Travelling on your own terms, with the planet in mind and human connection at the heart of every journey: that is the ambition behind Vanakeia. Founded by Lisa and Ben, this project reimagines travel through an ecological, immersive lens, as far removed as possible from mass tourism and the high-carbon footprint of frequent flying.
Through immersive stays at eco-sites, workshops and talks on sustainable travel, and a community built around Instagram and a blog, Vanakeia invites us to rethink how we explore the world. The goal is clear: discover new places with awareness and intention, without sacrificing the joy of adventure and genuine human encounters.
In this article, we dive into the story behind Vanakeia, the motivations that drive it, the challenges it faces, and its vision for the future. Find out how Lisa and Ben are turning their passion for travel into a real mission for more responsible tourism. 🚀🌿
Background and origins
The story of Vanakeia begins with Lisa and Ben, a duo brought together by a shared passion for travel and environmental issues. From the very start of their friendship, they were exchanging ideas about how to explore the world differently while reducing their ecological footprint.
The project took shape gradually. Initially, their dream was simply to travel by van, but the more they thought about it, the bigger their vision grew. Their participation in the Social Cup, a social entrepreneurship competition run by Make Sense, proved to be a turning point. Already involved as volunteers with the organisation, they saw in this experience a chance to give their idea real structure and open it up to other like-minded travellers.
Their commitment to more sustainable tourism did not come out of nowhere. Lisa grew up in a household where environmental awareness was second nature, while Ben gradually discovered alternatives such as hitchhiking, van life and train travel. Taking the time to travel, rather than rushing from A to B, became a natural choice, as did the desire to share this approach with a wider community.
With Vanakeia, Lisa and Ben are doing far more than adopting an eco-friendly way of travelling: they are creating a space for reflection and exchange, where anyone can find alternatives that suit their own interests while still respecting the environment.
About the project
A meeting point between travel and ecology
The story of Vanakeia starts with its two founders, Lisa and Ben. When they first met, more than two years ago, their conversations quickly turned to travel and environmental responsibility. Both shared the same dream: to explore the world by van, in a more meaningful way. That shared vision became the starting point for a deeper reflection on how to discover new places while genuinely caring for the environment.
From a personal travel dream to a collective mission
What transformed their idea from a private project into a collective initiative was their participation in the Social Cup, a competition for young social entrepreneurs run by Make Sense. Already committed volunteers within the organisation, Lisa and Ben found in this event a genuine catalyst to structure Vanakeia and give it a clear, concrete direction.
Their aim? To go beyond personal travel and share their approach with a broader community. Vanakeia is therefore not simply a personal adventure, but a way of inspiring other travellers to embrace more sustainable alternatives, through immersive stays at eco-sites, workshops and talks on responsible travel.
A personal journey towards slow travel
The eco-conscious direction of the project did not happen overnight. For Lisa and Ben, it was a gradual evolution. Their awareness grew from simple questions about their own environmental impact: How can we consume more responsibly? Which modes of transport make the most sense?
Lisa describes growing up in a family where environmental awareness was already part of daily life, from composting to mindful eating. That mindset naturally led her to question her approach to travel as well.
By exploring alternatives such as hitchhiking, van life and train travel, she discovered a different way of experiencing the world: slower, more human, and just as enriching as jumping on a plane to a far-flung destination. Today, for both Lisa and Ben, this slow travel philosophy feels completely natural, and it is precisely what they want to share through Vanakeia.
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Challenges and obstacles
Vanakeia is a project that challenges the way we explore the world, championing slow travel and eco-responsible tourism. Led by Lisa and Ben, it offers genuine sustainable alternatives to conventional travel.
The project revolves around several key initiatives: immersive stays at eco-sites, workshops and talks on sustainable travel, and the sharing of experiences through Instagram and a blog. The aim is to open people’s minds to a different kind of travel, one that is kinder to the environment without losing the pleasure of discovery and connection.
An audience seeking authentic alternatives
Vanakeia speaks to travellers looking for more authentic experiences who are conscious of their environmental impact. The project attracts those who want to slow down their approach to travel, as well as those already active in the responsible tourism space, such as eco-sites and alternative travel platforms.
What makes Vanakeia stand out
The immersive approach allows participants to experience a more sustainable way of life first-hand. The project highlights accessible solutions, far from the image of eco-travel as an expensive luxury. And through a strong online presence, Lisa and Ben are building an engaged community that shares tips and stories to inspire other travellers to rethink their habits.
With Vanakeia, they prove that more conscious tourism is achievable, without giving up adventure or human connection.
The people behind the project
A duo united by a shared vision
Vanakeia was born from the meeting of Lisa and Ben, two people passionate about travel and environmental questions. From their very first conversations, they realised they shared the same desire: to travel differently, more responsibly.
Their journey led them to question their own habits, try out different ways of getting around, and reflect on their ecological footprint. That personal reflection grew into a collective project, driven by the desire to bring other travellers along on the same journey.
A personal path towards sustainable travel
Lisa grew up in an environment already attuned to ecological awareness, where everyday gestures such as composting and mindful eating were simply part of life. Ben, meanwhile, gradually discovered the appeal of slow travel, experimenting with hitchhiking, van life and train journeys.
