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Allie and I spent hours and hours applying for a $95,000 grant a few months ago with “girlboss.” We didn’t win. It turns out they were looking for people much further along than us in the business development process, but it was one of the most effective exercises we’ve ever partaken in. Let’s preface this by saying neither of us have ever been a part of starting a business prior to co-mads and usually, we walk into things without knowing what we’re walking into (which is a blessing AND a curse). So, the application was another one of those things we walked into blindly. It asked us to go into detail about things we had never considered before, so we had some serious details to iron out as far as the business model went. During one of our late-night brainstorming sessions, we were talking about how co-mads is truly setting a new standard of travel. In a sense, we are redefining the way people travel with innovative solutions. We started making a list of “how” co-mads is doing these things. Three major points stood out. Mindful tourism, conscious consumerism, and community impact. We agreed, these three pillars are the values that hold up co-mads. Allie said, “Three pillars…It’s a trinity…Let’s call it the trinity of modern travel,” and I was sold…she nailed it.

We’re making a bold statement by saying co-mads is setting a new standard for what it means to be a modern-day traveler. How are we setting this standard?

Traditionally, travel has been used as an escape, a chance to take your mind off of pressing personal, professional, and social issues. co-mads trips are taken with purpose, to stimulate your mind and to face these issues head on. Mindful tourism is about using travel as a way to challenge one’s own belief system, to engage with people of different backgrounds, and to embrace new cultures. This allows for personal growth. Mindful tourism is not about checking tourist destinations off your list, it’s about becoming a thoughtful and active member of the community you are exploring. co-mads fosters mindful tourism by immersing our travelers in local culture and hosting events centered on networking and thoughtful roundtable conversations in an effort to cultivate transformative change in ourselves and the community.

co-mads promotes conscious consumerism by building itineraries that support small and locally owned businesses with social missions, as well as aiming to be environmentally sustainable. Our brand is built with this value at its forefront. co-mads embodies community impact. We provide our travelers with meaningful and enriching volunteer opportunities by building mutually beneficial service partnerships with effective local nonprofit organizations and social enterprises. co-mads chooses to work on community service projects that cater to the social issues and needs that are specific to each region we are exploring.

As travel becomes more accessible, it is important to set a standard as to what it means to be a socially responsible traveler in hopes of a better world. co-mads is setting that new standard. Our trips are designed for thinkers, doers, change-makers, leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, activists, creatives, community-minded, passionate people who want to travel with a group of likeminded individuals and leave a footprint on the communities we serve and explore.

The future of travel is co-mads.

There are one billion reasons, but I’ll stick to 10 for now.

1. Trip leaders, Allie (COO) and I, are the most (self-proclaimed) hilarious, fun, dope, cool, chill, hilarious (did I say that already?) people you will ever meet. We are so excited to lead a group of people in the most incredible travel experience of their lives.

2. You will not…I REPEAT…you will not find trips like this anywhere else. We’ve searched high and low. There are no other group travel companies like co-mads. Our mission, our values, our experience, and our focus on domestic destinations are one of a kind and you won’t find another travel experience like it.

3. You don’t have to plan a thing. Just show up! We plan the whole trip for you. From the day we pick you up from the airport to the day we drop you off, we plan everything. Even during free time, we give you local recommendations as to how we think you can best spend your time!

4. Our trips are pretty much all inclusive…you will rarely will have to take out your wallet. All activities, accommodations, local transportation, most meals, etc. are included in the trip package. (See each trip itinerary for specifics as to what’s included and what’s not.)

5. We can help you find the cheapest airfare. We are very experienced in finding the cheapest airfare possible. Airfare is not part of our travel packages, but we will gladly work with you to find those deals to and from our destinations!

6. Self-growth and self-discovery are inevitable. You will make a difference in the world. Traditionally, travel has been used as an escape…a chance to take your mind off of pressing personal, professional, and social issues. co-mads trips are taken with purpose, to stimulate your mind and to face these issues head on. Each day you will explore the local underground culture of the cities we are in, you will build friendships and community with likeminded people, and we will engage in discussion on exploratory topics. Through community service projects and in supporting small, local business, you will leave a lasting impact on the communities we come in contact with. You will become one with the “travel & do good lifestyle” and we will open your eyes to a new way of travel. The communities we immerse ourselves in will grow. You will grow. Internal and external change WILL take place.

