Our Team

MEET KIM GIOVACCO

Founder of Veg Jaunts and Journeys

When I was in my 20s and 30s, I loved nothing more than grabbing a guidebook, booking a flight, and jaunting through some incredible destinations.

As a vegetarian at the time, I never felt I could join an organized tour because I knew food choices would be limited at the restaurants chosen for the group. Then, a few years ago, when I became a vegan, my travel choices were even more limited. Not only for food, but for animal compassion. Many tour companies offer the chance to ride an elephant, or visit a local leather market — but that was not for me.

I loved traveling solo — but I knew there was something missing.

There were places I longed to visit but did not feel quite comfortable traveling alone. I was definitely missing a sense of camaraderie, the “instant friends” a tour provides. And, having everything planned for me.

So, what was a vegan filled with wanderlust to do?

Well, after decades spent on the periphery of the travel industry – working at a well-known map publisher, the Korean tourist office, then the economic development board for Singapore – complemented by my 25 years of personal travel experiences – I founded Veg Jaunts and Journeys in 2016.

I created this company to give travelers like us the kinds of tours and experiences I had missed out on.

My tours and custom vacations are crafted exclusively for travelers who follow a vegan lifestyle. Of course, I seek out all vegan restaurants for us and engage travelers in vegan-friendly activities and excursions along the way – such as visiting an animal sanctuary or taking a vegan market tour, along with activities that reflect the history or culture of the destination.

MEET JACKIE BURKE

Tour Organizer and Tour Leader

Originally from Austria, Jackie has been exploring the world since she was a little kid, traveling to European countries like Greece, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany. When she spent a year on Fuerteventura during college, she caught a case of wanderlust that has never left her. She now lives in Charlotte, NC, carrying her love of cultures and languages wherever she goes, and has continued to follow her passion for exploring the world.

Veganism is central to Jackie’s life. She has always been deeply connected to animals and nature, and that passion led her to become a certified health coach and certified in plant-based cooking. At home, her six cats keep her busy and remind her daily that all animals are sentient beings who deserve to be loved. She knows firsthand how challenging it can be to travel as a vegan-but for her, that challenge has become a joy. Researching, planning, and finding vegan-friendly restaurants, hotels, and hidden gems is her superpower, and she loves creating exciting itineraries.

Jackie is thrilled to be part of a community that shares her vision: traveling the world with compassion, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure.

MEET JENN WILLETT

Tour Organizer and Leader

Jenn is thrilled to be part of the Veg Jaunts and Journeys team and feels that vegan travel has changed her life, allowing her to explore with like-minded individuals, many of whom have become lifelong friends. She began her journey to veganism back in 1990 when she got a job at Gentle Strength Food Coop in Tempe, AZ, and simultaneously adopted her first pet, a cat named Cally, who taught her all about loving a non-human being. The confluence of exposure to new ideas regarding food, health, environment, and animal activism had a profound impact on Jenn, and eschewing animal products is the best decision she ever made.

In her everyday life, Jenn is an avid vegan baker (because the best way to be an ambassador for the cause is to feed people really amazing food!), a part-time yoga teacher, and companion to four cats, and an extremely fat dog. She looks forward to planning and leading some amazing European tours, as well as helping Veg Jaunts and Journeys expand its offerings to tours and volunteer opportunities at animal sanctuaries.

MEET WENDY WERNETH

Tour Leader

Born in the US, Wendy has spent more than half her life living and traveling abroad and has visited more than 100 countries. After living in Lisbon for nearly seven years and becoming an American-Portuguese dual citizen, she recently relocated to Rome – her favorite city in the world. She is the author of the Nomadic Vegan blog and the book Veggie Planet, and she loves to seek out vegan local specialties in the places she visits.

MEET KIM BIZZARRI

Tour Leader

Kim is a British-Italian animal-rights activist and investigative researcher well-connected to the vegan and antispeciest community in Italy. Kim has over 20 years of professional experience in the event and travel business internationally, having lived in 9 cities, in 7 countries, on 3 continents. Kim is absolutely passionate about history, culture and food, and he will happily share the hidden gems of Italy with you!