Joe Staiano, Founder
Welcome! I am so happy you found our site and decided to take a look. To say that I am passionate about this industry is an understatement. I bring two decades of experience in responsible and adventure travel and personal destination knowledge spanning 75 countries on 7 continents to Meaningful Trip. Over the years I’ve created tours, guided and worked on responsible tourism efforts in Africa, Asia and Latin America. I speak often at industry conferences; most recently: Eco and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), International Conference on Responsible Tourism (ICRT) and Traveler’s Philanthropy conference.
I founded Meaningful Trip so travelers can make a difference and give back while enjoying a well-deserved vacation. In addition to providing the best in sights, activity, culture and comforts, our journeys address and lend support to global development issues (women’s empowerment, education, health, poverty-alleviation and social justice). Support is also given to programs addressing hunger and poverty right here in the USA.
I believe that meaningful travel can change the world! I am passionate about the power that meaningful travel has in affecting positive economic, environmental and social development. More importantly, we are creating an awareness, dialog and engagement on important issues in our everyday lives.
At home in Seattle, I am involved in the non-profit community. I volunteer with International Refugee Committee, and Sierra Club Inner City Outings. At play, my favorite thing is kayaking… among whales! I am so very, very lucky and blessed – not just for all my travels and for all I have – but for all the countless peoples, hearts and smiles that have touched and continue to touch my soul.
Meet some of our team here. And also check out our international partners and guides pages as well.
Sarah Horrigan
Volunteer Support
Sarah’s career has spanned teaching Oceanography to overseeing State Department international programs. Since moving to Seattle Sarah has volunteered at non-profit Global Washington and with us at Meaningful Trip; and for that we are most appreciated.
Kate Walling and Laura Kimball
Social Media
Thank you so much to Kate Walling and Laura Kimball of Scrappy Face for providing assistance on social media strategy and for guidance, mentoring and general awesomeness!
Nancy Harrison
Outreach and Public Affairs
Nancy is founder of Adventure Media and an expert at media relations. She teaches PR to groups such as The International Ecotourism Society, the Adventure Travel World Summit and many more. Nancy only started adventuring at the age of 40 when she learned to ski, whitewater raft and horseback ride… you GO Nancy!
Small Potatoes
Website Design
Thank you to the The Small Potatoes for web design and technological expertise. The Small Potatoes is a customer owned web design agency providing services to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the Pacific and Inland Northwest.