“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
Who we are
Our Tour Press Retreat - love, learning, and so many laughs
At Root Adventures, we’re not just a travel company—we’re a team of humans who believe deeply in the power of presence, connection, and growth.
We’ve lived the highs and lows that shape a life—PTSD, depression, dyslexia, parenthood, burnout, healing—and we’ve found that travel and mindfulness can be some of the most powerful tools for transformation. That’s why we don’t chase bucket lists or Instagram shots. Instead, we create experiences that invite people to slow down, show up vulnerably, and discover what’s possible when you connect—to yourself, to others, and to the world around you.
Our approach is rooted in our Four Pillars: Sustainability, Equity & Inclusion, Mindfulness, and Community. These values aren’t just words; they’re lived out in the way we design trips, choose partners, and show up for our travelers.
Our Story
Root Adventures began in 2018, when our founder, Breanne Kiefner, decided to create something fundamentally different. After 15 years in the adventure travel industry, she was tired of building cookie-cutter itineraries that prioritized photo ops over real connection. In the middle of postpartum depression, she realized that travel could be more than an escape—it could be a pathway to healing and transformation.
Since then, Root Adventures has grown into a small but mighty team of guides, mindfulness practitioners, and local partners across the globe. Each of us brings our own story and lived experience to the work: resilience, curiosity, vulnerability, and a belief that change starts with the individual.
With over two decades of experience in travel and hospitality, Breanne continues to lead Root with honesty and heart, weaving her own journey with PTSD, depression, and dyslexia into the way the company operates. Root Adventures isn’t just her career—it’s her calling.
Breanne in the peak of postpartum depression - looks can be deceiving.
Carisa and Breanne loving the ride in Baja Sur, Mexico
Why We Do This
We’ve seen, time and again, how mindful travel changes lives. It strips away distractions, opens space for reflection, and reminds people what really matters. And when our travelers return home, they carry that growth into their families, their communities, and their work.
We know we can’t change the whole world overnight. But we can help change your world—and trust that the ripple effect will follow.
Behind the Scenes
Breanne Kiefner
Founder + Trip Planner
Breanne’s journey into travel began with resilience and curiosity. Growing up with food insecurity and undiagnosed dyslexia gave her a unique perspective on learning and connection. After starting in hospitality in 2000, she eventually leapt into adventure travel with six months of backpacking through Latin America—a transformative experience that revealed the healing power of travel and community. That discovery continues to shape everything she builds at Root Adventures.
Carisa Banuelos
Director of Travel Experience
Carisa, our Director of Traveler Experience, partners with Breanne to design Root trips and guide clients through every stage of their journey—before, during, and after travel. She embodies our Mindfulness Pillar, weaving thousands of hours of training in mindfulness and healing practices into the Root community. From pre- and post-trip mindfulness guides to ongoing education, Carisa helps create meaningful support for all of our travelers—past, present, and future.
Dave Kiefner
Director of Operations
Dave leverages his expertise in business operations and continuous improvement to oversee the backend of Root. With a background in the renewable energy and recycling industries, he now leads our sustainability efforts. An adventurer at heart, Dave has personally experienced the transformative power of mindfulness and is passionate about helping others discover transformative travel experiences.