Our Journey
The story of maptheworld and the dreamers behind it
Where It All Began
It started with a chance meeting on a misty mountain trail in Nepal. Sarah, a seasoned traveler seeking new perspectives, and Michael, a hospitality expert exploring ancient cultures, found themselves sharing shelter during an unexpected rainstorm.
As they waited out the storm, they discovered a shared frustration: travel experiences that felt manufactured and disconnected from the authentic heart of destinations. That rainy afternoon in the Himalayas, the seed of maptheworld was planted.
"What if we could create journeys that truly connect people with places?" Sarah had asked. Michael's eyes lit up. "Not just seeing a place, but feeling it, living it, being transformed by it."
Our Mission
At maptheworld, we don't just plan trips—we craft stories waiting to be lived. Our mission goes beyond showing you the world; we aim to help you become part of it, even if just for a moment.
We believe travel should leave both the traveler and the destination better than before. Every journey we design is an opportunity for connection, understanding, and positive impact.
When Sarah and Michael returned from Nepal, they carried more than memories—they brought back a vision for travel that honors local cultures, supports communities, and creates moments of genuine wonder.
Our Journey
The First Step
2010
With savings, passion, and a small office in Sarah's apartment, maptheworld launched with just three carefully crafted journeys to places our founders knew intimately.
Growing Through Stories
2015
Word spread through the stories our travelers brought home. Five years in, our small team had grown to twelve passionate individuals, and our destinations spanned five continents.
The Challenge
2020
When global travel paused, we pivoted to virtual experiences and supported our global partners. This challenge revealed our resilience and deepened our commitment to responsible tourism.
Today's Chapter
Present
Now, maptheworld connects curious souls with over 50 destinations worldwide. Our approach remains the same: authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and journeys that become part of your life story.
The Dreamers Behind maptheworld
Meet the founders who turned a rainy day conversation into a global travel experience
Sarah Johnson
CEO & Founder
With over 15 years in the travel industry, Sarah founded maptheworld with a vision to create authentic travel experiences that connect people with the world's most extraordinary places. Her own transformative journey through Southeast Asia in her twenties sparked a lifelong passion for helping others discover the world's hidden gems.
Michael Chen
Co-Founder & Head of Operations
Michael met Sarah during a trek in Nepal, where they discovered their shared dream of creating meaningful travel experiences. With his background in hospitality management, Michael ensures that every maptheworld journey runs smoothly, from the initial planning stages to on-the-ground logistics.
Our Growing Family
The passionate storytellers who help bring our vision to life
Emily Rodriguez
Lead Travel Designer
Emily joined maptheworld after a chance meeting with Sarah in a small café in Bali. She combines her passion for exploration with meticulous attention to detail to craft unique itineraries that showcase the best each destination has to offer.
David Kim
Customer Experience Manager
David discovered maptheworld as a client first, falling in love with our approach to travel. Now, he's dedicated to ensuring every traveler receives the same personalized service and support that won him over, making each maptheworld experience truly exceptional.
The Principles That Guide Our Journey
Values we've carried since that rainy day in Nepal
Authentic Connection
"Travel is meaningless without connection," Sarah often says. We design every experience to foster genuine interactions with places, cultures, and people.
Responsible Impact
Michael's commitment to sustainability shapes our approach. We partner with local communities, minimize environmental footprints, and ensure tourism benefits those who welcome us.
Transformative Experiences
We believe travel should change you. Our journeys are designed not just to show you new places, but to offer new perspectives that stay with you long after you return home.
Attention to Detail
From the perfect local guide to the ideal moment to visit a landmark, we obsess over the details so you can immerse yourself fully in the experience.