1. Create Inclusion: we treat all people, regardless of their abilities with complete and total respect, creating a space where everybody feels a sense of belonging.

On our first out-of-state trip, we found a local coffee shop within walking distance from our AirBnB. If you know anything about The Gnomes, you know that we take up space. Wherever we go, whether there's five or 25 of us, we can (and do) easily make use of every inch of space we're in and this coffee shop was no different. We walked in and Brendan immediately helped himself to a newspaper on the table, while Molly sat next to someone on the couch. Phil went straight to the restroom and the rest of our group stood in line near the cash register. Well, not in a line really, more of a glob. So there we are, making our presence known in a local coffee shop, in a new town. And without skipping a beat, the cashier who also doubled as the barista and manager, began taking our orders. While this may not sound like anything special to the average coffee connoisseur, it was special to me. It was special because he didn't treat us any differently. He didn't stare at us for abruptly entering into his quiet and cozy space and making it our own. He also didn't ask us to leave, move or hurry our orders. He allowed us to not only take up space, but he welcomed us to his space. This, my friends, is what inclusion looks like. - Lauren B. & The Gnomes @ Union Coffee / Seattle, Washington

2. Cultivate Positivity: we don’t take ourselves too seriously and always take that extra step to genuinely engage, smile, and laugh with those around us.

There’s a saying that everyone smiles in the same language and I couldn’t think of a better quote to describe my relationship with my pal Fletch. Although Fletcher and I communicate in different ways, it’s never ever a barrier and shouldn’t ever be. We communicate through goofy grins, shared laughs, special handshakes, sign language, and dance parties. We can genuinely engage with each other and generate positivity because we know that our bond is something that transcends languages and words. We don’t need to communicate in the same way to express our love for each other and the joy in life. A relationship with no barriers and no judgments is where positivity and love can genuinely grow and blossom through these trips. - Helen & Fletcher @ Lazy Otter Charter / Whittier, Alaska

3. Travel Sustainably: we travel with intention, creating responsible and healthy travel habits for near or far adventures.

Who knew that our first out of state trip to Seattle, Washington would simultaneously double as our first trip to a big city. Seattle is not only surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, but it is made up of professionals, visitors, and humans of all ages. How could 17 traveling gnomes make a difference in a city of over 756,000 people? Our first day exploring this new city was equipped with trying new seafood, inhaling new ice cream flavors, exploring the city via the public bus, and walking around our new home-away-from home. We decided that while exploring our new neighborhood we would all pick up and throw away at least 5 pieces of trash that we found on the ground. Did this make a huge impact? Maybe for our neighborhood, but really for our future travels. The idea to leave each place that you visit cleaner than when you got there is now a value that each traveling gnome will carry with them on future travels, locally and globally. - Jenna C. & The Gnomes @ Central District / Seattle, Washington

4. Advocate for Accessibility: we expect accessibility for all, and will educate and advocate to individuals, groups, and businesses that are ready to learn.

Andy and I have worked together in many different settings. From his job to day program to traveling the world together! One thing that has always stood out is the importance of others willingness to learn. When we went to Costa Rica, not only did we have the opportunity for amazing experiences such as ziplining and kayaking, but we also were able to teach others how working with groups like our own shouldn't be scary and can be really fun! Everyone was so open to learning and we were excited that we could teach others about how amazing neurodiverse travelers are, creating accessibility and opening the door for more groups like ours to see the world! - Kelsey & Andy @ Midworld / Quepos, Costa Rica

5. Encourage Unexpected Growth: we push for growth, conquering fears, and taking that next step towards independence through new experiences.

When I was in Alaska with The Traveling Gnomes, I went skiing at Alyeska Resort. I got to go skiing with help from an instructor and with my friend Carissa. We took a couple of runs at the bottom of the mountain. Then we went to the very very top of the mountain. The view was beautiful and we were able to take pictures! I didn’t realize how hard it could be. Trying to get down this steep mountain, I was falling, but I kept trying and trying. My instructor and everybody at the base of the mountain was SO proud of me for trying my hardest! - Shanna @ Alyeska Resort / Girdwood, Alaska

6. Take-Risks: we expose travelers, therapists, families, & community members to new adventures, conversations, and relationships.

When we went to Seattle, I was scared of riding the Ferris Wheel because I didn’t like heights. Then, I overcame my fear by just doing it! We also went to a coffee shop in Seattle, the people there were so nice to us and so patient with us. Going to a different place and seeing how people react to us is amazing. Just overcome your fears and just do it! I would encourage you to talk to your friends and have them overcome their fears too. Then you can do it together! - Ainsley & LK @ The Seattle Great Wheel / Seattle, Washington

7. Form Real Connections: we live in the moment, engage with our communities, and create lifelong relationships along the way.

