The journey began as a young child, when my family went “off the beaten path” to places such as Haiti, other parts of the Caribbean, and Europe to explore our roots, all to meet and learn about local people and cultures, to personally connect with the destination.
Meet Melinda, the “heart” of With Heart Travel
From a young age, I was immersed in travel that celebrated connection. My parents took me beyond the usual tourist paths, where we engaged deeply with local cultures and communities. These formative experiences instilled in me a lifelong passion for discovery, humanity, and the power of shared experiences.
That passion led me to become a teacher and, in 2001, co-found the CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC), a school rooted in learning through real-world experiences. I also became certified as a Level One Kingian Nonviolence trainer, working under Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., and continue to teach others how to live and lead with reverence and respect through my work with the CT Center for Nonviolence.
Travel, to me, is a powerful pathway to opening hearts and minds. When we engage with people across cultures and backgrounds, we begin to truly see one another. Through these shared experiences, we build understanding, compassion, and connection—seeds that can grow into lasting relationships and deeper awareness of our shared humanity.
That’s the heart behind With Heart Travel. I pour myself into crafting custom journeys that reflect who you are and what matters to you. I listen deeply, get to know you, and use my trusted network of partners around the world to create travel experiences that are immersive, meaningful, and often transformational.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, connection, or a deeper purpose in your travels, I’m here to help you go beyond the expected—and travel with heart.
You bring the dream—I’ll handle the planning. Together, we’ll create something memorable and truly you.
