Who We are

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Introducing our amazing team of professionals who are here to help you plan the perfect trip. No matter where you're going or what kind of experience you're looking for, these passionate and experienced individuals can make it happen. From travel concierges to destination analysts, from social media strategists to event planners, this dynamic team is here to help you create a unique and unforgettable journey.

Christian Tamte

Owner

Married to the love of my life and mum to 3 pups and an elderly cat named “Kitten”, I have a passion for all things related to the sea and a great appreciation for delicious food and fine whisky.

My dad always said “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”. He was right, of course, and although some days are grueling- I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Now- doing something I love completely differently than how most others do it…. that’s where it gets interesting…

It all started with planning our honeymoon to Thailand.
My wife, like so many of us, had a bucket list activity to ride an elephant.
I set to work, researching, planning and perusing all the many vendor options for this event. It wasn’t long before we realized that this was harmful to the animals and in fact, the process of separating a mother from her calf is quite brutal and happens often for businesses that offer this activity.

We quickly discovered the dark side of this type of tourism and it did not sit well with us.

We shifted our focus and instead decided to spend a day at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
We were instantly enamored with this entire experience from the education to the hands on exposure with the rescued pachyderms.
We spent the whole day walking with, feeding and bathing them.
This easily became one of, if not our favorite memory in all of our travels around the world.

From that point on, I was a changed travel specialist.
After about 20 years of working in nearly every aspect of the travel industry, I had set a new trajectory for my career and newly founded business.

Now, when I travel personally or professionally, I’m hooked on finding unique experiences that are both fun and philanthropic.

CONNECT

I love meeting the local people where I’m visiting. I especially enjoy supporting local small businesses wherever I travel.

As a business owner, myself, I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with other entrepreneurs from around the world and hear their successes and struggles- and then work with them however I can.

HELP

I have several organizations that I give to each year including Kaleidoscope Youth Center and the Coral Restoration Foundation.

LOVE

Fundemar is a fantastic organization working to help restore the coral reefs in the Dominican Republic.

Each year I am making it a point to spend time with local dive shops in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, like Slow Dive Casa Chihuahua, that partner with Fundemar to clean the reefs and assist with the coral spawning.
This is not only a very rewarding experience, but I have so much fun giving back and getting a unique perspective in the oceans.

Samantha Alberts

Food Experience Curator

Hi, I’m Samantha, Food Experience Curator at Zone Travel. I curate unforgettable food journeys that connect people to culture through flavor, story, and experience.

My love for food began at the dinner table in small-town Ohio where crockpot meals were a weeknight staple and home-cooked feasts brought everyone together. When my dad wasn’t busy with his concrete business, he’d take over the kitchen and I was always by his side. My second set of parents across the street introduced me to baking and finer dining, sparking a curiosity that’s taken me from neighborhood potlucks to truffle hunting in the hills of Italy.

I’ve hosted crawfish boils, recreated dishes from around the world, and developed my signature shrimp scampi linguine. Whether it’s a Michelin-worthy tasting menu or a humble home-cooked meal, I believe food made with love and honest ingredients always leaves a lasting impression.

Outside the kitchen, you’ll find me on the water. I’ve been sailing since college (my first sail was on a 16 ft Hobie Cat) and I now captain my 22 ft Starwind on Alum Creek in Ohio. I started diving in 2023 and have already explored underwater mosaics in Italy, helped with coral restoration in the Dominican Republic, and swam alongside whale sharks in the Maldives. From navigating the Erie Canal to spearfishing in Florida, I feel most grounded when I’m close to the sea.

My adventures remind me how deeply connected food, culture, and sustainability really are. I’m always seeking out coastal markets, farm-to-table kitchens, and chefs who cook from the heart. Travel should nourish us in every way, and I love helping people experience the world through food. It’s why I live by the belief that “in a world that moves fast, I find meaning in the slow—a well-cooked meal, a quiet sail, a deep breath before a dive.”

Connect

I believe that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect with a place and its people. Whether I’m sharing a meal in someone’s home, learning traditional recipes, or exploring coastal markets, I always try to listen, learn, and honor the culture behind the cuisine. These moments of connection remind me that we may speak different languages, but we all come together around the table.

Help

On a dive trip to the Dominican Republic, I had the chance to assist with coral restoration alongside a local initiative partnered with Fundemar.

Being part of that hands-on work inspired me to stay active in conservation-focused travel and seek out opportunities where tourism supports marine health and local economies. Whenever possible, I choose to support businesses that give back.

Love

For me, love shows up in the little things—cooking a homemade meal for friends, helping someone find their perfect food experience, or advocating for sustainable travel practices.

I care deeply about protecting the oceans and cultures I explore, and I hope to help others experience the world in a way that’s both joyful and responsible.

Buzzy Biddinger

Social Media Specialist

Hi! I'm Buzzy Biddinger, a passionate traveler, social media specialist, and the owner of Studio West 614, an immersive dance company dedicated to fostering growth, emotional healing, and personal empowerment. After earning degrees in human health and kinetics, dance, and a master’s in social work from Ohio State University, I’ve spent my life working to inspire, support, and connect with people from all walks of life—whether through dance or the digital world.

As I navigate my own journey with triple negative breast cancer, I’ve found immense strength in both travel and connection. In fact, I’m more excited than ever to hit the road and explore the world once again, and I’m determined to inspire others to do the same. Travel has always been my escape, my way to find peace, and a way to connect deeply with the world around me.

Connect

Traveling isn't just about seeing new places; it’s about building real, lasting connections with the communities I visit. I make it a point to dive into each destination with a sense of curiosity and respect, learning about its culture and sharing those stories with the world. Through my social media platforms, I aim to bridge the gap between travelers and locals by highlighting the beauty of human connection, no matter the distance. It’s about fostering understanding, respect, and the joy that comes from sharing our experiences with one another.

Help

Throughout my life, I've always believed in the power of giving back. Whether it’s through supporting the incredible charities dedicated to cancer research or raising awareness about mental health, I make it a priority to use my platform for good. I’ve worked closely with organizations that align with my values, and I always look for ways to help uplift those in need. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or amplifying important causes, I’m committed to making the world a better place with every step I take, both online and offline.

Love

At my core, I believe in love—love for people, love for the planet, and love for the experiences we share. This extends beyond my work with Studio West and into my passion for travel. I support initiatives that promote sustainable tourism, protect natural resources, and champion local businesses that are making a positive difference. Traveling with intention, making mindful choices, and supporting ethical ventures are all part of my mission to inspire others to travel the world responsibly and with purpose.