CHANGING LIVES THROUGH TRAVEL SPONSORSHIP
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A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE
Hey there….. umm…Let me start by saying, this is my very first blog post. I’m not entirely sure I should’ve opened with a “hey there,” but … here we are. Onward! Allow me to Picasso a moment of deep reflection I had; one that grew into something purposeful, and that I’m excited to share with you.
Picture this: Vietnam, June 2025, I’m on a bus, making my way from Hanoi to Pu Luong, the road winding through the heart of the countryside. As I peer outside the window, the landscape unfolds like a living painting—vibrant green fields stretching to the horizon, with towering mountains rising from the mist, their peaks disappearing into the clouds. The scene felt utterly surreal. And there I was, a kid from Kingston, Jamaica, truly here, in freakin' Vietnam, witnessing such incredible beauty firsthand.
As I sat there, taking it all in -*pause*, a wave of gratitude washed over me. It was in that quiet, reflective moment that a powerful realization struck me: I’ve been abundantly blessed.
For years, I've had the incredible privilege of traveling the world, not just as a photographer, but also by curating and leading group trips worldwide through my company, Thatman Travels. Yet, despite all those adventures and the countless breathtaking moments, I never truly paused to reflect on just how lucky I was. Sure, I'd often hear friends and acquaintances tell me they wished they had my life, but I never genuinely took a hard look at my own circumstances and grasped the full extent of my fortune—until that moment on the bus in Vietnam. I almost felt overwhelmed by the abundance in my life, as if I'd been given far more than I felt I deserved. I couldn’t help but wonder, why was I blessed with so much, while others struggle?
BALANCE OF THE UNIVERSE
Over the last four years, I have been on a profound spiritual journey, which has taught me a simple yet powerful truth: the universe is fundamentally built around balance. This balance is evident everywhere—in the Earth’s rotation, bringing the steady rhythm of day and night, and in the moon’s gravitational pull, which creates the ebb and flow of tides. The changing seasons provide another perfect example, which can be found in nature’s cycles of expansion and renewal, as trees shed their leaves in the fall only to regenerate in the spring. Everything seemed to be operating in perfect equilibrium and harmony.
The more I sat with the truth of how abundantly I’ve been blessed, the more I felt the weight of how little I’ve given back. It stirred up an understanding that true alignment with the universe means not just receiving, but becoming a channel through which balance is restored. That’s when the idea struck me: What if I could sponsor a young person to join my trips and experience the same life-changing adventures and growth that I’ve been fortunate enough to have?
In that moment, I felt deeply moved by purpose. The thought of bringing this philanthropic vision to life excited me. It felt like the natural next step. My realization that my spiritual journey had brought me to this point made everything click. Each lesson and synchronicity had guided me here, to a place where I could not only give back but make a real difference.
THATMAN’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
I caught Covid & volunteered to isolate at a Hotel in Brooklyn, thinking i would have room service….WRONG!
Let’s rewind in time for a moment—before Thatman Travels became the travel group it is today. In December 2020, I contracted COVID and spent several days isolated in a hotel that had been converted into a makeshift medical quarantine facility. During that time, I found myself reflecting on life’s fragility. With so many people around the world losing their lives to this new virus, the thought that I could easily be one of them felt all too real. As I eventually recovered, the weight of my own mortality lingered, and a question I couldn’t shake took hold: What’s the greater purpose of this thing called life?
Having spent most of my life as an atheist, I had never truly questioned the purpose of existence. However, my battle with COVID awakened a desire to seek something deeper, something beyond the routine of day-to-day living. I felt an undeniable pull toward spirituality, hoping to uncover a purpose I had long overlooked. Then, almost by chance—or perhaps by divine intervention, I came across a video about Ayahuasca on YouTube. I had no idea what it was, let alone how to pronounce the word, but after watching the video, I found myself captivated and eager to learn more.
