From Backpacks to Global Expeditions

Wanderlust Expeditions began in 2008 when two passionate travelers, Elena Rhodes and Marcus Chen, met during a trek in the Himalayas. Both had spent years independently exploring remote corners of the world and sharing their discoveries through travel blogs and photography. Their chance encounter on a mountain path in Nepal sparked a conversation about the transformative power of travel and the lack of truly immersive experiences in the mainstream tourism industry.

What started as a series of small, personally-guided journeys for friends and family quickly evolved as word spread about their unique approach to travel. By 2010, they had established their headquarters in New York City and assembled a small team of like-minded travel specialists with deep regional expertise. Their commitment to authentic, responsible exploration resonated with travelers seeking more than just photo opportunities and tourist highlights.

The turning point came in 2015 when Wanderlust Expeditions received international recognition for their innovative "Local Lens" program, which paired travelers with indigenous guides and community hosts. This approach not only provided unparalleled cultural immersion for clients but also created sustainable income streams for communities typically bypassed by conventional tourism.

Today, Wanderlust Expeditions operates across six continents, employing over 70 travel specialists and maintaining partnerships with more than 200 local communities worldwide. While we've grown beyond our founders' wildest dreams, our core mission remains unchanged: to create meaningful connections between travelers and the world's most extraordinary places and cultures.