Woman 2 Watch- Trish Sare
Trish Sare, Creator of BikeHike
This week’s Woman 2 Watch, Trish Sare is a female entrepreneur that created BikeHike Adventures (www.bikehike.com) – a multi-sport adventure travel company that focuses on sustainable tourism and authentic cultural experiences. She’s travelled all over the world to develop unique trip itineraries that can be customized for any athletic ability to make adventure travel accessible to every woman. Find out more about this Woman 2 Watch below.
FG: When did you first fall in love with the outdoors?
TS: It wasn’t until I was in my early 20′s and I was hired by a company to be a tour leader guiding trips around the world. Their trips were not as active as BikeHike Adventures, however there were a few that had me camping on deserted islands in Belize, paddling canoes down calm rivers in Guatemala, etc. It was the trip in Belize when we were on a tiny island, surrounded by turquoise seas where I really first began to love the outdoors and adventure. I’ve never looked back ever since that moment.
FG: What was the inspiration behind starting your business, BikeHike.com?
TS: Taking me back to that job where I lived in Costa Rica, and guided trips for another company, I started to plant a seed that I needed to do this for myself as working for another company I was always at their beck and call and the pay for me in those days was very little. That company paid very minimally but for me, this was the opportunity of a lifetime and a great education to do what I am doing today.
FG: What kind of trips does BikeHike offer?
TS: We offer worldwide multi-sport adventures with a very strong focus on culture and sustainability. The trips are mostly muscle powered, biking, hiking, rafting, kayaking, etc. We offer group trips for individuals to join in and meet other like-minded travelers, and also customized trips for those wanting to go with their groups of friends or families.
FG: What are some of the lessons you have personally learned about yourself while traveling the world?
TS: Most of the world doesn’t like the privileged lives that we live in the western developed world. I’ve learned not to have expectations, but to be open to what each place has to offer. Going to a place with expectations is only a set up for disappointment. I embrace each place for what it is, and what it has to offer. About myself, I’ve learned that I can easily adapt to any culture you pop me into anywhere on this earth.
FG: What destination has been the most significant to your life and why?
TS: Thailand because I lived there for 2 years, married a Thai and lived off the land as one of the locals do. This impacted who I am quite significantly. I am less materialistic, empathetic, and this whole experience is a huge reason that BikeHike Adventures exists today.
FG: What are some of the common misconceptions do you think women have about traveling abroad?
TS: That adventure travel dangerous for women. If you are street savvy, and use the same caution that you would use at home, ie don’t be wandering down dark alleyways at night, listen to the travel warnings that are being offered in the countries and from fellow travelers on the road, then you will have great experiences.
FG: When someone is looking to have a career or a life filled with travel, what tips would you give on how they could get started?
TS: Go out for 1 or 2 years exploring the world, living and working in other destinations. This is the best education that you can experience as it is the practical, not the book knowledge.
FG: What kind of personality types do you think are best for travel heavy lifestyle?
TS: Free Spirits, social butterflies, people who are open-minded, flexible and spontaneous.
FG: How many of your business decisions are based on know how vs. your intuition?
TS: Oh, that is a tough one. I’d say the intuition based decisions are usually employee based, is this person the right fit for the office. When it comes to business decisions, direction, etc. it is usually know how or go out and learn the know how in some way, shape or form.
FG: What do you consider to be some of the major highlights of your career thus far?
TS: I’ve had an amazing life so far. I’ve traveled much of the world, I’ve met incredible people worldwide, I’ve lived in very basic conditions and have been pampered more than you can imagine. I’ve also had some amazing opportunities volunteering with sea turtles, orphans, monkeys, and local people in the developing world.
FG: What is a spiritual mantra or philosophy that you live by?
TS: Create the world you want to live in.
FG: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
TS: Don’t ever give up or play victim. When things are bringing you down, grab the bull by the horns and turn the problem into an opportunity. The glass is always half full, it is just a matter of perception.
FG: What would you tell your younger-self if you knew then what you know now?
TS: I would tell myself to always be comfortable with who I am, and not look for others to fulfill a missing piece of myself.
Finish this sentence….
FG: Women should stop complaining about_____________ and start____________
TS: not being in good places in their lives and start doing something where they are following their passions
FG: If your life had a soundtrack what would be your top three songs?
TS: I am Woman Here me Roar, Helen Ready, What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong, Thank you, Alanis Morrisette
For more information on Trish Sare or Bike Hike email trish@bikehike.com or visit www.bikehike.com
