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Sojourn Explorers

We curate and guide unique journeys that are both inner and outer explorations. We understand that what you learn and how you grow are equal parts of the journey you experience on safari in Kenya, diving the Maldives, or walking the Camino de Santiago. We are happy to tailor a journey you will always remember.

We specialize in solo and small group travel to less crowded destinations that offer unique and amazing experiences. Each trip is thoughtfully curated around our Four Compass Points of Travel.

Experiences that engage and connect you to the local culture and environment. Wellbeing moments that reframe, renew, and rewire your perspective. Luxury that is sustainable and kind to the earth. Giveback that supports the places we visit. 

Maria Baltazzi

Maria Baltazzi
PhD, MFA, Founder
Wellbeing Mentor
Emmy-winning TV Producer
Seven Continent Marathon Walker
Intentional Travel Designer and Guide

Travel Confidently with Expert Guidance

We take the stress out of planning your trip and ensure peace of mind while you’re on it. We are here for those who seek more than just another destination stamp. You want both luxury and adventure. You want fewer crowds. You want to connect through authentic experiences with new people and diverse ways of life. And you want all this delivered as a thoughtfully guided, sustainable journey that engages fully with the destination. Included are quiet moments to reflect on your journey as it unfolds and how it is (re)shaping your perspective.

Tailored Travel Experiences for the Soulful Explorer

Tailored Travel Experiences for the Soulful Explorer

How do we begin our journey together? By first listening and understanding the travel experience you’ve been dreaming about—and then working our magic to bring it to life. Every travel aspiration, number of travelers, and timeframe is different, so our curated journeys are specific to your desires. Because of this, you will only see a select number of scheduled departures—and many trips are available as private or custom sojourns.

Our Guests Are at the Center of Every Journey

Our team works only with the best local operators, expert guides, and trusted partners for food, accommodations, and on-the-ground logistics. Each shares our mindset: care for the planet and its wildlife, support for local communities, and a commitment to providing a safe, memorable, and enriching experience for our guests. We create transformational journeys that combine each destination with immersive, purposeful experiences—designed to renew, rebalance, readjust, and refine your perspective. That is our heartfelt promise to you.

Sojourn Sampler

PLACES IN THE WORLD

Explore

Inspiration

Namibia: Desert, Wildlife, and Wonder

A 12-Day Sojourn Through One of Africa’s Most Extraordinary Landscapes

Culinary & Cultural Journey Through Southeast Asia

Immerse in SE Asia’s Stunning Culture and Landscapes

Greek Sail & Hike

Sail The Seas Of “The Odyssey.” Leave A Traveler. Return A Hero.

A Royal Rail & Wellness Indian Odyssey

This is India as few experience it—immersive, elevated, and full of unforgettable contrasts.

How We Travel

Starting
a Conversation

We speak with you on the phone, Skype, or Zoom. We genuinely want to understand the trip you have in mind and what you hope to take away from your experience. How do you want to return home?

Curating an
Amazing Journey

We create an experience that includes every detail from the time you leave home to your return. Each journey is uniquely designed based on your travel dates, the number of guests, and specific requests.

Getting
You Ready

Maria will engage and inspire you about your upcoming journey, from reading material to questions to think about to videos to watch. Before setting off, there will be a bon voyage call to go over details and answer questions.

The Journey

There is an outer journey: your destination, planned experiences, real adventures, or cultural events. Then, you have your inner journey: meaningful conversations, mindful movement, meditation, and reflective time guided by Maria as you travel. If she is not traveling with you, Maria will create a personalized Daily Inner Journey Guide Book to bring along. 

The Return

Your trip does not end when you come home. In a post-experience conversation, Maria will support you in putting your renewed and refined perspective into meaningful action.

