About Us
Our mission is to help curious travelers discover the world through creative, joyful, and experiential adventures that serve as a positive force for our planet. We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship, carefully curating experiences filled with remarkable moments that recalibrate perspective and perforate the daily routine, awakening us to the world.
Crafted for connection
We understand that every traveler is unique in their own right, each with a wide range of curiosities, hopes, and goals. Some seek the monuments of humanity from Rome to Machu Picchu, others the wonders of a wildlife safari in Africa or the Galapagos, or the tranquility of nature’s cathedrals from the reefs of the South Pacific to the rainforest canopies of South America.
Whatever draws you, we craft your journey from scratch with respect for your interests, grounded in the belief that the world is a better place when we aren’t strangers to one another.
At the heart of our work is cultural understanding, ecological respect, and the conviction that sustainable travel begins with how we show up in a place — not just where we go.
Intentional Travel Experiences
We’re not a traditional travel agent pushing pre-made itineraries. We're a high-touch travel consultant who listens first, then designs your custom travel plan through careful research, long-standing local partnerships, and a deep knowledge of global destinations.
Whether you’re seeking human connection, cultural immersion, or a transformative adventure outside your comfort zone, we help you move through the world with clarity, purpose, and care.
I’m Darcie, Founder of Painted Dog Travel.
I’ve spent more than twenty years working across the travel, conservation, and cultural-heritage space — partnering with guides, researchers, artists, conservationists, and community leaders around the world. My background blends field experience, cultural study, a specialization in wildlife, and long-standing relationships built through time on the ground rather than from behind a screen.
These career experiences include two decades of customized nature and adventure travel planning where I grew from operations and adventure guide to director of sales into business owner. My travel industry history has also included guiding and escorting over 55 group tours to worldwide destinations including India, Botswana, Zambia, Fiji, and Mexico.
These partnerships help me match travelers with experiences that feel real, grounded, and aligned with the values of sustainable travel. My role is simple: help you navigate complexity, interpret the noise, and creatively curate an international adventure that reflects who you are and what you care about.
No quotas. No hollow luxury. No generic packages. Just thoughtful design, respectful connection, and meaningful global exploration.
