WE LIKE TO THINK OF US AS EXPERTS WITH A PASSION TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES THAT ENRICH LIVES THROUGH WELLNESS + ACTIVE TRAVEL
Your Travel + Wellness Team
Muirgheal MontecalvoCEO & Founder
Muirgheal (pronounced Muirelle) has spent her life and work focused around travel. She has explored over 35+ countries and has plans to visit many more! Born and raised in Europe, she has lived in Ireland, the UK, Australia and the USA. Due to her passion for living a healthy and active lifestyle, Muirelle discovered that wellness trips and resorts were hard to find and this ultimately led to the launch of Vacayou.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere that is amazingly peaceful, remote, and I can hike and enjoy the beaches. I love Ireland for its rural landscape, woods, trees and beaches all together.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Also looking forward to Bhutan and most definitely the Maldives!
What does wellness mean to you?
I believe that wellness is different for everyone. Some like hiking, biking, running and just a really good workout at the gym, others may enjoy the spa, an immersive wellness retreat, yoga, meditation. I like to think that I fall into all these categories with a little bit of everything! As long as its active and enjoyable or relaxing and rejuvenating, it's wellness to me.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere that is amazingly peaceful, remote, and I can hike and enjoy the beaches. I love Ireland for its rural landscape, woods, trees and beaches all together.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Also looking forward to Bhutan and most definitely the Maldives!
What does wellness mean to you?
I believe that wellness is different for everyone. Some like hiking, biking, running and just a really good workout at the gym, others may enjoy the spa, an immersive wellness retreat, yoga, meditation. I like to think that I fall into all these categories with a little bit of everything! As long as its active and enjoyable or relaxing and rejuvenating, it's wellness to me.
Marilyn BerghPartner Success Director
Marilyn’s career encompasses over 30+ years of advertising sales, training & management. She is a year-round enthusiast of the outdoors. In warm weather, she enjoys boating, wake-boarding, golfing & horseback riding. In the winter months, she downhill skis with her husband Kevin. Marilyn’s travels always include some type of active adventure. Residing in Richmond Virginia, her weekdays are filled with work, Pilates and frequent agility classes with her English Springer Spaniel.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Some of my favorite trips have included Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Tortola and the tall ship windjammer cruise in the British Virgin Islands. Favorite US trips have included Lake Tahoe and Sonoma, CA; Santa Fe, NM; Sedona, AZ, Cape Cod, MA, Kiawah Island, SC and a ranch trip in Tucson, AZ.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Trips planned include heading to Southern Caribbean, Curacao Island this month and skiing in Steamboat, CO next winter.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is a healthy balance of both physical and mental well-being that includes Pilates classes, daily walks and agility training with my dog, and assortment of outdoor activities as often as possible.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Some of my favorite trips have included Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Tortola and the tall ship windjammer cruise in the British Virgin Islands. Favorite US trips have included Lake Tahoe and Sonoma, CA; Santa Fe, NM; Sedona, AZ, Cape Cod, MA, Kiawah Island, SC and a ranch trip in Tucson, AZ.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Trips planned include heading to Southern Caribbean, Curacao Island this month and skiing in Steamboat, CO next winter.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is a healthy balance of both physical and mental well-being that includes Pilates classes, daily walks and agility training with my dog, and assortment of outdoor activities as often as possible.
Özge CoşkunFrontend Developer
Özge Coşkun graduated from chemical engineering and worked in production management for five years. During her maternity leave, she decided to pursue software development. In addition to taking online courses, Özge is a self-taught frontend developer who has finally found her passion!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any place where I can have fun, enjoy the beach, discover new places. But the best destination so far is Brighton in the UK. I absolutely love there.
What's next on your bucket list?
To watch the northern lights from Finland or Norway. I'm also looking forward to going to the Maldives for a relaxing holiday.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is the key to a better quality of life. It means an active, healthy, strong body with a calm mind and, of course, staying away from everything negative! I try to work out three times a week, eat healthy foods and spend time in nature. I always find the things that make me feel good and active.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any place where I can have fun, enjoy the beach, discover new places. But the best destination so far is Brighton in the UK. I absolutely love there.
What's next on your bucket list?
To watch the northern lights from Finland or Norway. I'm also looking forward to going to the Maldives for a relaxing holiday.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is the key to a better quality of life. It means an active, healthy, strong body with a calm mind and, of course, staying away from everything negative! I try to work out three times a week, eat healthy foods and spend time in nature. I always find the things that make me feel good and active.
