Why I Named My Travel Business “Wandering Fox”
- Alissa Bratz
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
The story behind a transformational travel journey for lifelong learners
When I started my travel business, I knew I didn’t want it to be just about logistics or destinations. I wanted it to reflect something deeper — the kind of travel that transforms us, shapes our hearts, and stays with us long after we return home.The name Wandering Fox was inspired by a beloved book that has has shaped how I see the world, how I taught for decades, and how I travel today: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
“One sees clearly only with the heart.
What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
If you know The Little Prince, you may remember these words — spoken by the Fox to the Prince. It’s a simple line, but one that carries profound meaning.The Fox isn’t just a supporting character. He’s a guide — gentle, wise, and quietly transformative. He teaches the Prince about connection, responsibility, and the beauty of slowing down enough to truly see someone or someplace with your heart.This is also what transformational travel means to me.It’s not about seeing more. It’s about seeing more deeply.
The Fox as a Symbol for Meaningful Travel
In The Little Prince, the Fox asks to be tamed — to be truly known and connected, even though it means parting later will be painful. That kind of open-hearted connection takes courage. But it’s also what gives life meaning.
As travelers, we have the opportunity to approach the world like the Little Prince: curious, gentle, and willing to learn. And we have the chance to become the Fox, too — forming connections that matter, even if just for a moment, and allowing ourselves to be changed by them.
This is the spirit behind Wandering Fox Journeys.
From the Classroom to the World
Before I became a travel designer, I spent over 20 years as a French teacher. The Little Prince was one of my favorite books to teach — not just because of the language, but because of the themes. Exploring the themes of connection, the true and essential, and imagination and wonder with my students created special bonds in our classroom, and resonated with what I most hoped to instill in my students. In planning and organizing over a dozen student trips to France, I observed firsthand the incredible power that travel can have on learning and personal growth: in my students and in myself.
These experiences made the transition into a career in travel design feel like a natural extension of the classroom. I’m still teaching, in a way — but now I’m helping people learn through travel experiences.
"The world is the best textbook, and travel is the lesson."
Why I Believe in Transformational Travel
I believe in travel that awakens the senses, stretches the mind, and touches the heart.
I work with curious explorers — lifelong learners who don’t just want to go somewhere, but who want to be changed by where they go.
At Wandering Fox, I craft journeys designed to help you see more clearly — not just with your eyes, but with your heart. Whether it’s walking through vineyards in France, learning to cook with locals in Portugal, or walking in the footsteps of history in a medieval village, the goal is always the same:
To connect and to grow.
A Personal Invitation
If this way of seeing the world speaks to you, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’ve loved The Little Prince for years or are just now discovering it, I invite you to travel like the Fox: with openness, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the essential things that must be seen with the heart.
Let’s craft your next adventure together.
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