To See the World — Dominique Sensabaugh

“The world is your oyster.” This is not just a hypothetical statement that you hear friends say as you huddle over beautiful photos of their most recent excursion. It is one of my personal mantras. I am a testament to its truth AND a believer!

In these photos, I am sitting with the woman who delivers on the promise of creating magical experiences that far exceed my imagination. The remarkable Kamala Cummings is a travel curator with the travel lifestyle company, In the Know Experiences. It is gratifying to meet someone who can change your life by encouraging you (and your soulmate) to travel to foreign lands and step out of your comfort zone. For my family, Kamala has done just that. My husband and I were introduced to our first Kamala-curated experience in the summer of 2018 during our trip to the beautiful islands of Turks and Caicos. He was actively playing in the NFL at that time we experienced a couples-only getaway, and this adventure occurred when our marriage craved a much-needed oasis to inspire individual and collective rejuvenation and relaxation. At the time we only had one baby, and I was nervous (afraid, if I am being honest) to leave our infant son, I knew then that my husband and my marriage deserved and needed all of my attention. And wow! The beautiful and serene Amanyara resort made it easy for hubby and me to unwind and enjoy every ounce of each other’s company.

After our remarkable trip to Turks and Caicos, we made a pact that we would not only invest in our commitment to a fulfilling life of travel but we would take an annual trip- just the two of us.
Working with Kamala not only changed our lives for the better but, she made the promise that my spouse and I made to each other so easy to fulfill. She understands why it is so imperative for us to travel together, for us to experience foreign lands, sights, sounds, smells -expanding our senses and our understanding of this beautiful world.

DS: What is it like being a travel curator? What motivated you to embrace this career wholeheartedly and how does it feel to know you are changing people’s lives by creating unique, intimate experiences for them to see the world?

KC: Being a travel curator is what I sum up to be my passion and ministry all wrapped into one. Serving people is my passion and I have a “servant’s heart,” so it was easy for me to transition into this career path. I’ve had numerous titles and positions and every one of my previous careers all focused on customer service. My goal is to make people feel good, promote personal and professional balance and create memorable moments for them to treasure.

The very first travel experience that I curated was worth over $160k! I was brand new in the industry and planned a huge family vacation to the British Virgin Islands. I learned the nuances of planning an extensive vacation on the fly. This experience changed my perception of this industry forever. At the time I didn’t know about small propeller planes, or remote islands only accessible by boat. I spent each day learning about the island, planning daily activities for the family including a commemorative beach barbeque the night before their departure. This was a multi-generational family whose lives were forever changed! To experience a world that they had never seen before, combined with the love and knowledge God provided me was priceless!

The Ultimate Gift

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

I read this quote some time ago and realized that traveling the world is essential for human growth. It is necessary because we, especially as Americans have subconsciously been taught a sense of superiority in our culture as if the differences of other lands and other cultures are less valuable than our own. After an intimate sit down with Kamala at one of her favorite NYC restaurants, I learned why she is so committed to changing the world by encouraging others to travel and travel well.

DS: How has your faith guided your personal and professional career path?

KC: I take Jesus everywhere! My professional career path is my calling. I wouldn’t say that I am the best at what I do, but because it’s my calling, everything I need for success, HE provides. I love
listening to the needs of others even before planning a vacation for them. This is conveyed to the hotel, concierge desk and down to the car service. Each step is very important. My faith is what guides me to be of help and to serve people the way God would want me to. And personally, my faith is everything. I feel fortunate to be rooted and grounded in God. It allows me to function in ways that I would never imagine as many times I “walk by faith and not by sight”. And the beauty to me is being able to share this with others. Faith unites people and I’m so happy about that!

Kamala’s Favorite Places
TURKS & CAICOS ISLAND
The ocean is just amazing! The food is phenomenal and it’s truly a “barefoot” carefree island.
MEXICO (LOS CABOS)
The best service hands down. This is why people vacation in the same location year after year.
PANAMA
White sand beaches, tropical rainforests and of the best restaurants and tourist attractions all in one place.
COSTA RICA
Everything from the Costa Rican Symphony, Museum of Art and Contemporary Design and an array of culture and music.
YUCATAN PENINSULA, TULUM MEXICO
Another “barefoot” luxury destinations at its finest. This is the place where you kick back with your girls in a villa and dance the night away.
ANY LOCATION IN THE FRENCH RIVIERA!
Each region offers such amazing displays of the sea, culture, food, shopping and people watching!

DS: How do you define what it means to leave a legacy?

KC: To me, leaving a legacy means that everything you did on earth was pleasing to the Father. My primary goal while on earth is to make things better for someone else. That’s what it is all about. Then leaving something for your children to take and run with and set souls on fire in their own way.

For more information on how you can plan the excursion of your dreams vist Kamala @luxtravelgirl

Edited by Joy Davis

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