7. Grow your professional and personal networks. Our small group allows for the formation of building a foundation for strong, lifelong friendships and connections to be made over the course of the trip. Through our activities and community service projects, you’ll be able to explore commonality with fellow travelers and create a space where collaboration can be explored.

8. You will eat the best food you’ve ever had in your life. Allie and I are foodies. That’s an understatement. We typically stumble upon the best food spots when we get lost and accidentally find a local gem. Other times, we get recommendations from locals.  Either way, we always find the BEST food wherever we are. Period.

9. You never will have to wait for your friends in order to travel ever again. “I really want to travel to new cities, but none of my friends can go with me. So, I never end up going anywhere.” This is something we hear over and over again. With co-mads, you can sign up for a trip alone, but travel with a group of other cool, passionate people. Solo travel can be daunting if you’ve done it before, but traveling alone opens so many doors for self-growth, independence, and meeting amazing new people you wouldn’t have otherwise met. co-mads acts as the bridge to cross over into solo travel. You’re able to travel to a new city when you want to, not waiting for your schedule to match up with a friend.

10. You will forever be a part of the growing co-mads community. Part of the beauty of co-mads is the ability to connect with other change-makers. This will open the door for so many personal and professional opportunities down the road. “travel & do good” is a lifestyle, not a one-time trip experience. Through programming for co-mads alumni, various events, our social networks, blog, and podcast (coming soon), you’ll be part of the co-mads family for the long haul!

We can’t wait to travel & do good with you this summer!

It is my honor to introduce Kaylee Sherwin, longtime friend and the creative mind behind Visionaries in Action, VIA Plan. Despite facing some arduous obstacles along the way, Kaylee has always inspired me with her constant positivity, gratefulness, and beautiful outlook on life. VIA Plan can and will help you become the person you want to be. You’ll definitely get a good feel for her powerful energy as you read on…enjoy!

Do you remember the first time you accomplished a goal you set for yourself?

The first long term goal I remember achieving was buying my very own laptop in the 7th grade. I remember begging my parents to buy me one, only to hear them say,” if you want it, work for it”. What a genius way to make your kid do all the things you hate doing. So, I became the go-to dog poop scooper, car washer, leaf raker, back scratcher – the list goes on and on. I would literally do anything they asked for a few dollars. I had that laptop envisioned in my head and wouldn’t stop until I got it. After months and months of saving (it felt like years), I finally walked into Walmart and bought my very own Acer laptop for around $700! I felt like I was on top of the world.

I didn’t know it then, but it gave me the goal setting bug that really hasn’t stopped since. That feeling of working hard every day to get something you really want is such an amazing feeling that doesn’t occur when you receive a gift.

Fast forward to college…Like most students, I always used a planner to keep track of homework assignments, important dates, and that week’s house party theme. I never thought to use it for long term goals, or even short term goals beyond that semester. Personal goal setting is not something they taught in school, and if they did…I was definitely too busy socializing.

It wasn’t until midway through college that I created my first Vision Board. I had no idea what I was doing, or why I was doing it, I just thought it would add a little character to my 10×10 college room (and I think Oprah used to do them, so that was enough for me).

Little did I know those quotes, pictures, and written out goals motivated me so much more than I expected. I remember keeping it right next to my mirror and reviewing them every day to make sure I contributed at least a little to the goals I set for myself.

In the last few months of my undergraduate degree, I found out that I was not accepted into the only graduate program that I applied to. This doesn’t sound like a huge deal until you realize you just spent the last four years of your life working to become a Speech Language Pathologist that can only be achieved after you get your master’s degree. A realization that you literally cannot get any job in your field without that second piece of paper! I was totally crushed, but didn’t let it knock me all the way down – that turned into my new motivation! I vowed that I wouldn’t put myself in another situation that allowed someone’s thought of me to predict my future.

Shortly after, I stumbled upon a self-help book called The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It made me realize that if you take the right steps forward, you can be just as successful as anyone else! The biggest key is mastering the mundane tasks that are easy to do, but easy not to do.

