Rae Belcourt
In my opinion, there is no better teacher in life than travel.
I'm originally from Ontario, Canada and have always had a strong connection to nature whether through hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, or just floating in a lake with the sun kissing my face. I've been incredibly fortunate to have travelled to 37 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Last year I fell in love with South America and Chile in particular while backpacking and volunteering there for 6 months. I am thrilled to now be part of the Dittmar Adventures team and to be calling Puerto Natales, Chile my new home.
How did you get involved in travel?
"My passion for travel all started with an exchange trip to France in high school and I've been addicted to travel ever since then. Whenever I had a break between school years, or work contracts, I was always seeking out new opportunities to travel whether through Working Holiday Visas or through volunteering or backpacking on a budget. It's not always easy but where there is a will, there is a way. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"While volunteering on a farm in the Chilean mountains, I was spontaneously invited to join a búsquevision (indigenous vision quest) as a support volunteer. I had very limited Spanish at that time but felt very strongly connected to nature and the group through the intense but beautiful daily temazcal ceremonies. Being completely disconnected from all technology and fully immersing myself in nature and traditional practices/ ceremonies for a week was a truly magical experience that taught me so much not only about another culture but also about myself. "