Our Mission

At Acacia Tree Travels, we believe that travel is more than just seeing new places—it’s about:

Creating meaningful connections

Fostering personal growth,

and engaging in reciprocal learning with the cultures and communities you visit.

We specialize in leading bespoke trips and crafting personalized itineraries tailored to your unique interests and passions.

Whether you’re seeking immersive cultural experiences, off-the-beaten-path adventures, or deep dives into local traditions, our expert team designs journeys that inspire discovery and mutual exchange, ensuring every experience is enriching, authentic, and unforgettable.

Let us help you explore the world, one meaningful moment at a time.

Kind Words from Happy Travelers

  • "Our experiences roused a wide range of emotions including interest, empathy, gratitude, hope, inspiration and love. Heather did a terrific job organizing an exciting, enlightening and fun itinerary as well as flawlessly leading us through the logistics while making everyone feel connected and welcome. This was a trip of a lifetime...below are the children's impressions:  

    Bella, 9:  I learned that I should appreciate what I have as others don't have as much.  

    Emma, 12:  I met so many amazing people and built so many strong relationships over the course of this trip. All the different ways of life I was exposed to really opened my eyes on how amazing the world is!  

    Graham, 15:  Going to Africa really was like visiting another world. I learned so much and saw so much and experienced so many unforgettable things. This trip will definitely stick with me as one of the highlights of my life."  

    -The Clark Family  

  • "I have done a lot of international travel, but my trip with Heather to South Africa and Lesotho was something special. Our group was intergenerational and I believe that the observations and insights of each and every group member, ages 7 - 70 were invaluable. I had the distinction of being the oldest member of the group. Our goal was both to educate ourselves and have fun. There was plenty of fun to be had, but my favorite part of the trip was the learning experiences offered. I now carry the singing and dancing of the Basotho and the Xhosa peoples and the memory of the red earth of Lesotho in my heart"  

    ​- Carol Smith

  • Our experience in South Africa and Lesotho was amazing! Heather is extremely knowledgeable about traveling there, the culture, and the people. My husband and I felt so comfortable and safe taking our 7 and 10-year-old children on our trip to South Africa. Can't wait to go back with her again! 

    - Dee Stein Wyatt

  • "I had the wonderful privilege of traveling to South Africa and Lesotho with Heather and 10 others for two weeks. Heather put in an incredible amount of time and effort to guarantee ALL ages would have an unforgettable experience. Once a resident of Lesotho, Heather served as an invaluable guide with her knowledge, experience, and friendly demeanor. I loved every minute of being immersed in the rich culture, heritage, history, and sights of the countries. I would go back on this trip in a heartbeat! " 

    -Kelly Williams, Teacher  

  • I can't exclaim enough how awesome a tour is with Heather! It was by far, the best trip of my life. She will take you to eye-opening, heart-stopping, fun, and beautiful places. Perfect for singles, teens, and families who want a personal or small group.  

    - Patrice Krocheski-Meyer 

  • “I traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland as a chaperone, on a trip led by Heather Miller. The itinerary was well thought out, hitting all the topical and historical points to meet our group’s travel intention.  Heather focused on student needs while keeping the integrity of the trip in place.  Heather handled logistical challenges due to post-Covid travel with patience and grace.  I’d highly recommend working with Heather on an educational, international trip.  

    - Rachel Gagliardi

  • “We were chaperones on a 2023 trip to Greece with our church’s pilgrimage group. Heather guided the youth and adults as they researched pilgrimage possibilities in mainland Greece and on the island of Lesvos. Heather connected with an amazing group in Greece that was doing immersive refugee experiences in Lesvos.  Our eight youths were profoundly affected by that experience. Through Heather’s meticulous planning, our meals, lodging, and transportation were seamless and outstanding.  Heather is creative, enthusiastic, and very experienced with planning and bringing memorable journeys to fruition. We recommend her highly for groups seeking immersive and meaningful travel experiences.”

    - Stacy and Mike Walters 

Why You Should Work With Us

  • Acacia Tree Travels specializes in planning custom trips for individuals, families, and groups who want to have a personalized adventure while learning more about the location they travel, based on what they love to do and see.

    We work within your budget to give you specific recommendations and options that work best for your needs. Let us take the hassle out of trip planning so you can enjoy the journey without the work.

    With years of global experience, we’ll handle all the details, saving you time and ensuring you a smooth, unforgettable adventure. 

  • With over 15 years of expertise in trip planning and guiding, we’re dedicated to crafting journeys that truly resonate with each group’s unique interests.

    Our trips foster meaningful connections - not just to the places we visit but also to the people we encounter along the way.

    Every detail is thoughtfully designed with a focus on creating a transformational experience, ensuring that travelers come away inspired and deeply connected to their journey. 

  • At Acacia Tree Travels, we specialize in creating personalized group travel experiences tailored to your unique needs, interests, and goals. With over 15 years of expertise in intergenerational and youth faith-based trips, we work closely with you to craft itineraries, lessons, and activities that align with your group’s focus and vision.

    Our journeys go beyond sightseeing. They are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the people and places we visit by building meaningful connections, supporting local initiatives, and engaging in cross-cultural learning. By traveling with us, you contribute directly to the communities we partner with, as a portion of your payment supports the organizations we collaborate with.

    Discover travel that connects, inspires, and makes a difference. Let us design a journey that’s uniquely yours.

Meet Heather

Hi, I'm Heather, Founder of Acacia Tree Travels. I'm a mom, an educator, and an adventurous traveler. I have been leading trips for educational and faith-based organizations since 2000 and have learned much about the travel industry. Drawing on my background in Experiential Education, I lead and curate fun, culturally respectful travel that allows for real connections between people. 

Interested in learning more? Here are a few notes on my experiences:

  • I led my first educational tour in 2000 with the School for Field Studies in Tanzania. I have consistently led group travel for universities and faith-based organizations ever since.

  • I have led multi-generational trips with travelers aged 7-77 as well as youth and family trips. On a personal note, my family's first international trip was to South Africa and Lesotho when my children were 2 and 4 years old!

  • I have developed itineraries for numerous individuals and organizations, including Rumblings Media, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, and St. Catherine’s University. 

  • I curate travel, not tourism.  

My trips always start with YOU. Whether you want a few hours of my time to help you plan a trip, want me to do your bookings, or want me to lead a group, I am here to listen and plan the travel that works best for you. I will always ensure what I plan is affordable, fun, and respectful. We travel to learn about the world. My job is to make that learning work for you and for those who meet you on your journey. 

QUESTIONS? LET’S CHAT.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT TO CHAT? BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ME.