Our Story: From Diplomats to Your Travel Guides
The Traditional Path We Left Behind
Most travel companies rely on guidebooks, generic reviews, and surface-level research. They'll get you to the destinations, but they can't get you inside them. We took a different path.
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As U.S. Foreign Service Officers with USAID, we didn't just visit South America and Africa—we lived there. We learned the languages, built friendships, navigated complex cultures, and discovered the places that don't make it into travel guides. We know which neighborhood restaurants serve the best food, which local guides are truly trustworthy, and which experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.
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More importantly, we understand what it takes to not just visit a place, but to truly belong there.
Why We Started Beneath The Map
After years of watching friends and colleagues struggle with cookie-cutter travel itineraries or feel overwhelmed by the complexity of relocating abroad, we realized something: the connections and knowledge we'd built over decades could help people experience these incredible regions the way we did—authentically, safely, and deeply.
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Beneath the Map was born from a simple belief: travel and relocation shouldn't be stressful or superficial. With the right guide, they can be transformative.
Our Mission
Beneath the Map expands what's possible by challenging perceptions and opening minds to overlooked destinations across the Global South. Through immersive experiences with local communities, we help travelers discover places they never knew existed and relocators find homes they never imagined—transforming curiosity into belonging and revealing opportunities where others see only uncertainty.
What Makes Us Different
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Real Insider Access: Our network includes trusted local contacts in every destination we serve—from housing experts to cultural guides to the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
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Diplomatic Experience: We understand how to navigate complex situations, cross-cultural communication, and the practical realities of living abroad.
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Personalized Approach: No two travelers or relocators are alike. We craft every experience around your specific interests, needs, and dreams.
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Beyond Tourism: We don't just show you sites—we help you understand cultures, connect with communities, and see destinations through local eyes.
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Relocation Expertise: For those considering a move, we guide you through every step—from visa processes to finding housing to building your new community.
