We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mandy Picchiottino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mandy, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Anthony Bourdain remains an enduring influence on me as a travel professional due to his unparalleled knack for connecting with people on a profound human level. His ability to uncover common ground with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures was nothing short of remarkable. Bourdain’s genuine curiosity and respect for the communities he encountered during his travel adventures set a standard for authentic, immersive travel experiences. His approach to storytelling through food and culture has inspired me to seek deeper connections with the people I meet while exploring the world, fostering a richer appreciation for the tapestry of human experiences that travel can offer. Bourdain’s legacy continues to remind me that travel is not just about places; it’s about the people who make those places come alive.

One memorable moment that stands out was on an episode from his show “Parts Unknown.”

During his trip to Vietnam, Bourdain visited a small, family-run pho restaurant in Hanoi. Instead of just ordering food and eating, he took the time to sit down with the restaurant owners, share stories, and learn about their lives. Through a translator, he communicated with the elderly owner of the establishment, who had been making pho for decades.

As they chatted and shared a meal, Bourdain discovered that the owner had lived through the Vietnam War and had endured many hardships. Despite the challenges, she remained dedicated to her craft and her family’s restaurant.

The lesson learned from this interaction with Anthony Bourdain is the importance of taking the time to connect with people on a deeper level while traveling. Bourdain didn’t just see the food as a commodity; he saw it as a doorway to understanding and appreciating the culture and history of the people who prepared it. By engaging in meaningful conversations and showing genuine interest in their lives, he not only enjoyed incredible meals but also gained a profound insight into the human experiences of those he encountered.

This example reminds us that travel is not just about ticking off tourist attractions; it’s about forging connections and learning from the people and places we encounter along the way. Anthony Bourdain’s approach to travel encourages us to be open-minded, curious, and respectful towards the cultures and individuals we meet on our journeys, as there is so much more to discover beneath the surface.

Mandy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I initially entered the travel world with the intention of bringing enriching opportunities to my students. I believed that exposing them to different cultures and experiences could broaden their horizons and foster personal growth. Over the years, my involvement in the travel industry evolved significantly.

Initially, I hired large tour companies to organize educational trips and cultural exchanges for my students, but quickly grew frustrated at how “cookie-cutter” the itineraries were and how many limitations were placed in the way of those goals. I wanted my students to have transformative experiences so they could understand the world and their place in it and it just wasn’t happening at the Eiffel Towers and London Bridges of the world.

As time went on, I realized that travel could be so much more than the destinations and the sightseeing we were doing with these other companies; it was about connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and leaving these destinations with a genuine understanding of what life was like for the people that called them home. I started to shift my trips to a more local focus–attempting to foster meaningful interactions between my travelers and locals. I encouraged my travelers to culturally immerse themselves in cultures we visited–engaging with real communities, farms, and local families that weren’t in the tourism industry.

While we have evolved through the years to a more adult-centered tour company, the lessons my students helped me discover remain at the core of my travel philosophy. It’s the universal human connections that transcend borders and differences. Despite the diversity of the languages, customs, and believes, people share common values, dreams, and emotions. These realizations not only enrich our lives but also connect us to each other and a deeper part of ourselves, promoting empathy, tolerance, and global citizenship–things that we all agree, make our world a better place.

My journey in the travel industry transformed from simply offering trips to facilitating transformative experiences that connect people on a profound level. Today, my travelers continue to explore the world, not just as tourists, but as global citizens seeking the common threads that bind humanity together.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Running our travel business during the COVID-19 pandemic was an unparalleled challenge. The world essentially came to a standstill, with international borders closing, flights being grounded, and travelers opting to stay home to prioritize their safety. The unprecedented nature of the pandemic left us grappling with uncertainty and constantly adapting to ever-changing regulations and guidelines. The financial strain was immense as we faced massive tour cancellations. To make matters worse, many of the hotels, flights, and vendors we’d hired kept the money we had paid for services we never received. Simultaneously, we had the ethical responsibility to reimburse travelers who had booked their dream vacations but weren’t able to travel at no fault of their own. Balancing these financial obligations while trying to keep our business afloat was a daunting task that required creative solutions and unwavering determination to weather the storm.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word-of-mouth referrals are undoubtedly the most potent source of new travelers for our business. When people who have traveled with us recommend our services to their friends, family, and acquaintances, it carries a level of trust and authenticity that no marketing campaign can match. These referrals are a testament to the exceptional experiences travelers have had with us, creating a ripple effect of positive recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals not only bring in new travelers but also foster a sense of community and loyalty, reinforcing this amazing travel family we’ve worked so hard to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.landandseetours.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/land_and_see_tours
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/landandseetours
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-picchiottino-22674113a/