Your Travel Inspiration: A Q&A with Enchanted Adventures’ Expert Trip Designer

When Tatjana Angermeyer was first immersed into active, conservation-minded travel by her mother in Ecuador at a young age, she never would’ve guessed that fast forward years later she’d partner with her mother and they’d launch a travel company together – Enchanted Adventures. She now creates experiences for curious travelers craving engaging and sustainable adventures in intriguing destinations around the world.

As an expert trip designer, Tatjana takes the time to get to know each traveler’s preferred travel styles and is the ultimate inspiration for any adventurer ready to experience a new place with an open-mind. Whether she’s building an itinerary from scratch or customizing a well-sought after journey, Tatjana ensures every trip will leave a long-lasting impression on the traveler, not the destination.

The first time I traveled

I grew up in the Galapagos and my first trips were around the islands. My parents started one of the first charter businesses in the Galapagos and would take my brothers and I along on their work trips. We began traveling around mainland Ecuador when my mother expanded her travel business and she started going on a lot of research trips. From a young age I remember joining her adventures in all regions of Ecuador: Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, the Cloud Forest, and the Pacific Coast. I don’t think there was a region we didn’t visit on these trips.

Where I to travel to now 

Anywhere… the list is long and often changes depending on the day of the week. I fantasize about a lot of places I want to travel to. I think my next big trip will be either to Bhutan, Mongolia or somewhere in Southern Africa.

The top 3 items I always pack

Aside from the necessities such as clothing and good shoes… I always take a camera, E-reader, and an I-pod.

The one thing I do everywhere I travel

Find a good foodie experience, either by taking a cooking class, going to a local market, or making sure to eat at a great restaurant. Food is a great introduction to a place, and who doesn’t like to eat!

The best way to experience a new culture

Cultural gatherings such as festivals or markets are usually a fantastic cultural experience. Markets are often a social gathering for many cultures and as a visitor, you are awarded with the opportunity to glimpse into an important local gathering. Of course you can also check out some great local crafts, eat with the locals at food stalls, practice your bargaining skills, etc.

The best cultural experience I’ve had while traveling

I think that’s impossible to answer, there have been many great experiences. Once when I was in China I was invited into someone’s simple home for tea, out in the middle of nowhere, near the Himalaya’s. We could not understand each other, but it was humbling to feel welcomed into a family, even if just for some tea. That was almost 20 years ago before travel had reached all corners of the globe and hospitality was genuine.

The common mistakes people make when they travel

They have expectations. Not any two places are alike and experiences will always be different. Best to arrive with an open mind and ready to take in whatever the destination has to offer.

Has the way I travel has changed over time?

Perhaps, but I also change up the way I travel from time to time. Sometimes I like to wing it, sometimes I like having everything planned out, sometimes rough it, and other times I want a bit more comfort. There is no linear evolution as I revert back to old ways quite regularly. I think travel styles need to be adapted to the destination, and remaining flexible makes for a much better experience.

Are you ready for your next great adventure? Find out more about Tatjana’s top travel itineraries here.

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