The real turning point came when they both understood that adventure has nothing to do with how far you travel, but everything to do with what you experience along the way. Today, neither of them can imagine travelling any other way, and that is the philosophy they want to pass on through Vanakeia.
Learning to build something from scratch
Launching this kind of project was a real challenge. Neither Lisa nor Ben came from an entrepreneurial background, and they had to learn everything from scratch: managing communications, organising events, creating content. Every step helped them develop new skills and sharpen their vision.
Their involvement with Make Sense, where they were volunteers before starting Vanakeia, gave them solid foundations and a network to lean on. Participating in the Social Cup was also a key turning point, providing a framework to structure their idea and bring it to life.
Today, Lisa and Ben are driven by a firm conviction: more responsible tourism is possible, and everyone can, at their own level, change the way they travel. Vanakeia is the expression of that belief, an evolving project that continues to grow with every experience and every new encounter.
Impact and future prospects
A project that inspires and raises awareness
Since its launch, Vanakeia has already made a tangible impact, both personally and collectively. For Lisa and Ben, this adventure has been a genuine transformation. Moving from ordinary travellers to committed social entrepreneurs has helped them gain a whole range of new skills, from project management to communications.
But the most powerful impact remains human. During immersive stays and workshops, they see participants leave with a completely new perspective on travel. Some begin to question their own habits; others discover alternatives they had never previously considered. After their very first weekend event, they received enthusiastic feedback from travellers who felt ready to change the way they take trips.
Growing the project and reaching more people
Although Vanakeia is still evolving, Lisa and Ben have ambitious plans for the future. Their goal is to grow their community and offer more immersive stays at committed eco-sites.
They also want to strengthen their partnerships with other players in the sustainable tourism space. Already working with venues such as Oasis Font Marie near Montpellier, they are also collaborating with platforms that champion responsible travel actors.
Finally, to make these alternatives even more accessible, they plan to keep sharing their experiences on Instagram, their blog and via their newsletter. A dedicated WhatsApp group for past participants is also in the works, to create an ongoing space for exchange and shared stories.
With Vanakeia, Lisa and Ben hope to keep inspiring, educating and encouraging more and more travellers to rethink the way they discover the world.
Advice for aspiring project founders
Launching Vanakeia has been a rich learning experience for Lisa and Ben. Looking back, they have identified a handful of essential pieces of advice for anyone wanting to start a purpose-driven project.
The first is to get started without waiting until everything is perfect. At the beginning, they did not have all the skills they needed, but they learned as they went. The key is to test, experiment and adapt the project based on real feedback.
They also recommend building a support network around you. Taking part in initiatives like the Social Cup helped them shape their idea and connect with people who shared their values. Their involvement with Make Sense was also a source of inspiration and ongoing learning.
Another essential point is to stay true to your values, even when things get tough. Promoting more sustainable tourism means challenging deeply ingrained habits, but every small change adds up.
Finally, they advise sharing your journey openly. Communication plays a crucial role in raising awareness and building a community. Using social media, a blog or in-person events helps give the project visibility and brings more people on board.
For Lisa and Ben, building something in the sustainable tourism space is challenging, but also enormously rewarding. Seeing travellers change the way they explore the world, thanks to Vanakeia, shows them that real, concrete impact is possible, even on a small scale.
Conclusion
With Vanakeia, Lisa and Ben are proving that a different kind of tourism is within reach. Their project demonstrates that it is possible to travel differently, taking the time to discover, to connect and to keep your environmental footprint to a minimum.
What began as a personal journey has become a genuine collective initiative. Through immersive stays, workshops and shared experiences, they are raising awareness within a growing community about real alternatives to conventional travel.
Their story is also an inspiration for anyone hoping to build something in a purpose-driven field. Despite the challenges, they have managed to adapt, learn on the go and remain true to their values throughout.
The future looks bright for Vanakeia, with new stays on the horizon, stronger partnerships and an ever-growing determination to inspire other travellers. More than just a project, it is an invitation to reimagine the way we explore the world.
Bibliography
Interviews and testimonials
Lisa & Ben. Interview about the Vanakeia project.
Organisations and initiatives mentioned
Make Sense. Organisation supporting citizens and entrepreneurs in projects with social and ecological impact. Available at:
Social Cup. Social entrepreneurship competition. Available at:
OlySlow. Platform dedicated to responsible tourism. Available at:
L’Oasis Font Marie. Eco-site committed to welcoming conscious travellers.
Recommended reading
Guides Tao. Travelling differently: the guide to sustainable tourism. Paris: Viatao.
Gysler, S. Petit. Editions Favre, 2018.
Documentaries and programmes
Nu et Culottés. Directed by Guillaume Mouton and Nans Thomassey. Broadcast on France 5.
J’irai dormir chez vous. Directed by Antoine de Maximy. Broadcast on France Televisions.
Sustainable travel tools and platforms
Home Camper. Accommodation with locals. Available at:
La Mad Jacques. Hitchhiking race and alternative travel experience. Available at:
Vanakeia’s links and networks
📌 Instagram: @vanakeia
🌍 Website:
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