If you’re unfamiliar with Ayahuasca, allow me to offer a brief introduction. Ayahuasca is a revered plant medicine, used for centuries by indigenous tribes in the Amazon for spiritual healing and self-discovery. Known for its profound ability to open the mind, it facilitates deep personal insights and emotional healing, making it a powerful tool for those seeking transformation.
The Brew
Ayahuasca relies on the combination of the ayahuasca vine and Chacruna leaf. The vine blocks an enzyme, allowing the DMT in the leaf to create its powerful effects. Without both, the experience wouldn’t happen.
The more I discovered about Ayahuasca, the deeper my fascination grew. It was as if the universe itself was standing before me, not just inviting me, but daring me to take a leap into something much greater. As a man drawn to adventure and the thrill of adrenaline, I couldn’t help but feel the pull of this challenge, urging me to experience it firsthand.
In November of 2021, I rounded up a few friends, and we made our way to Cusco, Peru, ready for what would become one of the most transformative experiences of my life. We took part in two Ayahuasca ceremonies, and what followed was nothing short of profound. The insights were beyond anything I had imagined; the emotional healing, the clarity that washed over me, it was as if my entire perspective on life had shifted in an instant. I emerged from those ceremonies with a deep, unshakable knowing: I had to share this journey with others.
TURNING A PSYCHOTROPIC VISION INTO REALITY
I returned from Peru, my mind still processing the profound transformation I had experienced during those two Ayahuasca ceremonies. With a deep sense of clarity and purpose, I knew exactly what I needed to do next. Sharing my story wasn’t enough; I wanted to bring others to this plant medicine so they could undergo the same life-changing transformation I had. Facilitating experiences that would help them tap into the clarity and connection I had found became my mission. And that’s when Thatman Travels was born—a travel group dedicated to offering transformative spiritual experiences, guiding individuals to connect with their true selves and uncover their deeper purpose.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of leading groups to some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth—from regular sightseeing adventures to countries like Vietnam and Egypt, to spiritual retreats in destinations like the Amazon jungle and the rolling hills of Montego Bay, Jamaica. While every trip has been unique, it’s the spiritual retreats that have had the most profound impact. Each journey is shaped by its location, the energy of the land, and the growth of the travelers.
THE SPONSORSHIP INITIATIVE
Now that you have more context about my spiritual journey and the mission behind Thatman Travels, let’s fast forward to that moment in Vietnam. As I reflected on everything, the idea of sponsoring a young person from an underprivileged background began to take shape. What if I could offer a spot on every trip I lead to someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to travel? A young person who could benefit from being immersed in new cultures and experiences. The kind of transformative travel that I believe has the power to change lives.
The future lies in the hands of the next generation. If we are to build a world filled with global citizens who embody empathy, respect, and compassion, we must cultivate those qualities in young minds. By offering a young person the opportunity to travel with Thatman Travels, I hope to expand their horizons, helping them connect with new ideas, cultures, and ways of being—ultimately guiding them toward realizing their full potential and purpose.
HOW DO I BRING THE VISION TO LIFE
The next step was figuring out how to turn this vision into reality. While my business had been doing well, I quickly realized that covering all the costs on my own—the flights, accommodations, and other essential elements necessary to make the experience truly transformative—wasn’t feasible. I struggled with how to make it financially viable, knowing that I wanted this initiative to be more than just a one-time gesture. It needed to be sustainable.
In order to turn this vision into action, I’m crafting a plan to raise the necessary funds. This includes seeking sponsorships from businesses, offering donation opportunities, and reaching out to fellow travelers and supporters who believe in the mission. I’m also exploring crowdfunding options to ensure the longevity of this project and its continued impact for years to come.
While I’m excited to move forward, I understand that it will take a community to make this work. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or would like to get involved in helping bring this vision to fruition, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create opportunities that will change lives, one journey at a time.
Interested in making a difference? Contact us to learn how you can support the sponsorship program and help send a young traveler on the journey of a lifetime.
Email address: Carey@ThatmanTravels.com
