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Wednesday April 16, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

In an era when social media curates the perfect “instamoment,” how do we ensure that travel remains immersive, transformative, and real?
Join Christina Ball, founder of Speak! Language Center, as she moderates a vibrant conversation with:
  • Julie Arbelaez, 30-year travel agent and owner of Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters
  • Michelle Damiani, travel writer, trip leader and author of Il Bel Centro
  • Jaime Kurtz, JMU Psychology Professor and author of The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations

Together, we’ll explore the evolving nature of travel—from passive sightseeing to experiences that foster real connection and cultural engagement.
We'll discuss:
  • How technology and digital storytelling have sparked a renewed hunger for authenticity
  • Ways to deepen travel through hands-on experiences like culinary walking tours, journaling, biking, and meeting local artisans
  • The challenge of decision paralysis in the age of information overload—and how to filter through the noise
  • Why it’s time to move beyond checklist tourism and curated itineraries to embrace slower, more soulful journeys

Come for the conversation, stay for the inspiration—and leave with practical ideas to make your next trip more personally meaningful.

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Speakers
avatar for Jaime Kurtz

Jaime Kurtz

Department of Psychology, Professor, James Madison University
Jaime Kurtz is a professor of psychology at James Madison University, where she specializes in the study of happiness and savoring. In addition to being published in top peer-reviewed journals, her work has received recent mention in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Damiani

Michelle Damiani

Travel Writer
Michelle Damiani is a travel writer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, which chronicles her year living in an Italian village with her husband, three children, and two cats. Her daily life... Read More →
avatar for Julie Arbelaez

Julie Arbelaez

Chief Frog, Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters
Julie opened Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters in 1993 after a year spent travelling in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. As a University of Virginia graduate, returning to Charlottesville was a top priority. For the last 32 years, Julie has spent her days creating custom-designed travel... Read More →
avatar for Christina Ball

Christina Ball

Owner & Director, Speak! Language Center
Christina Ball, Ph.D. – Italian and Speak! Owner/DirectorChristina holds a Ph.D. in Italian from Yale University and has been teaching all aspects of the language and culture since 1992. A Fulbright Scholar to Italy, she has lived, studied, and traveled extensively throughout the... Read More →
Collaborator
avatar for Speak! Language Center

Speak! Language Center

At Speak! Language Center, our primary mission is to educate, inspire, and empower people through language, culture, and community. Our tailored, artisanal approach to language/culture education personalizes the learning experience leads to enriching conversations, and cultural discoveries... Read More →
Wednesday April 16, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Vault Virginia

Attendees (5)


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