Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Keene.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrea. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
From my earliest memories, I knew travel and the arts were my passions. I received a BA in Art History from University of Texas at Austin and spent summers during college on long road trips across the United States. After college, I danced professionally and moved to Europe, traveling and then settling in the south of France to work with a dance company.
In NYC, I began a career in the performing and visual arts as a fundraiser, curator, performer, producer, and administrator. After returning to Austin, I created the development and alumni relations office for the Department of Art and Art History at The University of Texas at Austin, where I began to put my passion for travel to work. I organized and hosted trips to Italy and Central America showcasing art and art history programs, faculty, and students abroad. After nearly two decades in nonprofit and arts administration, I launched The 4Winds Travel, a boutique travel company specializing in customized trip planning and group art tours.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new career and launching a business always has some risk and struggle involved. Currently, we are in the middle of perhaps the largest disruption the travel industry has ever seen. Over the past month, we have been navigating the rapidly shifting travel realities for our clients. We have been busy getting folks home safely and working with our partners across the globe to cancel and reschedule travel for the coming months. One thing that has been made apparent with the current situation is the value of working with a travel advisor.
We know that the travel industry will bounce back eventually, but nobody knows when this will happen. In the meantime, keep dreaming of future travel and cherishing the memories of past trips. We have to stay home now and travel later.
Please tell us about The 4Winds Travel.
The 4Winds Travel is a boutique travel company specializing in customized trip planning and group art tours. As a member of the Virtuoso international travel network, I have access to nearly 1,700 preferred partners of luxury brands and experiences worldwide. As a Virtuoso member, I can offer exclusive amenities, upgrades, access, and VIP treatment for my clients.
I collaborate with my clients and curate a customized itinerary to fit their travel needs perfectly. I take the time to learn their interests and travel goals to help live out their travel dream. With a diverse background in the arts, I specialize in trips focused on art and culture, architecture, history, and archaeology. I also host custom group tours, often accompanied by specialists in their fields.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My mother works in the library of a small university in Houston, TX. As an only child, I spend my summers accompanying her to work. There were two other girls my age, whose mothers also worked there. Every summer was an adventure as we read countless books, played hide and seek in the library reference room, spent hours swimming at the pool, and made friends with professors from all over the university. We had great freedom to explore, and all the resources needed to spark our curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://the4windstravel.com
- Phone: 512-940-6857
- Email: andrea@the4windstravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreakeene
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The4Winds-597579907075952
- Other: https://departurelounge.com/travel-advisors/andrea-keene
Image Credit:
Personal photo and first photo – Meikan Etsudo. All other photos owned by The4Winds Travel.
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