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Episode 144: Finding Your Zone of Genius Through Culturally Immersive Travel with Kelsey Wilson & Amanda Cisneros
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing travel in a way that fully immerses you in another culture—where you’re not just a visitor, but an active participant in the local community? That’s exactly what Kelsey Wilson and Amanda Cisneros have built with Travec Travel, a company specializing in culturally immersive travel for families and individuals. But beyond that, their journey is an inspiring look at how leaning into your Zone of Genius can create a career and life that feel deeply fulfilling.
In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, we explore how Kelsey and Amanda discovered their unique strengths and built a business that aligns with their passions. We’ll also discuss how immersive travel experiences can be life-changing—not just for their clients, but for them as entrepreneurs.
How Travec Travel Began: A Business Built on Zone of Genius
Kelsey and Amanda’s partnership was almost serendipitous—what they call an “arranged marriage” of entrepreneurship. Though they didn’t know each other long before starting the company, their shared passion for travel, language, and culture quickly solidified their vision.
Amanda, a seasoned Spanish teacher, had extensive experience leading student trips abroad, but she always dreamed of expanding that model to families. Her Zone of Genius is in crafting detailed itineraries, logistics, and building deep connections between travelers and local cultures. Meanwhile, Kelsey had worked in global travel sales and had the entrepreneurial spirit to bring that vision to life. Her Zone of Genius lies in helping potential clients find the right travel experience for them, empowering them to believe in themselves and take the leap.
Together, they launched Travec Travel just two and a half years ago, and since then, they’ve built a company that fosters meaningful, intentional travel experiences.
What Makes Travec Travel Unique?
Unlike traditional travel companies that often cater to tourists without deep cultural immersion, Travec Travel offers:
- Culturally immersive experiences where travelers live like locals, stay in apartments rather than hotels, and engage in daily life activities like grocery shopping and cooking.
- City Friends & Hosts, ensuring travelers are connected with local families who introduce them to the authentic culture.
- Opportunities for language immersion, including Spanish classes and homestays where kids and adults alike can practice their skills in real-world settings.
- Family-friendly itineraries, designed for parents traveling with children, making cultural immersion accessible without the stress of planning every detail.
The Evolution of Their Business
Travec Travel has evolved significantly since its launch. Initially, the founders thought they would primarily work with families looking to live abroad long-term. However, they found that their real niche was in planning short-term, intentional family travel.
Through collaboration with schools, Travec Travel now organizes capstone trips for students in Spanish immersion programs, as well as customized experiences for individuals and families looking for meaningful, connected travel. Their signature destinations include:
- Merida, Mexico
- Quepos, Costa Rica
- Trujillo, Peru
- Medellin, Colombia
- Madrid, Spain
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
And they’re in the process of expanding to Puerto Rico and Chile!
Travel as a Creative and Transformational Experience
One of the themes we explored in this episode is how travel—and learning a new language—can be a deeply creative process. It activates different parts of the brain, challenges perfectionism, and pushes us out of our comfort zones in the best possible way.
For Amanda, the creativity comes in designing seamless, enriching itineraries that allow travelers to fully experience a new culture. For Kelsey, creativity shows up in how she connects with prospective travelers, helping them navigate their fears and embrace adventure.
They shared how seeing their clients—especially single moms—gain confidence and independence through travel has been one of the most rewarding parts of their work. They also reflected on how entrepreneurship has given them the freedom to do work that lights them up while balancing motherhood and creativity.
Key Takeaways from This Episode: Discovering and Leaning into Your Zone of Genius
- Culturally immersive travel is transformative—it allows families to connect deeply with new cultures, rather than just observing them from the outside.
- Entrepreneurship is a journey of evolution—pivoting based on what clients actually need (rather than what you initially envisioned) is key to growth.
- Creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about thinking differently, taking risks, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Learning a language or immersing yourself in a new environment is a powerful way to cultivate creativity.
- Giving yourself permission to prioritize what lights you up is essential—whether in work, travel, or personal passions. Your Zone of Genius is where you thrive and make the biggest impact.
Final Thoughts
This conversation reminded me of the importance of leaning into what excites us, whether that’s through entrepreneurship, creative projects, or travel. Amanda and Kelsey are proof that when you align your work with your Zone of Genius, not only does it feel fulfilling, but it also creates meaningful impact for others.
I’d love to hear from you—have you ever had a transformational travel experience? Or have you discovered your Zone of Genius? Send me a message and let me know how this conversation impacted you!
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💡 If you’re intrigued by the idea of immersive travel experiences for you or your family, check out Travec Travel’s upcoming trips at www.traveltravec.com and follow them on social media on Instagram or Facebook!
Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.