Correction appended
Jessica Finley and Chris Tharp don’t believe there’s any world destination that’s off-limits “” except maybe Iraq and Iran, but even those countries are a possibility, they admit.
The two 28-year-olds have been to more countries combined than many people twice their age and they’re not ready to throw in the towel anytime soon “” even though the best friends now run their own travel consulting agency at 5490 La Jolla Blvd.
For them, traveling is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
“We believe in the idea of a global citizen,” Finley said. “You never really know or understand another culture unless you go there. When you go abroad, you have the chance to become a new and better person.”
New to the boulevard as of March, Pangaea Travel has established itself as an atypical travel agency. Instead of recommending generic pre-packaged deals, the company modifies each trip to fit clients’ dreams and desires. Finley and Tharp interview potential travelers to find the best possible plan for each individual.
With expeditions to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam under their belts, the two Arizona natives pride themselves on taking excursions that are off the beaten path, they said.
But since 9/11, and with the current tense state of affairs between the Middle East and the United States, the two said they realize that many Americans may feel hesitant about how they will be received by other countries.
“People see something on the news and they think a place is unsafe,” Tharp said. “But it’s the same as traveling within this state or country “” there are always certain places that it is understood you shouldn’t go.”
Egypt, Jordan and Israel are three countries the business partners would recommend, they said ” not only because they are safe but also because they hold some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking sites.
Finley, who lived briefly in Spain and Italy, will head to Peru next month, and Tharp “” who made Japan his home for about a year ” hopes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and eventually voyage to the country of Bhutan.
Although they are focused on building up their business, the two say they don’t want to lose sight of their ultimate goals.
“We have a total laundry list of places we want to go,” Finley said with a laugh.
The pair aims to create a carefree, adventurous mood within their business, which they hope in turn will make people want to experience faraway countries, they said.
After much consideration, they decided to name the company Pangaea “” a word for the single mass of land that existed before the continental divide. It symbolizes all entities coming together; a situation that would certainly make it easy to travel anywhere in the world, Tharp said.
Although that would be ideal for those who share their enthusiasm to explore, both agree it is the mystery and unpredictability of traveling to unknown and exotic places that keep them committed to continuing expeditions.
“The little nuances; the danger “” that’s what drives me off the beaten path,” Tharp said.
During a backpacking trip through Europe, Finley said at first she felt uncomfortable and slightly vulnerable in countries where she didn’t know much about the language or the geography. After the fist few days, however, she adapted and now speaks of the experience as one of the best she’s ever had.
“There are always places that will be off-limits to travelers,” Finley said. “But there is a lot to say about many of these untouched regions.”
That’s one of the major reasons why the two strongly believe that people should make the leap and journey outside U.S. borders, they said.
For them, once someone takes the first step, the rest will just fall into place. And that’s what they also hope will happen with their newly established company.
“We would love to travel more but that will come in time,” Finley said. “Right now, it’s important to be here and build this from the ground up.”
Tharp added, “At the end of the day, we just love to travel.”
For more information about Pangaea Travel, visit www.pangaeatravel.net or call (858) 456-9566.