Jaime Thomas: Closer to the Heart of Africa

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” - Robert Swan

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

If you’re a midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re right where you belong. This isn’t just another travel podcast—it’s an invitation to look at how travel shapes our lives, inspiring us to grow, to see the world in new ways, and to rediscover ourselves in the process.

Together with incredible guests, we’ll dive into heartfelt stories of adventure, resilience, and transformation, exploring not only hidden travel gems but those unforgettable, life-changing moments. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s set off on this journey—together.

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Jamie Thomas.

Jaime Thomas is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she owns Dreamscape Traveler LLC, a luxury travel agency specializing in adventure, culinary and cruise travel globally. She is an active member of several women's including BPW, 100 Women Who Care and Working Women of Tampa Bay and she also volunteers with many local organizations in her free time. When she and her husband are not spending time with their two dogs, trying out new restaurants or enjoying the outdoors, they travel the world extensively, having been to 53 countries at present and working towards a goal of making that 70 before her 50th birthday in 2029.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

Welcome to the podcast Jamie.

4:09 I spent semesters in Spain and Italy, making the most of my time there by traveling extensively. I also participated in what was then called a January term, which took me to East Asia, where I visited Japan, China, and South Korea. After graduating, I knew I wanted travel to remain a priority in my life, and it always did. However, it wasn’t until 15 to 20 years later that I finally entered the travel industry.

7:13 I’d love to talk about a couple of places, if that’s okay. The first one that comes to mind is Florence. For me, it holds a special place in my heart, and I fell in love with it all over again when I visited this past summer with my husband. It had been about 20 years since I was last in Florence, where I studied abroad.

9:01 I also have a deep passion for Africa, which is why I chose to specialize in this region. My experiences there have been truly transformative. Being in the wilderness, completely unplugged, and experiencing nature in its rawest and purest form has been life-changing. On top of that, connecting with the warmth and hospitality of the people has made such a profound impact on me that I find myself returning again and again.

16:02 We were truly impressed by the ostrich—it was better than any filet mignon I’ve ever had.

20:52 Sustainability is such an important aspect of our industry. It’s essential to preserve these treasures so future generations can enjoy them just as we have. As travel professionals, we need to be educators, not just advisors. This means vetting our partners to ensure they’re genuinely committed to sustainable practices and missions. It also involves staying informed and continuously educating ourselves about the industry’s efforts toward sustainability.

37:43 That’s an interesting question. I think I’d thank myself for being bold enough to try new things and for taking the leap to learn from others. I’m grateful for surrounding myself with a diverse group of people who taught me so much about thinking more broadly and viewing things from different perspectives.

You can find Jamie Thomas at:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

 

Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan—your host, travel advisor, and transformational coach. It’s been an absolute joy to share this adventure with you today.

Before we wrap up, I have something special to share: Imagine a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come to life! Join us for an unforgettable festive getaway to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City, happening December 3rd – 9th, 2025. It’s the perfect trip for friends and empty nesters looking to blend nostalgia with holiday magic. For all the details, visit PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com.

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Until next time, remember: travel isn’t just about the places you visit—it’s about the person you become along the way. The world is waiting for you, and so is your next great chapter. Safe travels!