A Brief Coffee Table Chat on Her Journey in the Travel Industry
A one-on-one with Julieta Chan
What was your biggest early influence that sparked your desire to travel?
My father’s curiosity about the world was my earliest inspiration. In the 1980s, he collected National Geographic magazines, amassing an impressive collection from 1980 to 1990. Each month, we would gather to explore the latest issue, marveling at its diversity and dreaming of visiting those far-off places. Reading National Geographic together became a cherished ritual, sparking our imaginations and fostering a love for adventure.
We also enjoyed watching Jacques Cousteau’s documentaries and National Geographic’s “Blue Planet” series, which were truly mind-blowing.
Additionally, my time as a Girl Scout was influential. I learned various skills for camping, hiking, and surviving in the woods, and attended events like Camporees in Central America, the Jamboree in Chile, and camping in the Wisconsin woods, all of which kept my spirit of exploration alive.
What was the most important turning point in your professional travel career?
Relocating to the Osa Peninsula was a pivotal moment in my professional career. Transitioning from San Jose, Costa Rica’s largest city, to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, marked a significant change. I worked with the Cayuga Collection at Lapa Rios, a worldrenowned and prestigious National Geographic Ecolodge selection, and later served as the Executive Director for Caminos de Osa.
These experiences, in such remote and natural settings, were truly life-changing and profoundly influenced my professional path.
What was the most important turning point in your professional travel career?
Relocating to the Osa Peninsula was a pivotal moment in my professional career. Transitioning from San Jose, Costa Rica’s largest city, to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, marked a significant change. I worked with the Cayuga Collection at Lapa Rios, a worldrenowned and prestigious National Geographic Ecolodge selection, and later served as the Executive Director for Caminos de Osa. These experiences, in such remote and natural settings, were truly lifechanging and profoundly influenced my professional path.
How has your approach to travel evolved over the years?
My approach to travel has significantly evolved over the years. As a child, I was drawn to amusement parks, but now I avoid tourist traps, overcrowded places, and seek genuine connections and experiences. I focus on giving back to the places I visit and carefully select sustainable destinations and suppliers in each region. My trips now have a purpose, and I value the educational component of deep diving into a destination. My travel philosophy has shifted from sustainability to regeneration, emphasizing giving back, improving the communities I visit, getting involved, and fostering meaningful connections with others.