Tara Cappel is an entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of successful travel brand FTLO Travel.

When Cappel launched FTLO Travel in 2016, it quickly became one of the fastest growing travel companies in the United States. The brand makes international travel more approachable for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s through connective and curated group trips. In just four years, it expanded to 100 departures, in 20+ countries and generated millions in annual revenue. FTLO Travel is rooted in slow, purposeful travel.

Cappel saw there was a gap in the group travel market for young people who want to see the world, but don't know where to start or don’t have friends to join them. Her goal of providing a fun, supportive, seamless way to travel abroad has positioned FTLO Travel as the go-to resource for those looking to connect with new people while exploring destinations around the world.

Cappel grew up in a small town in Idaho, but her parents brought her on many trips overseas, instilling a love for travel from a young age. She went on to study abroad for a year in high school, start Idaho’s first High School Model UN club, and even wrote her college admissions essay on why she loves airports.

After studying international relations at Tufts University and graduating with a degree in business economics from the University of Denver, Cappel moved to Texas to work for Neiman Marcus’ corporate offices. There she oversaw the shapewear category and credits famed Spanx Founder Sara Blakely for inspiring her to take risks.

After two years, Cappel was asked to join the founding team at textile brand Metawear Organic, and she jumped into the world of startups. Her time at Metawear gave her the tools and confidence to build her own company. She knew her true north was the transformative power of travel and furthering diplomacy, so after a year and a half, she set out on her own to create a way for young people to get out of their bubble and experience the world.

Cappel believes her calling in life is connecting people across cultures and continents, which has driven her to become a travel entrepreneur. She believes travel is the best education and we would have a happier, more harmonious country if people traveled more.

Some might say travel is in her DNA, as Cappel is related to the ultimate female travel trailblazer, Amelia Earhart.