Meet Annie Sisson: Indie Travel Consultant and Educator
Meet Annie Sisson: Indie Travel Consultant, Educator, and Founder of Into the Bold
I had the pleasure of meeting Annie while working at an event a few years ago, and then again when a mutual friend invited us to a business mastermind group.
She’s one of the best souls I know, and I’m endlessly in awe of her brilliance with all things travel and inspired by the adventures she takes around the world. She’s a perfect representation of someone who found their passion and purpose and organized their life and work around it, helping others expand through exploration.
Annie also created a truly unique and supportive space for travelers called the Indie Travel Collective with travel planning resources, discounts and exclusive events, and a community of like-minded independent travelers! I love this space and can’t recommend it enough. Let’s dive in so you can get to know her better…
Who are you, what do you do, and who do you serve?
I help fiercely independent travelers see Europe on their own terms. I fell in love with international travel back in 2008 and have been planning trips for myself and others ever since. It’s all about having authentic experiences and connecting with your destinations without someone else’s agenda driving your trip.
What does purpose mean to you, and how does your work allow you to live yours more fully?
Purpose means using my gifts and talents in ways that bring joy to myself and others! My work allows me to share what I’m passionate about — the power of stepping out of our bubbles and seeing what else is out there — and do more exploring myself.
It’s a wonderful symbiotic relationship—I travel because it brings me joy, then I get to share the experiences and lessons with others so they can find that same joy for themselves!
What challenges have you faced that shaped who you are and your work in the world? How did you overcome them, and what did you learn?
In my early 20s, I found myself in an abusive relationship living a thousand miles away from my support system. I shrank and played small to keep the peace. I allowed someone else to make me feel less than worthy of love. When that relationship finally ended five years later, I swore I swore I would never find myself in a situation like that again. That was the catalyst for my healing, growth, and journey of self-love and acceptance.
Less than one year later, I found myself on a plane to Stockholm with less than twenty-four hours notice. That’s the trip that would change my life. Before I’d even left the airport, something deep inside me knew that I’d found my purpose. It took over a decade to gather the tools and learn the lessons I needed to live that purpose fully, but here we are!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone trying to live their purpose?
Trust yourself. Listen to your inner knowing.
It’s okay if what you’re doing doesn’t make sense to anyone else.
You’re not here to do what they’re doing. Just keep going.
What’s inspiring you right now?
Currently, I’m inspired by the opportunities to share knowledge. I’ve been devouring travel memoirs and finding joy in hearing others’ stories. It inspires me to share more of my own and help people have those experiences they’ve always wanted to tell stories about!
Tell us some fun, random, or interesting facts about yourself!
- I’m a certified yoga instructor on top of all the other things.
- I survived teaching Junior High for three years after walking away from my prestigious corporate job.
- Tasting delicious things is one of my favorite pastimes! When I travel, sightseeing is what I do between meals! 😂 I also love trying to recreate food from my trips when I’m home.
- I once spent more than three weeks living out of a tent while driving myself around Central and Eastern Europe on a six-week solo trip.
- I’m all about the woo. I have a massive collection of crystals that share my office space.
Annie Sisson is an expert at independent travel in Europe. She loves creating unique experiences for herself and others. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to see the world their way. She’s passionate about teaching others all she’s learned so they can create the travel experiences they’ve always wanted while maximizing their time and money! She shares her knowledge and skills in the Indie Travel Collective community and on her blog. When Annie isn’t helping others travel or traveling herself, you can find her out in nature with her husband and puppy, Lizzy.
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