THE JOURNEY GROUP * TRAVEL CO *
VANESSA BALLARD

VANESSA BALLARD

SARASOTA, FL

Hi, I’m Vanessa. For over four decades, travel has been at the heart of my life—whether I’m exploring new destinations, capturing landscapes through my lens, reading about far-off places, or crafting unforgettable vacations for others.

I’ve traveled to more than 43 countries, experiencing everything from hiking Machu Picchu and sailing through the British Virgin Islands to sipping tea in Darjeeling and riding a camel across the Sahara at sunset. As a certified Active and Adventure Specialist, I design travel experiences that are immersive, exciting, and deeply personal.

If I haven’t been to a destination yet, it’s probably at the top of my list—I’m always seeking out new places and firsthand experiences to better guide my clients.

I specialize in European journeys, luxury river cruises, and active adventures throughout Africa and beyond. One of my favorite travel memories? After an Andrea Bocelli concert, we visited his hometown of Lajatico and wandered into the Bocelli store. A warm conversation with a local turned into something unforgettable—he was Andrea’s brother, and he treated us to wine from his own cellar. A beautiful reminder that the most meaningful travel moments often come from simple human connection.

In a nutshell

Fun Facts about me:

A few things I always pack in my carry-on // Ear plugs and sleep mask, lip balm, the book I’m currently reading.
My favorite souvenir // Darjeeling tea from India….I like to bring things back that I can use.
Longest flight I’ve been on // 18 hours Atlanta to Cape Town
Hotels I could call home // Borgo Pignano or the Castello di Casole Belmond in Tuscany
One country I’ll never say no to // Italy!!

MY TRAVEL STORIES

BORGO PIGNANO

BORGO PIGNANO

We arrived at Borgo Pignano knowing it would be beautiful—but nothing prepared us for the feeling. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by 750 acres of Tuscan countryside, this estate wasn’t just a retreat—it felt like stepping into…

VIRUNGA SAFARI LODGE RWANDA

VIRUNGA SAFARI LODGE RWANDA

When I first arrived at Virunga Safari Lodge in Rwanda, I thought of it simply as a great base for my bucket-list adventure—trekking with mountain gorillas. What I didn’t expect was that the lodge itself would become one of the true highlights of my time in Africa.