Hi, we’re Francisco and Chloe – founding partners of Latitude22.
We definitely have a case of itchy feet for India – we’ve been exploring India since 1987. Since then we’ve travelled North, South, East and West on high repeat and spent periods of time living in both South India (Kerala) and North India (Jodhpur, Rajasthan). We’re now happily settled in a village in Goa on the western coast of India. In 2008 & 2009 we circumnavigated the Subcontinent by land- travelling 30,000km by bus, train, rickshaw & foot.
Latitude22 was born when we finally embraced the niggling back-ground commentary that has peppered our Indian travels. If we had a rupee for every time we heard the longing phrase “I’ve always wanted to go to India but don’t know where to start” we’d have enough for a year’s supply of samosas. And we love samosa. So in 2011, Latitude22 was officially launched. We chose the name Latitude22 because its the line of latitude which travels through India – which is exactly what we are about.
Until early 2014 we juggled busy corporate lives with extended periods of adventure travel – but as our time in India eclipsed our time in London we quickly realised this was the place we should be year-round. Now we happily spend 365 days a year living on the ground in India.
Without a doubt our most ambitious adventure has been raising our five year old identical twin girls, Lily & Sabina, who travel with us everywhere (except on our guided tours, of course). Already adventurous little souls, as one year olds they backpacked with us around South East Asia for a year (watch for our family-friendly tours of India coming soon!).
When it comes to travel we definitely prefer to linger – the “rent a house, stay a few months, meet some people, see what happens” approach has favoured us with brilliant memories, unique experiences and a thriving network of firm friends across Asia. It’s these connections and discoveries we can now share with you on a Latitude22 tour.
We hope to adventure with you soon!
Chloe & Francisco
Meet our team:
Francisco – your guide:
An intrepid traveller, I love the spirit of adventure! From whizzing through unexplored backstreets in India, to travelling to remote villages and working with those less fortunate, I am passionate about living an adventurous life.
I love to see the wonder in people’s eyes when they travel with me and experience a ‘different world’. For me, this is the true essence of travel and building memories that last a lifetime.
As a travel photographer, India is a dream destination for capturing beautiful memories on film and I find myself getting lost in many amazing moments.
I have a special bond with India through my Indian heritage and I call this home – I am part Goan and part Irish.
Contact me on francisco@latitude22travel.com
Chloe – your planner:
I’m a self-confessed Indiaphile: I harbour a steadfast obsession with Indian food, music, language and film. I eat, sleep and dream India.
For me, India is about vibrancy and adventure – there is simply never a dull moment in electrifying India.
I adore travelling but luckily for my role as tour planner I experience vicarious kicks from planning other people’s adventures too.
I can speak, read and write conversational Hindi.
In my past life I was a Management Consultant for more than 15 years in global consulting corporations in NZ, Australia and the UK – see more about my less interesting side here: Linkedin
Contact me on chloe@latitude22travel.com