Our Story
What we do
The Traveling Gnomes create inclusive travel experiences, both locally and globally, for neurodivergent and disabled adventure-seekers.
Our mission
Our mission is to celebrate human differences, deepen connections, and ignite curiosity through inclusive exploration. We empower each Traveler to embrace their identity unapologetically while fostering meaningful connections with the world around them.
Our Name
The name The Traveling Gnomes began as a twist on the idea of the classic garden gnome, traditionally known for staying put, guarding the same patch of earth day after day. We loved the innuendo of turning that idea on its head. Our gnomes don’t stay in one place, they break free from the garden, pack their bags, and go exploring. Because we believe that real growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone.
our approach
At The Traveling Gnomes, we believe in living authentically and unapologetically. We create welcoming spaces, both within our community and the communities we visit, to celebrate differences, spark new conversations, foster mutual respect, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging through adventure and exploration.
why we travel
Through travel, we naturally build real-life skills in real-world situations. Our Travelers navigate new environments, practice flexibility, strengthen relationships, enhance safety awareness, and develop self-advocacy skills. Every experience encourages mindful self-care, builds resilience, and ignites personal growth in unexpected ways.
By embracing challenges and stepping outside their comfort zones, Travelers not only gain independence but also develop skills that enrich their daily lives. Our goal is to empower each person to confidently access and engage with their community, the world, and the full human experience.
We value human differences
We celebrate the unique skills, passions, interests, and experiences of those in our communities, both near and far, by creating spaces where individuality is honored and embraced.
We value mutual respect
We cultivate an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, and everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, free to show up as their true, unapologetic selves.
We value joy
We bring joy to every experience through self-expression, gratitude, and meaningful connections, embracing each moment fully (plus sweet treats, who doesn’t love ending the day with a sweet treat?)
We value curiosity
We explore new landscapes, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. We take risks, challenge perspectives, and commit to lifelong learning - unlearning, relearning, and growing every step of the way.