I then started to perfect my routine and continued to soak up any and every bit of information about being successful. I quickly came to learn, there was always a common denominator in these books/podcasts: set goals, envision them, and hold yourself accountable until you achieve them. These books provided me more than enough resources to be successful, but not enough tools to put the thoughts into action.

That’s when I turned back to my Vision Board! I started to add more and more to it and broke it down into sections labeled: Now, Soon, Future, and Motivation. I filled those sections in with as much detail that I could possibly think of. I wrote out all my life long goals, my official Bucket List, and short sayings that held enough meaning to keep me motivated. This bulletin board was organized, intentional, and filled with the pictures that I chose, not just any old pictures from a magazine. I didn’t know it then, but I was creating a tool that would not only help myself but also help all the people out there looking to achieve their goals too!

This Vision Board then turned into a well thought out 12 month VIA Plan.

One of my main goals on my VIA Plan was to find my dream job! I had no clue what I wanted to do but I knew that if I wrote the qualities of the job down, the Law of Attraction would work in my favor and make these things be a part of my daily duties. So I went to my VIA Plan and wrote down these qualities I needed in a dream job.

1. Helping people become better: Since I spent the last 4 years of my life preparing to help people speak, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up a helping profession. Growing up with a grandfather who was a paraplegic and couldn’t speak, it was normal to see my family hold up a sign for him to scan with his eyes and create conversations. I was amazed at how a simple sheet of paper, love, and commitment could change a person’s life! I always dreamed to do the same for someone else one day, in his honor.
2. Ability to Travel: This was huge once I started to travel to new places with friends and family, my bucket list just kept getting longer and longer. Traveling is so good for the soul and helps you realize there is a whole other world outside of your little bubble that you need to take into consideration every day. I knew my job would either allow me to travel for work or provide me the financial resources to do so.
3. Money!: One of my main goals was to make more money than I would have made as a Speech Pathologist. It is just one of those personal goals to let myself know those professors couldn’t take that away from me. I read in ‘You are a Badass at Making Money’, that you should not be afraid to write your money goals down. Don’t feel ashamed to ask the universe for that cash flow so you can spend it on the people and things you love!
4. Collaboration with like-minded people: I truly love teamwork and sharing each other’s passions to benefit a collective audience. There is power in numbers, and being in a job that builds on other people successes will always result in a positive outcome.

Spoiler Alert!

This goal has been accomplished! After years of searching for my dream job, I now have created VIA Plan as my side business and also landed a full-time job in sales, that combine all the things above.

Here are all the things that VIA Plan has given to me, and I hope will give to you too.

VIA Plan has helped me stay positive on the days when I felt more sadness than happiness. The days when the loss of loved ones weighed heavy on my heart, I was able to see their faces and hear them tell me to get up and be happy. Your motivators should be strong, so even on the hardest days, you remember why you were put on this earth.

VIA Plan has helped me travel to places and make memories that I will cherish forever. I was able to set financial goals to allow myself to check those places on my Bucket List. VIA Plan helped me see how much money I needed to save over the long run, and break that down into small achievable tasks. Let me tell you, once you step off the plane in your dream vacation that you worked hard to save for- it’s like buying a laptop in 7th grade on steroids.

Huge tip I learned about saving for vacations: evaluate your spending! Break down that $400 flight over 6 months, that’s $2.30 a day. DON’T BUY THE COFFEE AND YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR A FLIGHT! Sorry to yell, but it is so much easier than you think. I hear people all the time say they cannot afford to travel, but post a photo of their Starbucks every day. Be smart and intentional with your actions!

VIA Plan has helped me collaborate with like-minded people/companies like co-mads! People who know their values, passions, and purpose in this world, and work every day to show that. There is a special feeling when you get encouragement from people you care about. The Law of Attraction states that the energy you put out into the world, is the energy you receive. Be intentional with the people you surround yourself with. Enjoy the talents they are sharing with you, and help them to achieve their goals.

VIA Plan has helped me land an amazing job at a company in Boston, MA doing something I never knew I was good at until I went into the unknown and tried. VIA Plan has taught me to be brave and try new things. Thomas Jefferson said it best, “if you want something you never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done”.