Your Sojourn Begins Here

Kind Words from Guests

DEEPER CONNECTIONS - EXQUISITE EXPERIENCES

The most memorable trip of our lives

Thank you so much for helping us to design and execute one of the most memorable trips of our lives. You took amazing care of all our travel details, so much so that it felt so smooth and easy, even though we were in a foreign country. Yet the most special part was that you not only designed a trip for us, you designed an incredible experience. Feeling blessed to have you on our trip.

Gerardo V Manufacture Owner

Last a Lifetime

Priceless memories that will last a lifetime.
Jeanine H Guest

Literally spectacular!

My trip was so well-orchestrated! Each detail was spot on perfect! I can’t thank Maria Baltazzi enough for making this experience so magical! Her choices of locations, accommodations, meals, tour guides, and on and on was literally spectacular! I can’t wait for the next adventure!

Gary G Former BP Operations Engineer

New Life

This journey marks the beginning of my new life.
John K Entertainment Industry Professional

Happy to recommend a trip

What a fabulous trip we had with Maria! Every last small detail was executed perfectly. We wanted for nothing! Accommodations were splendid and the food!!! We ate so well, I thought I was going to have to start jogging to work off the pounds gained!! Our local guide was very knowledgeable but also charming and fun. I would be more than happy to recommend a trip to anyone I know. Thank you — Thank you!!

Helen G Former radio talkshow host

Extremely Blessed

I feel extremely blessed to be a part of the journey with this beautiful group of people!
Carmen K Guest

Always In Our Hearts

We feel so blessed that our journey was shared with Maria. We couldn’t have asked for a better journey…This trip was incredible and will always be in our hearts.
Ted V Chemical Engineer

Faith and Beliefs Magnified

Truly a trip of a lifetime. It’s difficult for me to express my thoughts and the raw emotions that I experienced in the last ten days; as my faith and beliefs have been magnified like I have never imagined. Thank you for making my spiritual journey such an incredible experience.
Steve H Development Contractor

Many Memories

The trip was fantastic. I made so many memories and found myself, along with a second family.
Katerina B Student

Pilgrimage to Savor

This trip has been one I’ve taken as a pilgrim to savor the beautiful and historic landscape that so influenced the thoughts of the world. I am truly blessed.
Jayne P Guest

More Than We Could Have Dreamt

This trip was something that we wanted to do for so long. It was so much more than we could have dreamt of. We are blessed and grateful for all that we have seen and experienced together.
Tony K Guest

We All Take Away What Was Special

Whatever our stories or reasons for ending up together was meant to be and we all take away what was special to us, understand our faith better, and now have bonds we will carry forward.
Jodi L Airline Professional

An unforgettable experience

Truly an unforgettable experience! You have done an amazing job. We appreciate you putting this wonderful trip together in such a thoughtful way! Thank you for all the things you have cared for and all the detailed information you send in every email! Loved your packing list by the way! I was really doubtful about packing. Big family hug!

Monica H Chemical Engineer

I feel blessed to have experienced my journey

Maria lets your journey be whatever you want it to be, whether that be based on the walking, the history, spirituality, photography, sightseeing. Personally, it was about all of the above for me. Maria is also a qualified [mindfulness movement] teacher and offered stretching if and when we wanted/needed it. It really tops off a day of walking! I feel blessed to have experienced my journey the way I did, fun and serenity rolled into one. 

Valli K Guest

Exceeded all of my expectations

Our trip exceeded all of my expectations from beginning to end. It was truly the best family trip we’ve ever had. Thanks again and best for you and Sojourn Explorers.

Andres V Climbing Guide
© 2026 Sojourn Explorers | CST 2161028-70
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Thoughtful travel for a more intentional life

Join the Sojourn Explorers newsletter for travel experiences chosen for how they feel once you are there. I share independent journeys through a curated group of travel companies, and select small-group experiences I personally host.

Each edition includes a short reflection and a guided prompt inspired by my award-winning book, Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want—a simple way to pause, gain perspective, and reconnect with what matters, whether you are at home or on the road.

Love, Maria Baltazzi
Founder, Sojourn Explorers

Sent twice a month.