About Skitara

My journey into travel wasn’t a straight line. I began in banking and finance, where profit-and-loss accounts filled my days. By the time I was 30, I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted. Numbers couldn’t capture what I was searching for: experiences that move us, stories that connect us, and places that change us.

That realization led me to the cruise industry, where I spent more than 15 years learning the world port by port, and discovering what makes a journey truly unforgettable. Eventually, I felt called to build something of my own — a boutique travel company that could bring together my professional expertise, my passion for exploration, and my belief that travel should be transformative.

But this story isn’t mine alone. Skitara has always been a family business. My husband, Mickey, was Skitara’s frontman for many years. And our daughter quite literally grew up in the back seat of a 4×4 as we explored remote corners of the world, testing routes, and spending years carefully reviewing and selecting hotels that would meet the standards our explorers expect. Their support, patience, and spirit of adventure have shaped this company as much as my own vision.

Today, through Skitara Globe Explorers Club, we design private journeys that go far beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s standing at the edge of a glacier in Alaska, sharing a meal with a Quechua family in the Sacred Valley, or watching penguins waddle past in Antarctica — my goal is to create experiences that stay with you forever.

Every trip is personal for us. Each itinerary is crafted with care, detail, and a sense of wonder — because I believe travel should never feel transactional. It should feel like a gift.

I can’t wait to help you discover your next adventure.

Warmly,
Jelena Richardson
Founder, Skitara Globe Explorers Club