About Nicole
My wanderlust comes from my parents, and I am eternally grateful for that. They didn’t grow up traveling, but as adults, they became curious explorers—and that curiosity shaped my life. Sometimes, I was lucky enough to join their adventures. Other times, they left me at home, sparking my own dreams of exploration.
So when I decided to travel solo for a year in 2011, they didn’t ask “Why?”, they just asked “Where can we meet you?” (Though my dad did track down a woman I was staying with in northern Thailand after not hearing from me for a week - don’t ask me how he got her info!).
I’ve been researching, planning, and exploring the world for over 25 years and I’d love to help you plan your own adventure. I offer travel planning for you or your group and curated women's trips led by me through Kismet Travel Company. Whether you want something entirely your own, or want to join me and a group of like-minded women, I’d love to help create your next adventure.
See the Travel Planning page for details.
Why I Created Kismet Travel Company
For years, starting a travel company for women was just a dream. As a solo traveler, I learned to trust the unknown and to embrace those serendipitous, “meant-to-be” moments that seem to show up when you travel with an open heart. That’s why I chose the name Kismet - a word of Arabic origin that resonates deeply with me, having been born in the Middle East. It means fate, destiny, karma, synchronicity, serendipity. I believe that when you’re open to the world, the world opens to you.
That’s the spirit I bring to every Kismet trip - one of intention, curiosity, and connection. These journeys are carefully designed to help women feel safe, supported, and inspired while experiencing new cultures and forming meaningful friendships. If you’ve ever wanted to travel but didn’t know where to start, or just didn’t want to do it alone, I invite you to join me - see the Trips page for details. All you have to do is say yes. Kismet will take care of the rest.
Bringing Women Together Through Travel
Kismet Travel Company is for women who are curious about the world and eager to connect with others through meaningful, shared experiences. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or someone ready to try something new, you’re welcome here. Come on your own, or invite a friend to join, but these trips are intentionally designed to bring together women who don’t already know each other. If you're traveling with a group of friends, I’d be happy to craft a custom journey just for your crew through my travel planning services. I love connecting women to each other for support - whether it's professional or personal, we can all use more loving and strong women in our lives!
I take pride in supporting small, local, and often women-owned businesses wherever I go. More than just being a visitor, I seek real connection with the people who welcome us and I encourage you to do the same. When we slow down and talk to someone new, the world feels more familiar, and the experience becomes truly unforgettable.
Travel as a Path
to Healing & Transformation
For over two decades, I’ve worked as a licensed massage therapist and more recently, a functional nutritionist in Portland, Oregon. I’ve spent years studying botanical medicine, both in the U.S. and in my travels. No matter where I go, I seek out the best bodywork, healing traditions, and self-care rituals - because for me, travel itself is a form of restoration, nourishment, and transformation and what better way to feel this than by adding some radical self love to the journey. I am excited to share what I have learned and to help you find the same kind of care on my curated trips or on your own journey.
Coming home a little tired but relaxed from the adventure and full in soul, that’s the point.
Join Me on a Journey
Curated small group trips lead you through new and enriching experiences. By partnering with
trusted local businesses and expert guides, I ensure every trip runs seamlessly while
directly supporting smaller communities in unique and local ways. This commitment allows
for an experience that is both authentic and enriching - you can just show up and revel in the
luxury of a thoughtfully planned trip while making meaningful connections. Kismet believes
in the power of women coming together through travel - the laughter, the tears, and the
deep conversations with others remind us how much love is in the world.
The world is beautiful, and everyone deserves to experience it.