Interview with Purposeful Nomad founder

This past spring the talented travel blogger Brianne Miers of A Traveling Life interviewed Caitlin Murray, owner of Purposeful Nomad.

Brianne is an avid blogger who focuses on local, unique and sustainable experiences around the globe. She has spent a good portion of her life learning and traveling the globe all while continuing to write both for personal and professional endeavors. Brianne is now a part of Purposeful Nomads Ambassador program.

Caitlin at Lake Quilotoa in Ecuador

Caitlin at Lake Quilotoa in Ecuador

Excerpt from interview:

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR PURPOSEFUL NOMAD?

We started Purposeful Nomad to connect people with vetted programs and organizations, so there’s a positive impact on both sides. We really wanted to rewrite what community engagement looks like by not having it be something glossed over for tourists.

Planting seeds at Taino Farm in the DR

Planting seeds at Taino Farm in the DR

We also saw a lack of programs that offered a blend of activities. We saw women’s biking, women’s wine tours and just volunteering, and Jess and I like to do all these things. We love having a beach day, but we also like to go work on a farm. We enjoy homestays, but sometimes we want to go zen out at a spa. 

Tourism has such a negative connotation – and rightfully so – but what we are trying to do is rewrite the language, and make tourism a positive force in the world. It really does change people, and I believe for the better.

Photography course in Cuba

Photography course in Cuba

Learning to sew in India

Learning to sew in India

Yoga in the DR

Yoga in the DR