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Our Mission
Transformational Travel That Inspires the Next Generation
At 2 Degrees Travel, we design educational journeys that empower young people to become global citizens, thoughtful leaders, and active stewards of the planet. Based in Vancouver, Canada, our programs are rooted in experiential learning, environmental sustainability, and youth leadership development, offered in one of the world’s most breathtaking and culturally rich destinations.
We create immersive, and purpose-driven experiences for students aged 10 to 18, combining outdoor adventure, team building, cultural exchange, and social impact. Each program is carefully curated to ignite curiosity, foster confidence, and inspire a lifelong sense of responsibility and connection.
What Does “2 Degrees” Mean?
The name 2 Degrees reflects something simple yet powerful: even a small shift — just two degrees — can make a big difference. We believe that a tiny change in perspective can spark a significant transformation in a young person’s life.
That shift might be a degree of distance, stepping outside the classroom into a new environment. Or a degree of experience, learning through adventure, teamwork, and solving real-world problems. It might also be a degree of knowledge, exploring new cultures, global issues, and community connections. It might even be a degree of temperature, helping students understand their role in building a more sustainable future. Finally, it reflects the two degrees of connection, referring to the friendships and relationships that make travel unforgettable.
The name represents all of this and so much more. It stands for those small but meaningful changes that add up to a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and connection. Our programs are carefully designed to support your child as they gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and become part of a community of changemakers.
Because for us, education isn’t just about what happens in the classroom, it’s about who your child becomes along the way.
What We Believe
At 2 Degrees Transformational Travel, we believe that travel should be transformative, with each journey challenging students to see both the world and themselves in new ways. We consider the planet our classroom, where the deepest learning occurs through nature, community, and real-world experiences. Most importantly, we believe that youth are powerful changemakers who, with the right tools and guidance, can lead meaningful and lasting change.
We’re on a mission to make every program impactful for people, for the planet, and for a more purposeful future.
Our story
It all began in the late ’90s with a mother’s determination to build a better life for her family. After immigrating to Canada and facing the challenges of loss and starting fresh, Nitz Carvajal was inspired by the power of Canadian education. She quickly appreciated the value of the hands-on, nature-based learning found in Outdoor School. It provided a stark contrast to the traditional classroom she knew from the Philippines. Determined to share this transformative experience with students back home, she launched Great Study Tours, bringing Filipino youth to Canada to learn, explore, and grow through travel.
Years later, in 2014, Kim Carvajal, Nitz’s daughter-in-law and now a mother herself, felt the pull to continue the legacy. With a background in international business, global travel, and logistics, she leaped into experiential travel, leaving the corporate world behind to build something meaningful and rooted in family values. That spark became 2 Degrees Transformational Travel, a social enterprise grounded in the belief that travel can and should change lives.
Today, we offer purpose-driven educational travel experiences right here in British Columbia that inspire leadership, global citizenship, and environmental awareness in youth from around the world. Every journey is designed to create a 2-degree shift in how we see the planet, each other, and ourselves.
Meet our team
Kim Carvajal
Founder & Managing Director
Kim Carvajal is the visionary behind 2 Degrees Travel and the driving force behind our mission to create transformational, real-world learning experiences. As Founder and Managing Director, Kim leads with purpose, shaping the company’s direction, values, and growing global impact. With a background in international business management, Kim combines strategic leadership with hands-on experience to design programs that empower young changemakers. Her approach blends entrepreneurial thinking with deep care for people, planet, and purpose. Kim believes deeply in the transformational power of travel. Her mission is to create opportunities that spark curiosity, build leadership, and inspire the next generation of changemakers, one journey at a time. Her work is not just about where students go, but who they become along the way. Beyond her work, Kim is a proud mom and an avid adventurer. Whether she’s exploring a new destination or hiking in her local mountains, her love for the world fuels everything she does, both personally and professionally.
Laurie-Ann Tao
Program Manager
Laurie-Ann Tao is a passionate educator and advocate for inclusive, community-centred learning. As Program Manager at 2 Degrees Travel, she brings deep experience from Ontario and BC’s public, private, and alternative education systems, with a focus on supporting youth from all walks of life, especially those navigating vulnerable circumstances. Laurie-Ann’s approach combines academic insight with heart-centred leadership. She believes that genuine learning occurs when students feel safe, seen, and supported, and she strives to foster environments where this kind of connection can flourish. Laurie-Ann has an experienced background in experiential and outdoor education, using nature as a powerful tool for self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Her experience in education and the arts, along with ongoing studies in counselling, enables her to support youth with both creativity and care. Outside of the classroom and the field, Laurie-Ann embodies the values she applies to her work: leading rock climbing adventures in Squamish, practising yoga, tending to her garden, and caring for her community.
Ella Stewart
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Ella Stewart is the creative force behind how 2 Degrees Travel connects with the world. As our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, she helps shape every message, story, and interaction, ensuring our mission reaches students, families, educators, and global partners with clarity and heart. Ella is a passionate storyteller and thoughtful communicator, blending creativity with storytelling. Whether she’s creating engaging content, managing outreach, or enhancing our digital voice, she brings our mission to life through genuine engagement and meaningful storytelling. With a strong background in communications, Ella brings a sharp eye for detail, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to making sure every message reflects who we are and resonates with those we serve. Outside of work, Ella brings the same adventurous energy to life: hiking forest trails, camping under the stars, exploring the world, and spending time with her two beloved dogs.
Kim’s quote:
“My dream is to grow a social enterprise where every travel program positively impacts people, the planet, and supports a more prosperous, purposeful future.”
Looking Ahead
While Vancouver is our home base, we are excited to be growing. Our programs are expanding to the Philippines, offering cross-cultural connections and deeper engagement with global challenges and opportunities.
Safety, Care & Expertise
We know what it means to trust someone with your students or your child. Our team includes experienced educators, field leaders, and safety professionals, all trained in first aid, group management, and youth development. Safety is our top priority — always.
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