At age 52, our founder, Debbie Hudzik was at a life crossroad of uncertainty. It was time to make a decision that would shape her future. Still unclear on what to do, she downsized her life and set out for the unknown. She traveled the world—alone—for a year straight on a quest of personal growth. “Sure I was terrified, but, at that point, staying put, staying numb, would have been fatal. I put on my ‘I’m not scared of you’ hat and literally fell off a train in Italy,” shared Debbie.

This turning point in Debbie’s life was the first step on a path of possibilities that led to profound discoveries for happiness and fulfillment. Along the way, she came to realize that she could help others in their pursuit of traveling with purpose. That’s when she started hosting informal, guided tours of the places she had lived and loved. Working with the contacts she had established in several countries, Debbie couldn’t wait to share insider knowledge with anyone who asked. Word started to spread, and that led to the launch of the Lotus Travel Company.

Having lived in New Jersey, Boston, California, Italy, Australia & Bali, Debbie is now based in Palm Beach, Florida. She credits her years of studying yoga and meditation in Bali, and her mastery of detail from a career in accounting, for her evolution as a travel planner who listens and delivers unique experiences for her clients. Every trip she plans includes special personal touches hard to find in todays world.