Brian SchniedersChief Financial Officer
Brian is a licensed CPA and is an accomplished professional with over 35 years of executive-level financial leadership with extensive background in finance, accounting, information technology, operations, logistics, and manufacturing. Brian was raised in Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1982 and moved to Tampa in 1985 to enjoy the year-round outdoor activities Florida has to offer.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any area in the western part of the United States but particularly Colorado. One of my passions is cycling through the mountains on a road bike. There is no better feeling than biking up the mountains and then looking back at what you just accomplished when you are done.
What’s next on your bucket list?
New Zealand (especially the Alps to Ocean bicycle tour), Australia, Costa Rica, Ireland and Europe.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is what gives each person a great state of being. For me each day starts with stretching and eating healthy. I enjoy road cycling as my vigorous exercise a few times a week along with playing several rounds of golf to stay mentally healthy.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any area in the western part of the United States but particularly Colorado. One of my passions is cycling through the mountains on a road bike. There is no better feeling than biking up the mountains and then looking back at what you just accomplished when you are done.
What’s next on your bucket list?
New Zealand (especially the Alps to Ocean bicycle tour), Australia, Costa Rica, Ireland and Europe.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is what gives each person a great state of being. For me each day starts with stretching and eating healthy. I enjoy road cycling as my vigorous exercise a few times a week along with playing several rounds of golf to stay mentally healthy.
John MatsonPresident & Chief Operating Officer
As Vacayou's President and COO, John defines the business strategy and leads the team across the company's initiatives.
John is an entrepreneur and experienced operator with a passion for travel and technology. Most recently, John was co-founder and COO of Location Engine where he launched multiple AI and SaaS products out of stealth and led the team through a strategic acquisition and partnership with Gerent, a well-established Salesforce and CRM solution integration company.
Previously, John launched and ran Voyager HQ, the largest network for travel, tourism, and hospitality startups in the world. They connected over 2,000 emerging ventures with established brands, investors, and advisors.
As a host to two podcasts, Travel is Your Business and 5to9, and Director to two innovation communities, Startup Grind and NYC Innovation Collective, John has been a community leader in the NYC tech scene for a decade. He also ran the marketing department for the city of New York's media tech incubator, the Made in NY Media Center by IFP.
John lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and daughter and enjoys family time, music, and learning new things.
Angela RowePartner Success + Implementation Director
Angela lives in the UK, just outside of London, and has been working within the travel industry for over 20 years - from travel agents, to hotel suppliers, travel startups, business travel and also in the travel technology industry. Now, as an implementation director, she works closely with our partners during the onboarding process, which gives her the opportunity to work more closely with the entire Vacayou team!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Thailand, Australia, and Bali.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bora Bora or Borneo.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness means a healthy, well-nourished body and a calm mind free of worry and anxiety - which isn’t always easy. I try to eat as well as I possibly can, go to the gym 3 times a week, and love a yoga class. I’m also a big fan of simple self-care like a hot bubble bath, spending time in nature, long walks, traveling to new places, enjoying time with friends and family, and my little pug.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Thailand, Australia, and Bali.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bora Bora or Borneo.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness means a healthy, well-nourished body and a calm mind free of worry and anxiety - which isn’t always easy. I try to eat as well as I possibly can, go to the gym 3 times a week, and love a yoga class. I’m also a big fan of simple self-care like a hot bubble bath, spending time in nature, long walks, traveling to new places, enjoying time with friends and family, and my little pug.
Shelly NyqvistHead of Editorial
Shelly lives in Helsinki, Finland, but often works from Paris where her daughter lives, and from Scottsdale, Arizona, which is her U.S. "home." She is a lifelong learner and has degrees in broadcast journalism and marketing. She is also a certified life and travel coach. After enjoying a 9-month soulbbatical, she started freelancing for Vacayou at the end of 2020 and the rest is history.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I feel most alive in Paris and in Scottsdale - urban vs desert.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Travel-wise: I would love to explore Cambodia and Vietnam. Life-wise: I would love to trace my family tree and meet long-lost relatives.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Every morning without fail I meditate and practice yoga. It's like a meeting with myself.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I feel most alive in Paris and in Scottsdale - urban vs desert.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Travel-wise: I would love to explore Cambodia and Vietnam. Life-wise: I would love to trace my family tree and meet long-lost relatives.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Every morning without fail I meditate and practice yoga. It's like a meeting with myself.
