After designing exhibitions as a curator at art museums in the Northeast for several
years, Lisa decided to make a career change. Her ambition was to open a travel business
with her husband, Steve Jermanok, a longtime travel writer with the Boston Globe and
many other publications. Lisa sought out a way to learn the ins and outs of travel
and to create a business plan that could serve as an excellent foundation for her
travel business. Los Medanos was the perfect solution because it allowed her to learn
how a travel agent works, study destinations around the world, create her business
plan and make meaningful connections with others who were passionate about travel.
The online nature of the school worked well for Lisa as she was based across the country
in Boston and she had many family responsibilities and could work around her busy
schedule. Two years later after enrolling at Los Medanos, in May 2012, ActiveTravels
was born!
ActiveTravels is a full service boutique travel agency where travelers can sign up as members, enjoy monthly newsletters, ask Steve, the resident travel guru, any travel related questions, and most importantly, have a backup for any issues that arise when they venture across the globe. A major hit with her clients are Lisa and Steve’s “Dream Day Itineraries,” customized, detailed, day-to-day itineraries that incorporate vetted activities, guides, restaurants and tours in the traveler’s destination. Over the years before opening her travel agency, she had traveled alongside Steve on his assignments as a photographer. These journeys helped Lisa to seek out authentic travel experiences far beyond mainstream tourism. She’s constantly on the search for quality ground operators, resorts, and outfitters that help ensure that her clients’ vacations are as seamless and worry-free as possible.
This attention to detail and creativity garnered ActiveTravels an enviable honor in the July 2014 issue of Conde Nast Traveler,a very popular magazine for travelers. When the magazine asked Lisa and Steve to design a 10-day itinerary along the New England coastline for families, the “New England Family Vacation Dream Day Itinerary” was born. Having an original itinerary published in an esteemed periodical such as Conde Nast Traveleris rare, and it attests to the quality of service provided by ActiveTravels. You can check out their Dream Day itinerary in the July 2014 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Look for the “Editor's Itinerary."
Recently quoted in a USA Today article by Everett Potter titled, “5 Myths About All-Inclusives.” Lisa is currently being teased for her tips on how to get the strongest drinks at the swim up bar!
Lisa is truly indebted to the Travel Program at Los Medanos. The excellent teachers and wonderful online learning community supported her through a major career change and gave her the foundation and confidence she needed to create new goals and achieve them.