding the social, cultural and economic challenges and opportunities in a given country. Being a fellow global traveler and working in the social sector, I had always been interested in the social and cultural aspects of the places I visited. In my case, integrating the economic perspective on a country changed my worldview, and now I find I’m always trying to make the linkages between social change and economic impact.
  
  Once you join a trip, Jodi will share an inspiring collection of pre-trip reading, movies, podcasts and even a weekly update to get you excited and engaged in the trip. How you do this is up to you. Whether it’s in the weeks leading up to the trip or on the plane ride over, it’s a chance to gain critical context and ask better questions while you’re in country. My advice—Do the work. The more you’ve thought about the trip, the more you’ll get out of it. 

• CONNECT—Ventures give travelers an opportunity to make lifelong connections, both global and local. You’ll be traveling with a fascinating, intergenerational collection of like-minded people. You’ll meet incredible social and business entrepreneurs and leaders who are excited to share their work and lives with you, answer your questions and hear your ideas. My advice—Stay connected (social media, email, WhatsApp) after you return home. This community can be a lasting and meaningful one. Equally important, help the people you meet make new connections. Be a global connector (like Jodi).

• EXPAND—Ventures offer you a chance for personal and professional expansion. You can stretch yourself to think more deeply about the places and people you’re visiting and ask more informed questions. The best part is coming home with a broadened perspective on humanity and how you can have an impact on the world. Yes, we may look different and live in a very different place halfway around the world, but there are far more similarities than differences in our lives. This humanity is what connects us all. My advice—Step outside of your comfort zone.
  
  Jodi’s Ventures are tremendously exciting and thoughtfully curated travels. They strike the perfect balance of advance planning and spontaneity. Every day will inspire you, surprise you, and change the way you think about the world and your place in it. It’s a don’t-miss opportunity–one of the best decisions you can make.