Thomas KleinExecutive Advisor
Thomas is a seasoned executive and valued board member/leader who is passionate about creating a sustainable corporate culture. He has an impressive 35+ year career that includes advancement into increasingly demanding leadership roles based on major successes in hospitality, tourism, and wellness-related industries. Today, Thomas has his own boutique consulting company for select individuals and/or organizations that are focused on driving strong results through establishing sustainable leadership. He is also an Advisory Board Member of U.S. Travel and Tourism, the Secretary and Executive Board Member to the Wellness Tourism Association, and Advisory Board Member of Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Too many to list - always a new adventure - it’s a small world
What’s next on your bucket list?
Cross continent RV trip with my bride
What does wellness mean to you?
Authentically living younger longer and living life with a purpose and passion for all that you love and do!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Too many to list - always a new adventure - it’s a small world
What’s next on your bucket list?
Cross continent RV trip with my bride
What does wellness mean to you?
Authentically living younger longer and living life with a purpose and passion for all that you love and do!
Ian NerneyVP Platform
Ian is a husband, father, and lover of great food and outdoor adventures! In his free time, Ian loves exploring Florida waterways in his kayak, firing up the grill, and spending time with his family. As our Director of Platform Development, Ian oversees and participates in the development of the Vacayou platform. His goal is to build amazing customer experiences, while ensuring adherence to modern best-practices for web development.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I absolutely love the Florida Keys! I've made several trips over the last few years, and there's always something new to explore and some old favorites to revisit.
What’s next on your bucket list?
A family vacation to California to explore the great national parks and wineries. Then, a 99-mile kayak journey to explore the Wilderness Waterway in the Everglades.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness is about being physically and mentally well. It's very important to take care of yourself so you can live your life to the fullest. On a daily basis, I enjoy eating healthy and enjoying walks with my family, but on occasion I enjoy long bike rides for kayaking in beautiful places.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I absolutely love the Florida Keys! I've made several trips over the last few years, and there's always something new to explore and some old favorites to revisit.
What’s next on your bucket list?
A family vacation to California to explore the great national parks and wineries. Then, a 99-mile kayak journey to explore the Wilderness Waterway in the Everglades.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness is about being physically and mentally well. It's very important to take care of yourself so you can live your life to the fullest. On a daily basis, I enjoy eating healthy and enjoying walks with my family, but on occasion I enjoy long bike rides for kayaking in beautiful places.
Joe HallinanFrontend Developer
Joe has a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from The Ohio State University (O-H!). After college, he taught himself how to code in his spare time and eventually decided to change careers. Since then, he has worked as a developer for Express on their eCommerce platform before moving on to JPMorgan Chase where he built out their online investments area. Now you'll find Joe building and designing both the Vacayou and Voyager Club websites!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Before I moved to Tampa, I always liked visiting Florida! Other places I’ve been to that I loved were Hawaii, Italy, and Ireland.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I’m looking to get certified in scuba diving next year. Perhaps a scuba trip to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, or maybe go back to Hawaii.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness, to me, means living a lifestyle where you feel the best you can, as much as you can. I feel my best after a good workout, which I try to do 3 or 4 times a week. Hitting a personal record or simply knowing you worked hard and gave it your all for 60 minutes is a really good feeling, both physically and mentally.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Before I moved to Tampa, I always liked visiting Florida! Other places I’ve been to that I loved were Hawaii, Italy, and Ireland.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I’m looking to get certified in scuba diving next year. Perhaps a scuba trip to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, or maybe go back to Hawaii.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness, to me, means living a lifestyle where you feel the best you can, as much as you can. I feel my best after a good workout, which I try to do 3 or 4 times a week. Hitting a personal record or simply knowing you worked hard and gave it your all for 60 minutes is a really good feeling, both physically and mentally.
Sallie FraenkelExecutive Advisor
Sallie is the founder of Mind Body Spirit Network which provides marketing, brand and program development consulting services to the wellness, hospitality, and spa industries. Formerly, Sallie was the COO of Spafinder and EVP of the Global Wellness Summit where she oversaw significant expansion of those businesses during her ten-year tenure. She serves on the boards of the Transformational Travel Council, GSN Planet, NYSPA, Well | Defined and One Well World.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any Destination Spa or Immersive Wellness Resort around the world. My goal is to visit them all someday!
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bhutan and Nepal. My trip is planned, and I can’t wait to experience the traditions and culture of this enchanted region. We’ve timed our trip to experience the Bhutanese Tshechu which are events where we’ll witness their mask dances and receive blessings.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness for me is a deep sense of connectedness with what really matters most: my health, the health of my family, friends and the planet, which culminates in a sense of well-being. I achieve wellness through conscious eating, embracing mindful activities, pilates, barre classes, Peleton, and outdoor walks with my husband and dog.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any Destination Spa or Immersive Wellness Resort around the world. My goal is to visit them all someday!
