"I never imagined I'd end up designing bespoke travel experiences. On paper, my résumé was all Big Tech and global media, not exactly a direct path into the world of luxury safaris and private yachts. Still, travel has always been my personal obsession. I've visited more than 100 countries, spent hours digging into obscure corners of the internet for destination research, and have always been the go-to trip planner for friends. After the layoffs, I saw a way to turn that passion into a career."
"My professional path up to that point had been steady. I started out in Washington, DC, at National Geographic and stuck around for 11 years. I worked my way up through marketing roles in the TV and film divisions. In 2015, after completing my MBA at Georgetown University, the company offered me the opportunity to relocate to Singapore. Within weeks, I was on the other side of the world."
"After two years in National Geographic's Singapore office, I worked for two other American multinationals - first at Time Inc. and later at Meta - in marketing roles. The work was fast-paced, global, and intellectually engaging. After losing my job at Meta, I knew that I wanted to stay in Singapore. Branching out on my own I launched my business as an independent travel designer in 2024, c"
Alaina Appleman relocated to Singapore after completing an MBA and working at National Geographic, then held marketing roles at Time Inc. and Meta. Travel has been a longstanding personal obsession, with visits to more than 100 countries and extensive independent research. After being laid off from Meta, the decision followed to leave Big Tech and global media and remain in Singapore. The career pivot led to launching an independent luxury travel design business in 2024, transforming trip-planning skills and travel knowledge into a flexible, fulfilling professional role.
Read at Business Insider
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