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Founder-Hosted Journeys

Travel alongside the people behind Inspiring Vacations

Special 2027 departures hosted by our co-founders - with exclusive shared experiences, memorable meals and authentic local connections.

★★★★★ Over 4,800+ 5-star reviews on Trustpilot
A founder-led story

Since day one, led by our founders

Inspiring Vacations has always been led by its founders, who remain deeply involved in the tours we create and the experiences we deliver. These special departures are your chance to experience a destination alongside the people behind it all.

In 2027, three of our Co-Founders are each personally hosting a small group departure - on a journey close to their heart:

The Inspiring Vacations founders
Left to right: Brendon Cooper (Chief Product Officer), James Cathie (Chief Operating Officer) and Paul Ryan (Chief Executive Officer) - Co-Founders of Inspiring Vacations.
James Cathie with travellers Paul Ryan with travellers Brendon Cooper with travellers
Central America
James Cathie
James Cathie
Central America with Panama

“Central America is one of those regions that has a little bit of everything - incredible scenery, fascinating cultures and genuinely welcoming people. I'm looking forward to experiencing it together and sharing some memorable moments along the way.”

View this journey →
The Silk Road
Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan
The Silk Road to Kashgar

“The Silk Road has been on my list for years. It's one of those journeys that feels bigger than just a holiday - incredible history, fascinating cultures and some truly unforgettable landscapes. I'm really looking forward to sharing it with our guests.”

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India
Brendon Cooper
Brendon Cooper
India's Northern Heritage

“India never fails to surprise me. The colours, food, history and sheer energy make it one of the most rewarding destinations to experience. I'm excited to share some of my favourite moments and discover new ones together along the way.”

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The map

Three founders, three corners of the world

Hover or tap a founder to hear, in their words, why they chose their journey.

Why travel with us

What makes these journeys different

Led by our founders

Travel with the people who built Inspiring Vacations and still shape every journey.

Exclusive shared experiences

Welcome gatherings, hosted meals and farewell celebrations beyond the itinerary.

Meaningful local connections

Experiences that support communities and bring you closer to each place you visit.

The small group you know

The trusted Inspiring Vacations small group experience, with a founder alongside.

EOFY 2026 Sale - 40 tours, 40% off. Ends Wed 24 June. Select tours, T&Cs apply.
Three founders. Three journeys.

Choose your founder-hosted journey

Listed in order of departure - each combining the small group experience you know with exclusive hosted moments along the way.

Founder-Hosted DepartureGranada Cathedral, Nicaragua

22 Day Inspiring Central America with Panama Small Group Tour

Departs 18 April 2027 · Escorted by James Cathie
From
$10,795 per person, twin share
Route highlightsPanama · Costa Rica · Nicaragua · Honduras · Guatemala
Tour style
  • 22 days
  • Small Group Tour
  • Founder-Hosted Departure
Hosted experiences
  • Welcome dinner in Panama City
  • Community tourism in San Juan La Laguna
  • Farewell dinner with the group
View this journey
Founder-Hosted DepartureCrescent Lake, Dunhuang, China

16 Day The Silk Road to Kashgar Premium Small Group Tour

Departs 15 August 2027 · Escorted by Paul Ryan
From
$7,195 per person, twin share
Route highlightsXi'an · Zhangye · Dunhuang · Turpan · Urumqi · Kashgar
Tour style
  • 16 days
  • Premium Small Group
  • Founder-Hosted Departure
Hosted experiences
  • Welcome drinks and dinner in Xi'an
  • Farewell dinner in Kashgar
  • Travel alongside Paul Ryan
View this journey
Founder-Hosted DepartureTaj Mahal, Agra, India

17 Day India's Northern Heritage Small Group Tour

Departs 29 September 2027 · Escorted by Brendon Cooper
From
$7,895 per person, twin share
Route highlightsDelhi · Amritsar · Jaipur · Agra · Udaipur
Tour style
  • 17 days
  • Premium Small Group
  • Founder-Hosted Departure
Hosted experiences
  • Welcome gathering in Amritsar
  • Pink Rickshaw initiative in Jaipur
  • Farewell dinner overlooking Lake Pichola
View this journey
What to expect

More than a holiday - a shared journey

01

A uniquely personal journey

Our founders remain closely connected to the destinations we offer. These departures are a chance to share the journey with them and feel the passion that has shaped Inspiring Vacations from the beginning.

