Leadership

Andrea Leber, founder

With an insatiable passion for different cultures and meeting new people, Andrea always finds a reason to explore a new place.

After completing her degree in languages, she gained invaluable working experience with a northern-based airline company and worked for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – during three Olympic Games.

After many years of now owning a successful business, Andrea has decided to take on a new project and start SoloMate Travel with the intention that she could show people around the world what a rewarding experience it is to travel. Sports is another one of her passions, so if you get the chance to travel with her, chances are you better bring your racket, golf clubs, snorkel and skis.

Why did you first decide to travel solo?
I decided to travel on my own but looked into solo group trips for a sense of security, pre-planned agendas and an outlet for meeting new friends. This way I had the freedom to travel where and when I wanted since my friends could not always manage the same time off or had the same desire to visit a particular destination.

Where has your passport been stamped?
From the Arctic to the Indian Ocean, I think the number of countries is coming close to 30 and still counting.

If you could eat in only one city for the rest of your life, where would it be?
Montreal, of course, it’s my home town. When I do leave home, it’s anything Asian.

Where is your favorite place to visit?
Africa, for the wildlife adventures and even more for the people, who are gracious and kind. They truly appreciate the simple things in life.

One thing you always do while traveling?
Get up early one morning; find the local market, order a coffee and local specialty and watch a village start their day.

What advice would you give to a fellow traveler?
Before you leave, inquire if there are any cultural or religious customs you should know about. Learn to say hello and thank you in the respective country’s language. Have fun and take it all in.

Name the countries you wish to explore.
All of South America, but mostly: Argentina for their tango, Brazil’s Carnival, Peru and the Inca trails.

We know it may be scary to travel by yourself in a group, trust us we’ve done it ourselves before. So, we match up our travelers to share a room, put together a custom and exciting itinerary and make sure your trip is affordable, and most importantly memorable.