When two professionals with unique skill sets and a shared passion for philanthropy come together, something extraordinary can happen. That’s precisely the story behind Boutique Travel Advisors, founded by Angie Rice, a CPA and business consultant, and Janet Semenova, a nurse practitioner with a background in wellness and healthcare. Combining their expertise in business strategy and personalized care, they set out to create a travel advisory company that wasn’t just about providing luxury travel experiences but also giving back to the communities they served.
From the outset, the founders of Boutique Travel Advisors were determined to make a difference. They saw travel as not just a way to explore the world, but as a platform for good — a way to positively impact local communities, promote sustainable tourism and support causes that mattered. Building on a foundation of philanthropy, sustainability and community engagement, they redefined what it meant to be a socially responsible business in the travel industry. The company’s mission was clear: to guide their clients and suppliers in using travel as a force for positive change.
“We wanted to build a business that wasn’t just about profit, but about purpose,” says Rice. “It’s essential to us that every trip we organize is not only memorable but also impactful in a way that benefits the world.”
The company’s philanthropic approach is rooted in the idea that travel has the power to create connections, inspire growth and foster lasting positivity. Boutique Travel Advisors integrated philanthropy into its business model by educating clients, volunteering and donating a portion of every booking to various causes. “We’re not just about booking vacations; we’re about making those vacations mean something. A percentage of every booking goes toward our philanthropic efforts,” says Semenova.
One of the company’s most notable initiatives is its signature event, Navigating for a Cause, which blends luxury travel with philanthropy and has raised significant funds for several nonprofit organizations. Last year, the event raised more than $34,000 for PTSD NOW!, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders cope with PTSD. “The mission of PTSD NOW! resonates deeply with us,” says Rice. “We’ve seen firsthand how PTSD can affect lives, and we’re proud to contribute to an organization that provides critical support to those who serve our country.”
Navigating for a Cause exemplifies how travel can transcend beyond leisure, creating opportunities for participants to contribute to meaningful social change.
In addition to fundraising events, Boutique Travel Advisors partners with organizations like Pack for a Purpose, which encourages travelers to bring essential supplies to schools and nonprofits, and Not Just Tourists, which helps deliver medical supplies to underserved areas. These partnerships exemplify the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and raise awareness about the power of responsible travel.
One of the ways Boutique Travel Advisors is increasing its philanthropic reach is through the Luxury Travel Club, a hotel booking platform that provides exclusive perks to travelers while generating donations for nonprofit partners. As clients book their trips through the platform, the company’s charitable contributions grow, with funds supporting a variety of causes in Arizona, California, Texas, and beyond. Upcoming beneficiaries include organizations like Make-A-Wish, Amanda Hope, and Friends of CASA Orange County. “We’ve designed this platform to create a win-win situation,” said Angie. “Travelers get access to exclusive deals, and nonprofits benefit from the additional funds.”
Boutique Travel Advisors also emphasize the importance of sustainability in travel. Through its Pillars of Community initiative, the company focuses on five core areas: Joy, Wellbeing, Connection, Sustainability, and Gratitude. These pillars serve as guiding principles for their outreach efforts and help identify nonprofit partners that align with the company’s values. “It’s about more than just giving back financially,” says Semenova. “We want to inspire our clients and suppliers to engage with the communities they visit, whether through donations, volunteer work or simply raising awareness.”
Philanthropy is not just an external focus for the company but an integral part of its internal culture. Boutique Travel Advisors encourages all its team members to engage in volunteerism and community service. “Volunteering is a requirement for joining our team,” says Semenova. “We believe in giving back, and it’s important that everyone who works with us shares that commitment.”
In addition to the company’s philanthropic initiatives, its founders have also served on various nonprofit boards and committees. Semenova is actively involved with Friends of CASA Orange County, while Rice continues to support Pack for a Purpose. The team’s commitment to local and global causes is what sets Boutique Travel Advisors apart from other travel companies.
Despite their success, Rice and Semenova remain focused on their long-term vision. “We want to be known as the most philanthropic travel agency in the Southwest,” says Rice. “We hope to inspire other businesses in our industry to incorporate philanthropy into their models, creating a ripple effect of giving back.”
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as head of Public Affairs for Phoenix Rising FC.
