Why Latin America Continues to Inspire Me

There are certain places that leave a lasting impression and not just because of what you see, but because of how they make you feel.

For me, Latin America is one of those places.

This is a region where meals are shared slowly, traditions are celebrated with pride, and genuine hospitality is woven into everyday life. The landscapes are breathtaking, of course, but it's the people and the stories they share that stay with me long after I've returned home.

This year, I had the privilege of attending REMOTE Latin America, a gathering of some of the region's most inspiring travel designers, hoteliers, conservationists and storytellers. Rather than simply showcasing destinations, the conference celebrates the people who are working to protect their communities, preserve cultural traditions and create more meaningful ways to explore the world.

After sharing a few highlights in our monthly newsletter, many of you wanted to hear more. Below, I'm answering some of the questions I was asked about the conference, the conversations that stayed with me, and why Latin America continues to be one of the most rewarding regions to experience through thoughtful, immersive travel.

What drew you to the Remote Latin America conference this year 

and tell us about this year's theme; Orgullo Latino?

If you have been here long enough, I've always believed the best trips begin long before a traveler arrives, but rather they begin with relationships. I was actually invited to attend REMOTE Latin America by an industry friend, and from the very first interview with the REMOTE team, I knew this conference was different. It genuinely felt like I was meeting long-lost friends through the computer screen! The best! 

REMOTE is one of the few conferences that isn't about selling destinations. It's about bringing together the people who are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and thoughtfully sharing them (ahem, connection!). For me, it was an opportunity to reconnect with longtime partners (some I've known since 2014!), meet inspiring new ones, and continue building the relationships that ultimately shape the experiences we create for our travelers. This year was especially meaningful as REMOTE celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, it has become a community of some of Latin America's most passionate and forward-thinking travel professionals. You can read more here. Anyways, it's a reminder that experiences aren't built through transactions, but rather trust. 

What, if any conversations reminded you why you started Salt Sanctuary Soul in the first place?

Honestly, nearly every conversation did. This conference brings together family-owned businesses, independent companies, and passionate people. It isn't about big-box hotels or large conglomerates. It's about connection.

What stood out most was hearing partners talk less about occupancy and more about family, conservation, community, and preserving traditions for future generations. That's exactly why I started Salt Sanctuary Soul. I've never wanted to simply book hotels; I've wanted to connect travelers with the people behind the experiences like, the chef whose recipes have been passed down for generations, the family welcoming guests into their lodge, or the guide proudly sharing stories of their homeland. To me, those are the experiences people remember.

Were there any destinations that felt especially aligned with the Salt Sanctuary Soul philosophy? 

What was it about them?

Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Panama all stood out because they naturally embody what we call Salt, Sanctuary, and Soul.  The culinary traditions are deeply rooted in place. Boutique accommodations are often smaller, family-owned and surrounded by incredible natural landscapes. And the cultural experiences get you a bit off-the-beaten-path. 

What is something travelers often overlook when choosing where to go next?

I think many travelers focus on checking destinations off a list instead of asking themselves a different set of questions: How do I want to feel when I come home? What do I hope to experience? Is there something new I'd like to learn or discover? 

Some of my favorite trips have happened in places that weren't originally on someone's bucket list. It's not uncommon for a client to begin our first conversation by saying for example, "I'd like to go to Hawaiʻi." Then the conversation goes on and I simply listen. I listen to what excites them, how they like to travel, the foods they enjoy, the pace they're looking for, and the experiences they're craving. But, I found myself thinking, This sounds much more like Sicily.  That's why I rarely start with, "Where do you want to go?" Instead, I ask travelers to ask themselves, "What kind of experience am I hoping to create?" 

How do conferences like this help you create better journeys for our community?

Every relationship I build ultimately benefits our travelers. It means I know exactly who to call if weather changes plans, if someone has a special dietary request, or if we want to create something that simply isn't found online. It also allows me to personally experience destinations before recommending them. Again, the best experiences come from relationships - not googleable searches (I think that has to be a verb now, right?).

If there was one message you could share with travelers thinking of traveling to Latin America,  what would it be?

Go with an open mind. And, honestly, just go. Europe has had it's moment, now it's time to experience something different. Latin America is incredibly diverse, welcoming, vibrant, and full of stories waiting to be shared. Like anywhere in the world, thoughtful planning and trusted local partners make all the difference!