Worldly Women of Travel: Interview with Sally Schatz

The latest GIVEjoy interview shines a spotlight on Sally Schatz—a caring, curious, and compassionate traveler with a deep commitment to giving back. Whether she’s exploring the world or serving on the board of  Paws4ever, Sally inspires others through her generosity and purpose. I’m delighted to share our conversation and the insights she gained from a life of travel and service.

Per July 2025 Interview

Who or what first inspired you to travel?

The travel bug first got into my blood during those family vacations we took in the late 1950s and 60s.  In those early years of my life growing up in Ohio, we drove our white Dodge station wagon on every summer vacation, a 3-seater with the windows rolled down since air conditioning was not yet available.  You can picture it; what an adventure!  Our vacations with the four of us, including my older brother and me, often involved visiting historical sites like Williamsburg or Jamestown or even Quebec City and Nova Scotia — our history lessons during summer break — or driving my brother or me to or from camp in Wisconsin, Vermont or upstate New York.

What was your most meaningful trip? Where was it and why/how was it meaningful?

Of course, it is difficult to choose just one that is the most meaningful.  I could say bareboat sailing on a 54’ sailboat through the French Polynesian islands with seven friends from Minneapolis.  Or it may be the striking uniqueness of Iceland with its moon-like terrain and volcanic history, which is home to friendly Nordic residents with their dark humor.  Perhaps I could talk about the only trip I have traveled solo to the Amazon jungle in Peru or with friends through Transylvania in Romania, including a tour of Dracula’s castle shortly before Halloween.

Italy can make you feel like an explorer, an adventurer… As a lifelong learner with a curious mind, that is energizing!

No, the most meaningful trip to date would have to be my most recent one to Italy.  It is one of those places that heightens all of your senses in every way.  Its scenery is visually beautiful, the culinary delights amazing, the wine magnifico!   And let’s not forget Italy’s ancient Roman history, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters, the architecture, art, fashion…it seems never-ending.  Because of its varied regions and experiences in each one, Italy can make you feel like an explorer, an adventurer.  There is something intriguing around every corner.  As a lifelong learner with a curious mind, that is energizing!

How have your experiences traveling impacted your perspectives?

To me, traveling affects my perspective on life and expands my mind, offering new ideas and sometimes new ways of thinking — about the world, other cultures, or even my own life. I want to share these experiences and stories with my friends and family so they too can envision what life must be like there.  Traveling often makes me appreciate my life even more and reminds me how fortunate I have been in my lifetime. And it makes me want to travel all over again!

What is next on your travel adventure list and why?

My friends and I have talked about going to Panama.  Other than a scuba diving trip to Honduras years ago, I haven’t been anywhere else in Central America.  We want to visit the Panama Canal, go hiking to see wildlife in their natural habitat, possibly take a coffee farm tour, see the vast, beautiful beaches, and other interesting or historical sights.  I’m anxious to explore a different part of the world, again to gain a new perspective.  And to share such a trip with good friends is the best!  Or…maybe I’ll go to Scandinavia or perhaps Scotland or who knows!

What advice would you give to others considering an international trip?

My advice is don’t be afraid.  Don’t be afraid to take the leap and do it.  If you’re curious about what someplace would be like, experience it and be open to new discoveries. Don’t worry about any language barrier. Very often, I’ve found that many people either speak English or know enough to get by.  Part of the fun is trying to communicate in other ways, and you’ll find that others want to help you if you try.  In virtually every culture, people are basically the same in that regard.  This has been another life lesson for me.

A friend of mine in her early 60s had never traveled overseas, but she had a yearning to do so.  Her partner said he had no interest in going.  To her credit, she invited a friend to go with her on a river cruise in France, which ended in Paris, and she was hooked!  That’s how it gets started.

My suggestion for your first international trip is to go on a tour with your spouse, family, friends, or whomever.  The trip is all planned for you, which is the hardest part.  Once you go the first time, I’ll bet you will get the bug too and want to go on another trip! As they say, life is too short.  Get as much as you can out of life while you can and are healthy enough to travel. You won’t regret it!

Traveling often makes me appreciate my life even more and reminds me how fortunate I have been in my lifetime. And it makes me want to travel all over again!

Thank you, Sally, for sharing your extraordinary experiences and inspiring journey!

For more information, check out these links:

Discover Italy

French Polynesian Islands

Honduras Turismo

Paws4ever

Peru Tourism

Romania Tourism – Transylvania

Tourism Panama

VisitIceland.com