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bhutan and Nepal. My trip is planned, and I can’t wait to experience the traditions and culture of this enchanted region. We’ve timed our trip to experience the Bhutanese Tshechu which are events where we’ll witness their mask dances and receive blessings.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness for me is a deep sense of connectedness with what really matters most: my health, the health of my family, friends and the planet, which culminates in a sense of well-being. I achieve wellness through conscious eating, embracing mindful activities, pilates, barre classes, Peleton, and outdoor walks with my husband and dog.
Flo Lugli Executive Advisor
Flo is a highly experienced senior executive and independent travel and hospitality consultant with strong management, business strategy, digital/ecommerce and leadership skills in hospitality, travel and related technologies. As founder and principal of Navesink Advisory Group, she leverages her vast experience, industry expertise and thought leadership to help businesses drive revenue growth and enhance profitability. Recognized as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Travel” for 7 years by Travel Agent Magazine, Flo has also been named as one of the top 75 hotel executives and one of the top 10 technology experts in the hospitality industry by Lodging Magazine.
Stephen GalvinVP International Sales
Stephen is a father of two and stepfather of one. He currently resides in Canada after moving from Ireland, where he lived for 48 years of his life. Stephen loves motorsport, running, cycling, HIIT classes and martial arts. He is a volunteer firefighter, helps run community events, and is an enthusiastic proponent of healthy eating and natural healing. Since moving to Canada, he has also taken up cross country skiing!
Ismael AzaranFull Stack Developer
Ismael is a night owl and enjoys working hard. Every day, he learns something new, which is the key to achieving great goals. He joins Vacayou as a Full Stack Developer on our team and focuses on the backend and API.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Tibet, its ancient secrets fascinate me. Also, I can see the Himalayas and Everest.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Maybe I can see some new species of flowers if I go to the Amazon and discover new places. It's not the next one, but I'll try.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness gives meaning to life. Mental and physical health both matter. My goal is to stay away from negative energies and create my own positive ones. Drinking herbal tea and coffee helps me achieve that goal. Also, walking is vital for me.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Tibet, its ancient secrets fascinate me. Also, I can see the Himalayas and Everest.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Maybe I can see some new species of flowers if I go to the Amazon and discover new places. It's not the next one, but I'll try.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness gives meaning to life. Mental and physical health both matter. My goal is to stay away from negative energies and create my own positive ones. Drinking herbal tea and coffee helps me achieve that goal. Also, walking is vital for me.
Taylor HaughtContent & SEO Lead
Taylor Haught is a digital nomad and certified yoga instructor writing wellness and travel content for Vacayou. She has been a professional writer for over 6 years, though her passion for writing started as soon as she could put pen to paper, and her passions for wellness and travel started shortly thereafter. With a wealth of personal experience in the health industry and an unquenchable lust for travel, she loves sharing ways to care for oneself and the world. She frequently roams the globe (next stop: Eastern Europe) and continues to devote her free time to publishing poetry and writing fiction travel novels.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
It's a toss up between Europe and Mexico/ Central America. I love the allure and charm of European cities, especially on the Mediterranean, though I also enjoy the laid-back vibe of tropical places like the Oaxacan Coast and Costa Rica. You can find me alternating between them.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I am really being drawn toward Greece, Portugal and Spain, as well as Africa.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness, to me, is the greatest act of self love that you can give yourself. Our bodies and minds work so hard daily to keep us going, shouldn't we give them a little bit of love in return? It could be as simple as a few deep breaths, a massage, a walk around the block, sunshine and good nutrition. We deserve to experience and enjoy every day that's been gifted to us in utter vitality, and that starts with an emphasis on wellness.
Dwayne IngramExecutive Advisor & Board Member
Dwayne has 30+ years of experience in travel technology, including running the travel industry globally for IBM and running the Americas for Amadeus. Currently located in Tampa, FL, Dwayne serves as Executive Advisor on our Vacayou team!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
New Zealand
What’s next on your bucket list?
African safari
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, one of the keys of wellness is mindfulness and really taking some time each day for reflection. I like to do it while walking.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
New Zealand
What’s next on your bucket list?
African safari
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, one of the keys of wellness is mindfulness and really taking some time each day for reflection. I like to do it while walking.
We aretravelersexplorersambitiouscreativeimmersiveVacayou
Our mission? To create a healthier global community through wellness & active travel. We envision a future where every travel experience enhances your well-being.