Travel as a Calling: Leadership, Advocacy, and the Business of Meaningful Travel
How a Lifelong Passion for Travel Became a Mission to Transform the Way Accomplished Professionals Experience the World
Travel has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—but leadership, advocacy, and responsibility have shaped how I approach it as a business. Some of my earliest memories are of exploring new places with my parents, learning how different cultures live, eat, celebrate, and connect. What began as childhood curiosity grew into a lifelong passion—one that ultimately shaped my career and sense of purpose.
At 28, I embarked on a trip around the world with a lifelong friend. That journey changed me profoundly. Travel isn’t just about destinations or itineraries; it’s about perspective. It’s about slowing down enough to truly experience a place and returning home with a deeper understanding of the world—and yourself.
Why This Matters Now
In a world of constant digital noise and instant gratification, professionals increasingly crave experiences that feel intentional, enriching, and well-supported. Thoughtful travel becomes a tool for renewal, perspective, and leadership growth—a way to expand your horizons while being fully present.
From Organization to Advocacy
Before launching my travel business, I worked in high-level administration in Washington, D.C., supporting U.S. Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr., and later serving senior leadership at Warburg Pincus. Those experiences honed my organizational skills, attention to detail, and—most importantly—my ability to advocate for others.
Those same skills now form the backbone of my work as a travel advisor. At Cathie’s Connections, I don’t simply book trips—I design experiences and serve as a trusted advocate for my clients before, during, and after travel.
Why Thoughtful Travel Matters
Travel planning often seems simple—but when something goes wrong, the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one becomes clear. Flights are canceled, hotels don’t meet expectations, or deals turn into expensive lessons. My role is to remove that stress, bringing expertise, insider knowledge, and personalized guidance to every itinerary. Whether it’s a luxury European river cruise, a multi-generational family journey, or a solo traveler seeking enrichment, my goal is the same: seamless, meaningful travel aligned with each client’s needs, budget, and pace.
A Special Love for Cruising
River cruising holds a special place in my heart. It blends comfort, culture, and connection. Unpacking once while waking up in a new destination each day allows travelers to fully immerse themselves without feeling rushed. For many clients, river cruising becomes a gateway to confident international travel—relaxing yet enriching, social yet intimate.
Service Beyond the Booking
What sets my business apart is advocacy. Travel doesn’t always go as planned, and when challenges arise, my clients know they’re not alone. I am there to problem-solve, support, and protect their investment—something no algorithm or booking engine can replicate. I’m also committed to inclusive travel, certified to assist travelers with special needs and mobility considerations, ensuring accessibility, dignity, and joy for all.
Redefining Success Through Experience
As a woman entrepreneur, success isn’t measured solely in numbers—it’s measured in trust, repeat clients, and stories of unforgettable journeys. It’s seeing a client fully cared for, or watching someone experience a destination they once thought was out of reach. Thoughtful travel transforms how we see the world—and how we see ourselves.
“Thoughtful travel is leadership in action: it requires vision, empathy, planning, and accountability—qualities that define meaningful success in any industry.” My mission is to help others experience that transformation with confidence, clarity, and joy. When travel is done thoughtfully, it becomes more than a vacation. It becomes a lasting memory, a meaningful connection, and sometimes, a turning point.
About the Author
Cathie Sekendur is the founder of Cathie’s Connections, a luxury travel advisory specializing in European travel, river cruising, and curated global experiences. With a background in high-level administration in Washington, D.C., and decades of firsthand travel experience, she is known for meticulous planning, client advocacy, and a deeply personal approach to travel. Cathie helps accomplished professionals experience the world with confidence, clarity, and ease.