Above all, VIA Plan gave me the power of that single sheet of paper, just like the one my Grandpa used to communicate. VIA Plan is a tool that gives people the power to communicate their goals with their future self, motivation to achieve them, and the ability to see themselves living that amazing life. I may not be a licensed Speech Pathologist, but I truly believe VIA Plan has the capability to change lives!

Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be writing this guest blog post for co-mads without VIA Plan! I am so happy to share my story with you, in hopes to someday hear your VIA Plan success story.

So, where can you find VIA Plan?

Head to viaplan.org to order your digital copy of the 12-month VIA plan! I would absolutely love to hear your goals, visions, and motivators, so feel free to contact me at Kaylee.viaplan@gmail.com. Enjoy the free VIA plan Eguide that gives you step by step instructions on how to start your very first VIA Plan!

If you are interested in some of the self-help books that motivated me to create VIA plan, keep an eye out for a “Book Recommendation” blog post coming soon on viaplan.org/blog.

Follow us on Instagram for more blog and VIA Plan updates!

Thank you to co-mads, for letting me share my story! Enjoy creating your VIA Plan and hope to see you on a co-mad trips in the future!

Always,

Kaylee

We are so excited to introduce Racquel Knighton, our FIRST guest blogger! We asked Racquel to write for us, as she lives the co-mads ‘travel & do good’ lifestyle. Racquel spends her time between South Carolina and New York, and has traveled far and wide. She works in social media management and writes an incredible blog (definitely worth the follow), “In Between Dreams.”

Thrown in to this world of travel by chance, Racquel is passionate about experiencing all life has to offer. 

IG: @racquel_marie_

1. Bring a vacuum sealed water bottle

This was a GAME CHANGER on my recent trip to Italy in August. Not only did these water bottles keep our water COLD all day, I didn’t have to buy water, or worry about them leaking in my bag. There were plenty of fresh water fountains in town so I filled up every chance I got. Why didn’t you just buy water when you were there? you ask, well, I did a few times until I took the time to look at the bottles closely, in some countries their bottled water has added SODIUM! Crazy right? From then on I was a huge fan of my reusable water bottle, and it helped the environment! There’s no need to go spend a lot of money on a top brand one either, I got mine for less than $20 and it was great! 

Manna Vogue Metallic Stainless Steel Insulated 17 Ounce Water Bottle

2. Packing Cubes

If the thought of packing for a trip stresses you out like it does me, packing cubes may help. At first these didn’t make sense to me, I thought “why would I add unnecessary weight to my bag?” Once I purchased them and began loading them up I totally understood why they were such a great product. Packing cubes help keep track of what you’re packing in a very organized way. I chose to pack mine by type of clothing and it worked out great. Instead of having to rummage through your suitcase looking for what you need and creating a mess, you simply just look in each cube and these ones have see through sides so you don’t even have to unzip them! They are designed to fit perfectly stacked in many travel bags.

BAGAIL 7-Pcs Lightweight Luggage Packing Organizers Packing Cubes for Travel Accessories  (Black)

3. Earn Points

Make sure you are taking advantage of credit card point systems to cover flight and hotel expenses. There are many great programs out there offering discounted travel and you’re earning these points with money you are spending everyday. A card I really like that has a great welcome bonus is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. This card offers double the points on travel expenses and dining while also offering a 25% discount when you use your points to book travel through Chase.

Chase Sapphire Preferred 

4. Red Eye Flights

There are perks to catching a red eye (over night) flight for sure! I especially like to book red eyes for long flights because I’m usually tired enough to fall asleep for a few hours making the time go by faster. Recently on a 7 hour flight I took melatonin just before we took off and I slept a few solid hours on the plane. By the time we landed I felt refreshed and ready to explore but the best part was the day was just beginning too! Red eye flights are generally cheaper also! Win win!

5. Blanket Scarf

If it is chilly enough out to wear a blanket scarf do it! A blanket scarf is a scarf that is large enough to be worn as a blanket. Flights get chilly and I assure you… you DO NOT want to utilize the blankets that the air service provides. They are NOT cleaned even though they seem like it because it is presented to you in a sealed plastic bag. Wrap yourself in your own blanket scarf…or blanket! The blanket scarf is just a great piece because it can be worn as a scarf, poncho, wrap, or used as a blanket!

