A Journey Rooted in Empathy

Empathy Travels was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to bridge the empathy gap through meaningful travel.

The empathy gap is a cognitive bias that makes it difficult for people to understand and share the experiences of others. This disconnect leads to misjudged assumptions, cultural misunderstandings, and even global conflicts. But travel, when approached with intention and reflection, can break down these barriers and transform the way we see the world—and our place within it.

I’m Béné, the founder of Empathy Travels. My journey has been shaped by a life spent moving between worlds—from the bustling streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, from a rural Nebraska town to the global energy of London. Each of these experiences has deepened my belief that our greatest lessons come from human connection, not just exploration.

My background in international development and nonprofit work gave me a front-row seat to the power—and pitfalls—of global engagement. Too often, I saw well-intentioned efforts prioritize deliverables over relationships, focusing on impact without true understanding. 

I founded Empathy Travels to offer a different path—one where travel is not just about visiting new places but about building connections, expanding worldviews, and fostering deep, meaningful change. 

I believe that when we travel with empathy, we don’t just see the world—we change the way we engage with it. Through Empathy Travels, I invite you to step beyond comfort zones, challenge assumptions, and embrace the power of human connection.

🚀 Let’s explore with purpose—together.