From planning the trip to logistics and registration systems,
we make your trip seamless.
ABOUT US
Insider Expeditions specialize in curating and hosting one-of-a-kind experiences for groups and individuals on all seven continents around the globe. Our unrivalled global network of contacts — from presidents to poets, prestigious universities to pioneering explorers and expert guides — enables us to create genuinely unparalleled voyages to the most remarkable corners of our planet.
We pride ourselves on providing world-class service to our clients, featuring a breadth and depth of experience that has exceeded the expectations of groups across all seven continents. Our trips have ranged from educational trips for top universities, business delegations for Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven expeditions with non-profits, creative brainstorming journeys for entrepreneurs, wellness and yoga retreats, to extraordinary family reunions.
We pay meticulous attention to the details that make a bespoke journey unforgettable: from early engagement materials to the itineraries themselves, every detail is refined and curated.
We are driven by a mission to share our love of this beautiful and magical world through thoughtfully curated experiences, ethical and responsible travel, and genuinely transformational journeys.
THE INSIDER ADVANTAGE
COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS
Our commitment of providing world-class service to our clients is our highest priority.
From tour conception and marketing strategies to tour implementation and program evaluation, we partner with our clients to make sure they are included at every stage and ensure that their expectations are exceeded.
WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE
We pay attention to the little details that make any journey extraordinary. From early engagement materials to the itineraries themselves – every detail is refined and curated.
Our itineraries are filled with exclusive opportunities not feasible through independent travel or with another operator. Our superior network of global contacts—from presidents to poets, prestigious universities to rural communities—helps us to create unparalleled experiences.
We pay attention to the little details that make any journey extraordinary. From early engagement materials to the itineraries themselves – every detail is refined and curated.
Our itineraries are filled with exclusive opportunities not feasible through independent travel or with another operator. Our superior network of global contacts—from presidents to poets, prestigious universities to rural communities—helps us to create unparalleled experiences.
ENGAGING TRAVEL COMMUNITY
We provide travelers with opportunities to meaningfully engage with experts, tour leaders, fellow travelers and communities.
Our “Insiders” participate in relevant discussions and interactive activities, whether on land or at sea, that supplement our programs.
We embrace the growing desire of groups to participate in service learning travel as part of their experiences abroad. Many of our itineraries contain a service component in local communities, honoring both our traveler’s interests and our commitment to the communities we visit.
TRUSTED NETWORKS
As travel professionals, we are plugged-in to global networks that allow us to stay abreast of trends and tricks-of-the-trade to bring to our clients the best experiences possible.
Insider Expeditions is a proud member of IATAN and the Educational Travel Consortium.
We remain plugged-in to global networks that keep us informed of trends, new hidden gems, and destination updates that allow us to bring our clients the best experiences possible.
Insider Expeditions is a proud member of IATAN and the Educational Travel Consortium.
As the founder of Insider Expeditions, I’m proud to have led curated programs in more than 100 countries. After riding my bicycle across the country as a college senior with a motley crew of 30 riders raising money for Habitat for Humanity, I have dedicated my life to creating group travel experiences which combine the qualities I so enjoyed that summer: a fun, inspiring, curated itinerary, lots of memorable surprises, local community engagement, and a journey that leaves behind a positive impact. Shortly after that trip, I moved to South America with a local tour operator, leading cultural exchanges, service projects, and innovative travel itineraries throughout the region. Honored a few years later with a World Peace Fellowship by Rotary International, I then moved to Japan for my Masters and worked with Peace Boat, whose circumnavigational travel programs focus on meaningful interactions and cultural exchanges with local communities, service efforts, and unique educational and enrichment opportunities for their passengers.
Since founding Insider Expeditions, I’ve had the opportunity to organize business delegations for Fortune 500 companies, trade missions on behalf of the US government, educational trips for alumni from top universities, creative brainstorming journeys for entrepreneurs, extraordinary family reunions and world-class destination weddings, dancing adventures for Daybreaker, and remote wellness retreats for yoga studios.
Through Insider, it’s my mission to share our team’s love of this beautiful and magical world through travel and thoughtfully curated experiences, no matter your group, interest, or mission. It’s our own mission to have you look back and say, “wow, that was one of the best trips of my entire life.” On behalf of our fabulous, dedicated, and experienced team, we can’t wait to travel with you.
CARL SHEPHARD
Founder, Insider Expeditions
CLIENTS WHO
TRUST US
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Chairwoman of the Board
As Chairwoman of Insider’s Board of Adventurers, with unparalleled connections at home and abroad, Jordan leads some of our most strategic partnerships around the world. She has a special place in her heart for Cuba, crafting new adventures across the island where we lead more groups than any other destination. She is fluent in Spanish and French, conversational in Arabic and Italian, and proficient in Cuban cooking.
Jordan Valdés
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Trip Director
Julia is a Swiss-American travel ninja, and passionate experience architect, creative strategist, and magnetic leader. As COO, she is the master magician behind Insider’s operations and global travel calendar, and oversees our exceptional staff. She has proudly conquered all seven continents, once in a single year with one of our top clients, and continues to seek inspiration through travel and community.
Julia Sommer
Creative Genius
Alex is a PhD nuclear physicist, data scientist, accomplished author, and pretty much the smartest guy we know. As an expert in oceans and ocean technologies, he has traveled extensively both above and below the waves throughout the Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Alex has a passion for technology from all eras, from modern neural networks to medieval astrolabes, and is the mastermind behind our total solar eclipse trips and other adventures which require the perfect geolocation and celestial timing.
ALEX BOXER
General Counsel
Dan and Carl met at Yale where they dreamed of taking over the world together in their secret society. Now they dream of bringing people around the world together to our best kept secrets. In addition to advising all kinds of small companies on legal issues, Dan taught scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef and sailing in the Caribbean and Hong Kong. Dan is currently on hiatus from international travel until his two daughters are old enough to carry their own stuff.
daniel peterson
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are always looking for exceptional people who share our passion for transformational travel, events, and community. If this sounds like you, please send us a resume and cover letter telling us what magic you can bring to our dynamic team.