With Heart Experiences

A spirit of adventure and inner calling to learn through experience and connect with the local community brought me to create With Heart Experiences, the essence of With Heart Travel!

I began organizing travel for pickleball groups in 2023. Asked by an amazing agency (All-Travel) founded forty-ish years ago by Eric Maryanov, who grew a business of integrity and foresight, to try it out – group travel was something they wanted to do more of and pickleball groups was right in line with my passion as a player and coach.  The motto: Here we go! 

And we did.  Launched the first group trip to Club Med Punta Cana. A learning curve.  At that time, I brought along one coach, and myself as assistant.  With 40 participants, it was not ideal ratio, however, we had a great experience with the fine coaching of Lane Ethridge.  He gave his all and the group still speaks of how much they learned and appreciated the entire experience.

It was truly a lot of fun.  Getting to know other pickleball players from around the country, and some from Canada. In between court time of lessons, coached play and open play, we enjoyed time at the all-inclusive resort. My style of travel is generally more of an explorer, yet this works very well for groups who have a mission, to play pickleball and have a vacation! From talking and walking on the beach to sailing, snorkeling, enjoying cocktails, well-prepared meals with many food choices, it is a nice way to have a relaxing and energized week at the same time. Lots of laughter and good camaraderie.

My truth of travel though goes beyond the resort. I was raised by parents who were travelers. They knew the power and brilliance of seeing new places, meeting people, learning about ways people live and love.

Travelers are at first strangers to new lands. Being with the people is a way to get to know, in a respectful way, what and who is there.

For the 2023 group, I made a connection with the Calasanz Bavaro School in Punta Cana. I let them know I wanted to bring a group of people to share time with their students and staff, providing activities.  And that we would also like to name a donation of items they may want.  The school principal was skeptical and wanted to meet me.  I had arrived a day before the group and so arranged a ride to the school and in my best Spanish, we met, conversed and began the relationship that continues today. 

I’ve brought three of my pickleball groups to this school.  I arrange transportation, coordinate and plan with my friend at the school, and we go.  For most participants, had it not been for this opportunity, they may never leave the resort. And in all cases, after they do, say it is a true and very meaningful highlight of the trip. 

Once there, the energy is palpable.  Students are always eager to meet us, very personable, talkative and ready to participate in what we have to share.  Forming circles, we toss ball in a group juggle.  I donated nets, paddles and balls and we set up the court, drawing lines with chalk.  There is a lot of joyful excitement. One student said we are the very first visitors from the USA to come to the school. I would like to visit each year, as it is important to maintain the connection. 

Building a travel agency called With Heart Travel on my own is quite a journey.  Learning to run a business is only the part of it. I continue to follow my heart with a knowing that pickleball (and travel) has the capacity to build community, break down barriers, foster friendship and deepen understanding.

Pictures speak volumes.  Enjoy some examples from Calasanz Bavaro School, along with other trip destinations.  I partner too with Girls On A Mission and Women in Sports in Turks and Caicos, and the Victory Center in Antigua.

With Heart Experiences are designed with the mindset of “giving exchange”. Giving “back” does not fit. Everyone benefits from these experiences.  Donations are a part, but it is in the relationship and opening of the heart that really brings something so much more.  It plants the seed for change.  Changing the world, and oneself. It opens the mind and heart to knowing someone, creating connection and having a way to know more than just using what we might hear on the news to form opinions.

People in the world are generally friendly.  Think of yourself. How would you approach someone who visits from another part of the world. We tend to open our arms and welcome one another.  This is what I find everywhere.  Kindness is a trait that does matter and is often what happens first.   

I have Sisterhood groups for women. Coaches Ellen Korelitz and Daniella Niss bring such joy and spirit,  their passion and love for the game is always there.  We sing, play, and oh what a time! These are designed to invite powerful community connection as women in so many parts of the world find their brave through sports. 

I am now launching trips to include more travel, with some pickleball mixed in.  These are with Medji Tours to Croatia, Tembo Wild for a wildlife experience in Kenya, and Hacienda por Venir in Ecuador. Dink Down Under Australia is on the horizon. Nicaragua, Guatemala, South Africa are also calling.

We all share this planet, along with the trees, birds, water, and lots of other beings.  Taking care on oneself and one another offers the greatest joy. I am learning to slow down to appreciate what is around me. I am on a path to find what I am meant to do in this life to be of greatest service.

To know more about all that With Heart Experiences includes, please reach out. In addition to the travel, this blends writing as heart medicine, drum journey facilitation, and heart-centered mentorship to help you find your courage and open your heart wider. With Heart ways podcast is coming soon – looking for guests who want to share what is in your heart and how you live your calling.

Thank you for reading. Please comment.