Bess Bridal Women’s Plaid Blanket Winter Scarf Warm Cozy Tartan Wrap Oversized Shawl Cape

6. Tipping

If you’re traveling in a European country be sure to do your research on the area and proper etiquette regarding leaving a tip. It is common in the US to tip 20% of the total for services. However, in most European countries it is proper to only tip when the service is exceptional, meaning tips are not at all expected.

7. Phrases

If you’re traveling to a new place where they speak a different language, you should be sure to research and learn a few phrases such as: “Hello” “How are you?” “Please” “Thank You” “Where is…” “May I have…” “Do you speak English?” etc. This is a friendly gesture especially when you are out to eat or hopping in Ubers frequently. A great app is “Google Translate”, download this before you go in case you are in a situation involving a language barrier. This app can translate spoken word or typed.

8. Outlet Adapters

Before you leave the country be sure to take the time to research what type of outlets they have. It’s really a bummer showing up to a hotel and not being able to plug in your laptop or curling iron. If this does happen to you, the front desk at your hotel might have a few extras that other people have left behind, it’s always worth a shot to ask. Also, many TVs have USB plugs in the back of them so that offers an option for a phone or watch charger. 

9. Cash or Credit Abroad?

When traveling abroad there are a couple of different options when paying for things. First, always be sure to call your bank & credit card companies and alert them of your travel plans, this puts a note on your account so they don’t get locked for what looks like fraudulent charges. Second, when using a debit or credit card machine always choose the foreign currency option over the USD option, the exchange rates are much less through your bank/credit card provider. Same goes for cash, it’s cheaper, if not free, if you utilize an ATM rather than exchanging a large sum of USD for the foreign currency. There is a hefty exchange fee when you visit the currency exchange desks. And lastly, to be on the safe side in the event your credit cards go missing during your trip be sure to take a photo of them on your phone/email or have the information saved so you can easily lock up the accounts. (same goes for your passport!)

10. Go Off the Beaten Path

If you’re in a foreign country take some time to “go off the beaten path”, meaning, get away from the touristy places and get yourself some authentic cuisine. It’s tempting to go to the first restaurant you see after a long tour or travel day but you’ll enjoy your meal more if it’s made by the hands of a local who takes pride in their craft. Same goes for shopping and such, there’s better things out there than overpriced knick knacks that every gift shop has.

Community service has been a pillar of my life since age eight. Below are three organizations that have helped shape the person I am today. They have changed the way I look at life and the way I choose to live my life. The people I’ve encountered throughout these journeys are the fuel that has led to the fire that is co-mads.

Best Buddies International

As Program Manager, I had been able to see first-hand the impact that Best Buddies has on the lives of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. I’ve had parents write me letters, call, and give me hugs to thank me for giving their child the opportunity to have friends. Imagine having to thank someone for helping their child be included and accepted by their peers…

I was recognized as Program Manager of the Year in 2016. This is one of the proudest achievement of my professional life.

The DREAM Program

Very few experiences have impacted my life the way being a mentor to Ahmed had. DREAM allows Ahmed to be a child, to be playful, to let loose, to learn that there is more to life than the struggles his family faces as refugees living in an affordable housing community in America. We give these children experiences they could never have had without our program. We open their eyes to new cultures, different ideas, help them create goals and give them the resources they need to succeed. 

MEDLIFE

While in college, I traveled to Lima, Peru to help set up free medical clinics in Pamplona Alta. I feel that the word ‘impoverished’ is an understatement when it comes to describing this community. I educated women on the importance of cervical cancer screenings, as it is the number one cause of death amongst Peruvian women. Imagine being subject to such invasive testing after receiving little to no healthcare in the past.

If only you could’ve felt the warmness and gratitude these people showered us with, despite their misfortunes, it would surely allow you to look on your life and your opportunities in a way that would change you on a molecular level. These are the types of experiences co-mads hopes to bring you face to face with.

If you are looking to learn more about these organizations and/or how to become involved as a volunteer, sponsor, etc. please reach out to me directly, gabby@co-mads.com. I would love to connect you.