The first girl’s trip to Boulder is a story about 12 girls who learned the meaning of bonding and what it’s like to form real connections. My clearest memory on this trip had to be when all the girls gathered into one hotel room to get all dolled up for dinner. There was music, a disco globe, dance parties, and lots and lots of makeup. The best part was all the girls were glamming each other up. They encouraged each other to try new things but also respecting each other’s boundaries of not wanting to wear makeup. The beauty wasn’t in the girls dressing up-- although they all looked very beautiful-- the beauty was within the bond they formed by sharing similar interests, respecting each other’s wants and needs, and being there for each other. A year later, these girls still relive these moments together with me whenever we see each other. I can see that same spark and joy they had that night every time they talk about the trip. Despite being only a three-day trip, we formed memories and relationships that will last a lifetime. - Helen & The Gal Gnomes @ Pearl Street / Boulder, Colorado

8. Build a Safe Space: we create a trusting and secure environment for everybody to reach new heights while feeling comfortable and protected.

On our first international trip to Costa Rica we spent our first 24 hours sea kayaking, scarfing down fresh pineapple, and soaking up all of the sunshine. To end the day, we went on a casual (not so easy) hike down a muddy trail to stumble upon the most beautiful waterfall, equipped with the longest rope swing to fulfill our adrenalin needs. As everybody lined up one-by-one to swing off of this rope, Ryan showed hesitancy. After watching a few people jump into the unknown murky waterfall water with their eyes closed and their nose plugged, we had an idea. With full confidence in each other, Ryan and I decided to climb up the side of the waterfall, hand in hand, as high as we felt comfortable, creating a space of trust and acceptance, to take the plunge and jump. WE JUMPED. After we had a moment to catch our breath, get the water out of our noses, and return to land, somebody asked - Ryan, how did that feel? In response, “I feel awesome, I feel EXHILARATED!”. A feeling that was created within a trusting and secure environment to reach new heights. - Jenna C. & Ryan S. @ Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

9. Over-communicate: we correspond exceptionally with our travelers, volunteers, families, and community members on milestones and challenges to ensure the comfortability of all parties.

There is always a lot of communication that goes on at each trip, sometimes it is communicating a quick check in about their day, but my favorite part about the trips and communication, is being able to be a part of a major milestone. When I sat down with my seasoned traveler, Jake, I asked him what his favorite part about Alaska was and without skipping a beat, he said "the bike, oh ya!". Now this was no ordinary bike, this was an adaptive bike that allowed him to ski at Alyeska, this is a big deal for someone who just a year prior spent almost 3 hours putting on a ski boot, but he did and he got up on that bike. This year, a year later, he got up on that bike in less than an hour, in fact, I think he was the fist one ready to go and out the door, and after a couple runs he had adapted to skiing while STANDING!!! After this amazing milestone, I asked him what he wanted to tell his parents and we sent his parents a text with a picture saying "I miss you and I did the bike!", telling him how proud they were only solidified that moment in his mind as a major highlight. Sharing these moments and videos with his parents are without a doubt my favorite part of any trip. Of course, this was not his only milestone this trip that I got to share, as I showed him a video of him licking part of a glacier that had fallen in the water the first thing he said was "that tasted good!", this is coming from someone who hates anything cold and hates ice cream for this reason, yet here he is on a trip, licking a glacier and loving it! It is a moment like where I think I am sharing a fun video with his parents, but in reality, I am sharing a major sensory milestone, this and so many other reasons are why we both keep coming back. - Molly & Jake T. @ Anchorage, Alaska

10. Develop Independence: we understand, commit, and take each step to work through teachable moments that will enhance the travelers next step towards independence.

Traveling is one of the hardest ways to practice independence. There’s so much going on all the time; tickets to keep track of, flights to catch, different languages and cultures to learn about, not knowing where the good restaurants are, different bus systems, and different ways of life. It’s natural to lean on others when you're out of your comfort zone. When Elena and I were in Costa Rica, this was the biggest challenge. We had the opportunity to go zip-lining, but to even get to the facility, Elena and I had to climb down a steep hill and cross a high, rickety, open air bridge over a river. Scary, right? Neither of us wanted to do it and definitely needed help to do so. By helping each other to get down this hill (sliding more like it) and running over this bridge before we lost courage, our independence was severely tested. Yet on the way back, Elena and I approached that bridge and crossed it like it was a walk in the park. She didn’t need my help, just me next to her for comfort. This awesome gal didn’t need my help on any other bridges we came across. Independence can be cultivated in the most random teachable moments, even the smallest and hardest, but that’s how growth and independence happens. In ways we never would’ve guessed. - Rachel & Elena @ Midworld / Quepos, Costa Rica

We are COMMITTED.

By: Seasoned Traveling Gnomes

© 2025 ttg, llc dba the traveling gnomes

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