02

Shared moments beyond the itinerary

Each Founder-Hosted Journey includes exclusive experiences for the group, from welcome cocktails and hosted dinners to farewell celebrations.

03

Meaningful local connections

These departures shine a light on experiences that support local communities, from San Juan La Laguna to Jaipur's Pink Rickshaw project.

Talk to a specialist

Want to know more? Let's talk it through

If you'd like to find out more about the Founder-Hosted Journeys direct from a Travel Specialist - from itineraries and departures to what to expect - request a call and we'll be in touch at a time that suits you.

Request A Call →
Can't join a journey? Come and explore

Meet the team at The Greatest Travel Show

Can't make one of our founder-hosted departures? You can still explore the world with us. Meet our destination specialists in person at a venue near you - discover new tours, get the questions that matter answered and enjoy event-only offers.

  • Meet our destination specialists face to face
  • See new tours and brand-new itineraries
  • Event-only offers and live Q&A
10,700+
Travellers in person
100%
Free to attend
The Inspiring Vacations team at The Greatest Travel Show
James Cathie hosting an event Brendon Cooper helping a traveller Paul Ryan chatting with travellers Paul Ryan talking with a traveller Paul Ryan with a traveller
Meet the founders

The people you'll be travelling alongside

James Cathie

James Cathie

COO & Co-Founder · Your host in Central America · Departing 18 April 2027

James co-founded Inspiring Vacations alongside Paul and Brendon and plays a key role in leading the business behind the scenes. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the day-to-day operations that help deliver exceptional experiences for customers. With a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, James is always looking for new ways to make travel easier, smarter and more rewarding.

Top travel tip
Mornings are the best time to see a city - a quiet St Mark's Square, empty walkways on Santorini, along the Seine as the city wakes.
Favourite trivia topic
History & science (worst: sport)
Most inspiring travel moment
Seeing the northern lights - I'd wanted to see them for years. A simple, silent but magical experience, and better than the photos.
Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan

CEO & Co-Founder · Your host on the Silk Road · Departing 15 August 2027

Paul co-founded Inspiring Vacations with a vision to make extraordinary travel experiences more accessible and deliver exceptional value to travellers. With decades of experience across the travel industry, he remains closely involved in the business and passionate about creating unforgettable journeys. Paul loves sharing stories from the road, connecting with customers and bringing the Inspiring Vacations philosophy to life.

Top travel tip
My jet-lag recipe: zero alcohol, plenty of water & electrolytes, and a healthy meal instead of airline food. Landing later in the day? Try not to sleep. Landing earlier? Get plenty of sleep - and avoid afternoon naps for the first couple of days!
Favourite trivia topic
History, science & geography
Most inspiring travel moment
So many - but opening my eyes from meditation in Kruger National Park to find myself surrounded by a herd of zebra was very special.
Brendon Cooper

Brendon Cooper

Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder · Your host in India · Departing 29 September 2027

Brendon has spent his career creating and developing inspiring travel experiences and remains deeply connected to the destinations and partners that make each journey possible. As Chief Product Officer, he leads the development of Inspiring Vacations' growing collection of tours and is passionate about helping travellers experience the world in meaningful and memorable ways.

Top travel tip
Take the stress out of travel - always travel with access to your phone. Find local restaurants, translate the local language, navigate your way back to the hotel, and stay connected with family and friends.
Favourite trivia topic
Geography & science
Most inspiring travel moment
Waking up in the vastness of Greenland with icebergs all around, and seeing a polar bear hunting on the ice.
Online Showcase · Free live webinars

Prefer to explore from home?

Tune in from anywhere. Our free Online Showcase webinars are hosted by destination specialists who walk you through the tours, answer your questions in real time and share offers revealed live on the broadcast. Can't make it live? Register and we'll send you the recording.

  • Expert travel insights from our destination specialists
  • Exclusive offers and prizes revealed live
  • Real-time Q&A with the team behind the tours
  • Watch on demand - recordings sent after every session
Inspiring Vacations travel specialists
The Inspiring Edit

Travel inspiration for your journey

Get ready with reads from our travel blog.

Talk to a specialist

Want to know more? Let's talk it through

If you'd like to find out more about the Founder-Hosted Journeys direct from a Travel Specialist - from itineraries and departures to what to expect - request a call and we'll be in touch at a time that suits you.

Request A Call →