This is the first in a series profiling NextTribe’s amazingly energetic, knowledgeable, capable, and fun trip leaders. They embrace the spirit and mission of our business and are the ones who make sure each traveler has an incredible transformational journey. Find out what makes them tick.

Ready to explore Umbria, Italy, with NextTribe? There’s a good chance that it will be Shannon Faseler shepherding you on this fabulous trip. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for this locale with travelers, as it embodies several of her passions in life, like creativity and nature. When she’s not leading our trips for women, Faseler is an Associate Professor at the School of Art and Design, Texas State University, teaching art history. Off-campus, she’s an artist whose work reflects the impacts of climate change and who has participated in artist residencies in Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic Circle, and—soon—Antarctica. (Her full sleeves of tattoos include a seal, polar bear, and puffins, reflecting her cold-climate adventures.)

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on fun, transformational trips across the country and around the globe. Check out our creativity retreat in an Italian hilltop villa!

When she’s not traveling, she’s likely hanging with her husband and two dogs, Dolly Parton and Princess Leia, or you might find her reveling in being a pop-culture connoisseur. As a Star Wars megafan, Faseler has been attending the San Diego Comicon for years. She says that her love of comics and Star Wars films pushed her to realize her calling as an artist and continues to inspire her. A favorite phrase? To quote Yoda, “Do or do not; there is no try.”

Marital status?

Married for 30 years

How did you become a trip leader for Italy?

I was studying abroad in Italy when a mutual friend suggested I meet them and Jeannie Ralston [NextTribe’s Founder and CEO] during their art retreat. I went and had a great time, and soon enough, Jeannie asked if I would like to be a trip leader the following year. I said yes!

What’s your favorite aspect of leading these trips for women?

Sharing my love of people, place, and culture with others. As a professor, I’ve taught years of art history classes, often about art in the early times of Italy. I love introducing people to this country. I remember the first time I visited, I was blown away seeing in real life the art I’ve spent years studying. Also, the Italian people’s relationship with the land they farm and the food they create is very unique. I’d never been a fan of Italian food until I went to Italy. So eating well is a big part of the trip, too.

What’s the best thing about traveling in a group of women? How does it differ from traveling with a partner?

Traveling with NextTribe women almost guarantees that you will all have the same passion for travel, culture, and adventure. Traveling with my partner is great; however, it can involve a lot of hand-holding, lol. Even when I’ve taken my students on trips, I never get the same level of enthusiasm toward the things I love the way I do with the women of NextTribe.

Favorite place to visit and why?

Italy and Greece are the perfect combinations of history, culture, food, art, and landscape.

What’s your dream travel destination?

I would love to travel to Egypt and/or Jordan one day. Ancient Egypt is a subject I’ve spent a lot of time studying and teaching in my art classes and would love to experience the pyramids and the culture. Similarly for Jordan, I’ve always enjoyed learning about Mesopotamia. To see where it once was and where civilization began is something I would like to experience.

Do you believe in wearing sweatpants on the plane? If not, what’s your go-to outfit?

NO. It’s not a slumber party; you are still an adult in public. My go-to outfit involves my favorite pair of comfy jeans, a tank top with a built-in bra, a long-sleeved white linen top, and my Vans slip-ons.

Do you have a favorite souvenir from your travels?

I love picking up artisanal jewelry from street vendors in Italy and museum gift shop jewelry, especially Venetian glass pieces. I purchased a black glass heart ring from Murano years ago, and I still cannot go a day without wearing it.

Do you have any travel rituals or tips that you swear by?

Water, water, water. Download everything. Arrive early.

What is your favorite place or experience to share NextTribe groups?

For me, it’s Italy, Florence especially. Walking people through the city, being able to see “time” wherever you look.

What’s your favorite thing about leading trips for women only?

The lack of toxic masculinity (just kidding)! It’s the sisterhood aspect, the shared female experience that connects us.

What’s your trick when people are tired and dragging?

Gelato.

How would you describe the “vibe” of a NextTribe trip?

Travel creates instant bonds, especially in a place like Italy where a shop can close for the day simply because the owners didn’t want to work that day. You’re all experiencing the same stress of being in a new place, not speaking the same language, and traveling. But everyone at NextTribe has a great “roll with it” attitude that you kind of need to have, and I think it allows us to create unique and special bonds with one another.