About the Founder

Kirsten Sheppard is the founder of Travel Well Collective, a boutique travel advisory service born from a simple belief: how we travel matters just as much as where we go. With more than 20 years in international education and a Master’s in International Education, Kirsten has spent her career creating meaningful global experiences. Her work has always centered on connection—between people, cultures, and purpose. Today, she brings that same heart to her clients, collaborating to design intentional journeys that reflect who they are and what they need—whether it’s adventure, rest, fun, or something deeper. Every trip is rooted in the philosophy of what it means to truly travel well.

Value of Travel Well Collective

The value of working with me at Travel Well Collective, goes far beyond booking.  We design experiences with thoughtful planning, reliable support and intention.  

Whether you’re interested in river or ocean cruises, group getaways, or independent journeys, I curate experiences for families, multi-generational, adventure, expedition, and solo travelers. I work closely with you to provide the antidote to the time-consuming and often stressful process of travel planning, to ensure your next adventure is seamless and memorable!

From the first consultation to your safe return home, every detail is handled with care so you can travel well, live fully, and connect deeply.


When You Travel with Us, You Receive:

  • 24/7 Travel Support, so you’re never navigating alone
  • Fully Customized Itinerary Design, tailored to your interests, pace and preferences
  • Real-Time Travel App Access, centralizing all trip details and updates
  • Professional Advocacy, should disruptions or emergencies arise
  • Complete Booking Management, including flights, accommodations, & activities
  • Deep Destination Knowledge, informed by ongoing education and trusted partnerships
  • Documentation Guidance, including passport, visa and health entry requirements
  • Ongoing Consultation & Support, before, during, and after your journey


Why a hummingbird?

At Travel Well Collective, the hummingbird is more than just a logo - it’s a symbol of how we believe travel should feel: purposeful, joyful, and transformative.

Tiny but powerful, the hummingbird travels thousands of miles on sheer instinct and heart. It moves with grace, can fly in any direction (even backward!) and always seeks out life’s sweetness. Across cultures, it represents resilience, adaptability, joy, and presenceall qualities we believe define what it means to travel well.

To travel well is to move with intention. To explore with curiosity. To connect deeply - with cultures, communities, and yourself.

We’re also inspired by a story often told by environmentalist Wangari Maathai:
When a forest fire breaks out, all the animals flee—except the hummingbird, who carries drops of water in its beak, trying to put out the flames. When the others say, “What are you doing? It’s not enough,” the hummingbird replies, “I’m doing what I can.”

That’s the heart of our mission:
Travel that’s intentional. Impact that’s meaningful. Joy in every drop.


And this is how we travel well.