ABOUT

Hi, I’m Nicole!

I founded Biophilia Travel Designs to combine my two deepest passions: Wildlife conservation and travel. Because, when planned the right way, the two absolutely can go hand-in-hand. It’s something I learned on my own journey to becoming a travel advisor focused on sustainable, life-changing vacations.

My Story

A life-long love of animals led me to an incredible job right out of college—zookeeper at Zoo New England. I focused primarily on African species, and working with these creatures up close inspired me to learn even more about how I could protect them. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Conservation Wildlife Biology, where my studies focused on zebras.

There was only so much I could do behind a desk, or even in the confines of the zoo. I yearned to do more.

That opportunity came in 2018, when I embarked on a citizen science project to Kenya to photograph the gravely endangered Grevy’s zebra. Our guide and guard took us deep into the Kenyan savannah, stopping along the way to converse with locals who provided invaluable advice. Every person we met was so warm, welcoming, and encouraging—no doubt this mission was a group effort.

After two full days of rugged camping in a dry river bed, our perseverance paid off. When we finally spied a Grevy’s zebra—the only one we encountered during our entire trip—tears sprung into my eyes.

Conservation, Community, Connection

That was a moment that will stay with me forever, one that few people—let alone tourists—will ever be able to witness.

But the other thing that stayed with me from that trip was the sense of interconnectedness I felt. The Grevy’s Zebra Trust not only supported our mission, but provided jobs and resources to the local community. The community, in turn, supported us. We all worked together to make this special habitat stronger and more resilient.

That sense of connection is exactly what I want to impart to my clients. The curated itineraries I design for you will connect you to local communities, landscapes, and wildlife sure to touch your heart. And these trips will no doubt connect you to yourself—you’ll learn more about your place in the world and how you can preserve it.

Because we all have a role to play on this planet. Let me help you embark on an adventure that will light you up with purpose and passion—and reveal just how incredible our world is.