interview with the founder
Purposeful Nomad all started with the journey of Founder Caitlin Murray. We sat down and asked Caitlin some questions about that journey and about her vision for this unique and exciting approach to travel.
What made you want to found a travel company?
I spent a lot of time solo traveling and was always surprised to see few women traveling on their own and even fewer women from the States out there. The idea that great things happen when women are given opportunities to grow, evolve and improve is something I whole-heartedly agree with. Women can be faced with greater challenges that can inhibit the freedom and confidence to travel so I wanted to create a platform that supports getting women out into the world and connecting with the greater global community.
What’s most important to you when you travel?
The top elements that are important to me when I travel are what I also try to pepper into each itinerary with PN. No matter if I am taking a relaxing beach vacay or embarking on a more rigorous journey I always like to create time and space for self-care, adventure, and community connection. Oh and FUN. Gotta have fun.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your travels?
Learn how not to try and take too much on. This is something I am still working at as it is my personality to want to know and see everything. I find that when I become too oversaturated, over scheduled and over stimulated I begin to stop caring about what I am doing and slowly shut down. Having days where you do nothing but sip coffee or lay in bed IS PERFECTLY OK. The philosophy that each trip needs to filled from morning until night really prohibits our ability to slow down and take things in at a realistic pace. Oh, the spontaneous and random things that can happen when you put down your schedule!
How did you feel the first time you went on a solo trip?
Not gonna lie- I was definitely nervous. I first time I was ever truly alone in my travels was when I flew from Buenos Aire to Patagonia. I was ready to spread my wings and prove to myself that I could survive on my own. The word "alone" definitely held a different weight in Patagonia. Its like the walls of the world just fell away and there I standing solo, like a defenseless mouse waiting to be scooped up by an eagle. It was like "being alone" bootcamp and quite frankly it was super uncomfortable- at first. I slowly began to enjoy not having to communicate with someone else 24/7. I grew braver in my decision making- (yes, I will take that 36 hour bus ride) and more confident at grabbing a table for one. After a month by myself I felt more growth and strength than I had ever felt before. I was blazing my own damn trail and it felt incredible.
What has running PurPoseful nomad taught you?
That making mistakes and things not working out is THE BEST time to learn about your business. Knowing what doesn't work is just as valuable, if not more, then learning what does work. I have learned not to take these mistakes so personally and roll with the punches. That is hard to do when its your business and you feel so emotionally attached to it. Some advice I have picked up along the way that really changed my perception and helped alleviate some of the pressure, was don't let your business become your identity. It's important to be able to separate yourself from it not only for your own wellbeing and sanity but also allows you to operate from a more practical standpoint and not wholly an emotional one.
What was the most powerful moment you’ve had with locals during a PN tour? How did it change the way you view travel, women and the world?
Hands down the most powerful moment I have had on a PN tour yet was participating in the Women's Day March in Jodphur, India where we marched alongside hundreds of Indian women: young and old. Women in India have historically not had an easy time to say the least but their voices are being heard and things are starting to change. The march was organized by the non-profit we partner with, Sambhali Trust, and it gives these women an incredible opportunity to let their voices be heard and to be PROUD to be a woman. It was truly moving to see such joy, pain and perseverance in the face of those who marched. Being there and feeling all that power humbled me greatly and has only solidified my view that the world has so much to teach us. If we put ourselves in the position to be the student rather than the teacher, those opportunities to understand other cultures, learn more about ourselves and make real connections with other people are more accessible. I also believe that this openness to learn makes the traveler/tourist/visitor more approachable
What is the future of PN? What do you want to accomplish?
The future of PN is to continue to be a leading example that travel can and will positively change the world if done with integrity and respect. My idea is to continue to build trips that connect travelers to a more intimate and authentic side of the destinations we choose to visit. I hope to offer family-focused itineraries as well as build out curated private trips for those looking for a more connective and meaningful experience. The heart and soul of PN is all of the wonderful and gracious partners we work with all around the world. I want my efforts to continue to support and build awareness for all those individuals and organizations doing amazing work in their communities through spreading those tourism dollars in a more fair and sustainable way.