Meet Boston Chapter Leader Amanda Walkins

Amanda Walkins stepped in as Boston Chapter Leader to get events rolling in 2018. She is a freelance writer, blogger, scuba diver and content marketer who grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in four countries in the past twelve months.

(Intro from Ian: I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda and her husband at Lola’s office in Boston last December. What’s amazing is that Amanda is a member of our Edinburgh chapter, and also helped launch our Malta chapter! I’m so thankful for members in our community like Amanda who have created international connections in Travel Massive. )

How did you get connected with Travel Massive?

I wanted to join Travel Massive years ago, but I was living on a small island in Honduras called Roatan with no chapter (and no real interest from folks to get one going either). Once I moved to Scotland, I joined the Edinburgh Chapter and attended a few events. Meeting people with similar travel interests and learning more about my new expat home was incredibly helpful and fun!

As a newbie everywhere I go, Travel Massive proves to be an ideal group for making new friends and learning about my new home.

I made great contacts at those events, gathered a few free passes to local tours, and learned a lot about the local industry. When I moved to Malta, the chapter had started there but hadn’t yet hosted an event. I helped the chapter leaders launch this summer with a fantastic networking event, including a local microbrewery offering free samples.

Coming home to Boston, I couldn’t wait to make more local travel industry friends.

What is special about your chapter and community?

Boston will always be my home – even though I haven’t lived here full-time since I was 18. The city boasts so much character and a true community focus. Boston just has that magnetic pull. And as a hub for travel start-ups and big industry players, Boston loves innovation! It’s exciting to be in the travel industry here.

What do you want to achieve in your local chapter?

I’m only in Massachusetts temporarily, so I’m aiming to get a few events going for the chapter to reconnect in 2018. We are actively looking for new chapter leaders who can maintain that momentum and keep the Boston Chapter moving forward throughout the year.

But, first things first, we have a fun event in the works for early January!

Who are the heroes in your local community?

What I love most about Boston is how generous locals are – without hesitation, Bostonians give their time, energy, and money to help others. There are so many local organizations offering travel opportunities to underserved communities, fundraising for far-flung places after disasters strike, and always welcoming newcomers into the fold. It’s a wonderful community filled with everyday heroes.

What are you excited about next?

I’m so excited to meet more Boston Chapter members! Our next event will be a great opportunity to network and to share what we’re all up to. There is so much happening in this area and I’m thrilled to be a part of the industry here.

After that, I’m excited for our next adventure! Destination still undecided, but I’m aiming for sunshine and scuba diving 😉

Follow Amanda on Travel Massive, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit her website at amandawalkins.com