While Away Ventures & Experiences
Your Chief Adventure Officer

Melinda Andrade

Founder, Serial Entrepreneur, Wanderlust, Fora Pro & Virtuoso Advisor, Pie Baker, Dog Mom

Melinda Andrade with W.A.V.E. travelers
Melinda Andrade
69 Countries & Still Counting

A Master of Reinvention

For me, travel has always been about both the destination and the moments that stay with us long after we've come home. Over more than a decade of planning journeys for myself and others, I've turned that belief into a craft — designing trips that feel effortless, personal, and unforgettable.

My perspective is grounded in experience most advisors can only imagine. I've had the good fortune of living in Europe for a decade, traveling to more than 69 countries and all 7 continents, gathering the on-the-ground knowledge, trusted local connections, and instinct that moves a trip from ordinary to extraordinary. I also bring 30 years in international public relations, marketing, events planning, and crisis communications — a career built on managing every detail flawlessly, no matter the surprises that arise.

As a Fora Pro and Virtuoso Advisor, I offer access to an elite network of the world's finest hotels, resorts, and travel partners. And as the founder of While Away Ventures & Experiences, I create once-in-a-lifetime journeys for people who crave something deeper — shared with a carefully vetted group of genuinely good people. Whether you're seeking relaxation, escape, adventure, empowerment, or all of the above, join us and exchange the ordinary for the unforgettable.

When I'm not traveling, home is Connecticut, where I live with my equally globetrotting husband of 25 years, our three college kids and three rescue dogs. I'm a devoted volunteer and philanthropist, a proud UGA Dawg, and have my MBA from the University of Chicago. I play padel and any other racket sport I can find, ski, scuba, and surf (only with my Ohana), and I love to read, cook, and bake. But I'm happiest researching and dreaming up the next adventure, which is exactly why I did what every serial entrepreneur does: I turned one of my greatest passions into my favorite business yet.

Wander. Wonder. While Away.

View Melinda's Virtuoso Profile
Sixty-nine countries in, I still adore the adventure — even if I do have a homing device in my heart that has me packing for home the day before each trip ends.
— Melinda Andrade, Founder · While Away Ventures & Experiences
Postcards From The Road

Moments Between The Itineraries.

Antarctica
Antarctica
Bahamas
Bahamas
France
France
Greece
Greece
India
India
Kenya
Kenya
Mexico
Mexico
Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Scotland
Scotland
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
Egypt
Egypt
Israel
Israel
Japan
Japan
Morocco
Morocco
Namibia
Namibia
South Korea
South Korea
St. Lucia
St. Lucia
UAE
UAE
Our Inspiration

Travel That Empowers, Enlightens & Connects

While Away Ventures was created for people who want deeper experiences when they travel — to explore the globe while empowering, enlightening and educating themselves and others; to build community and share their gifts. W.A.V.E. experiences are unapologetically unique, entertaining and full of unforgettable shared moments.

Empowerment
Connection
Reinvention
Exploration

No One Left Behind.

Want in on the Next Adventure?

W.A.V.E. is friends and friends-of-friends only. If you're reading this, you're already in the right orbit.