Meet Chanda Daly | Founder of Enriched Escapes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chanda Daly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a long-standing passion for travel. Even before the internet became mainstream, I was the go-to person for friends and family when they needed help planning their vacations. They knew I had a knack for finding the best flight routes, discovering unique activities, and creating memorable itineraries. For years, I heard, “You should become a travel agent!” but instead, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and spent two decades working in IT and Program Management.

Despite a successful career in corporate, I constantly found myself drawn to planning trips as a personal passion. By the end of 2022, I felt a strong desire to fully commit to what I truly loved—travel. I took a leap of faith, left the corporate world behind, and started my own travel business. The journey has been deeply rewarding, and I have no regrets about taking the risk to pursue my passion.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Enriched Escapes, we create custom, unique trips that reflect the desires and passions of each client. Our commitment to listening sets us apart—we take time to understand what truly matters to our clients, from their needs to their travel pain points. This allows us to craft seamless, immersive experiences with the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

We pride ourselves on offering enriching cultural experiences while giving clients the space to recharge. Whether it’s an off-the-beaten-path adventure or a serene moment on a secluded beach, we make sure each trip feels rejuvenating.

Building this business has been both challenging and rewarding. Persistence and staying true to my vision of personalized, memorable travel have been key to overcoming early challenges. Listening, not just to what clients say but to their unspoken needs, has been the most valuable lesson I’ve learned.

What brings me the most joy is creating meaningful travel experiences—like planning dream honeymoons, multigenerational trips, or “last wishes” journeys. One unforgettable moment was arranging a Caribbean cruise for a client whose father passed away before the rescheduled trip. I placed photos of him in their cabin, so his presence was felt. Another special trip was a final family vacation for a friend with terminal cancer. He told me, “I couldn’t be more grateful for this trip and the experiences it’s giving me with my family.” These moments are why I love what I do.

What I want the world to know about Enriched Escapes is that we believe travel is one of the most enriching experiences in life, and our goal is to make each journey transformative. We create trips that are not just vacations but opportunities for personal growth, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d put together a fun, balanced itinerary to showcase the best of the city—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems:

La Jolla
• Start with breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla, a local favorite known for its fresh, California-style cuisine.
• Mid-morning: Head to La Jolla Cove to explore the stunning coastline, spot sea lions, and do a little snorkeling or
kayaking in the clear waters.
• For lunch, head to George’s at the Cove, which offers oceanfront dining with stunning views.
• In the afternoon, explore La Jolla Shores or visit Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life.

Beach Day in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach
• Grab a casual breakfast burrito from Kono’s Café, right next to the Pacific Beach boardwalk. There is outdoor seating
overlooking the Pier and the ocean. Watch the surfers as you eat breakfast.
• Spend the morning biking or walking along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, and stop by Crystal Pier for great views.
• Have lunch at The Fishery, known for its fresh seafood and the best fish and chips!
• In the afternoon, head to Belmont Park in Mission Beach for some fun on the old-school roller coaster and arcade
games.

Balboa Park and Downtown San Diego
• Start with breakfast at Cafe 21 Gaslamp, known for its farm-to-table dishes.
• Spend the day at Balboa Park, exploring iconic museums like the San Diego Museum of Art, Air & Space Museum, and
the Botanical Building.
• Have lunch at The Prado inside Balboa Park, which offers great California cuisine with beautiful garden views.
• For dinner, explore the Gaslamp Quarter and try Lionfish for modern coastal cuisine or Born & Raised for a classic
steakhouse experience.
• End the night with rooftop cocktails at Altitude Sky Lounge, which has great views of Petco Park and the city skyline.

Coronado Island
• Take the ferry over to Coronado Island for a day of relaxation.
• Have breakfast at the charming Clayton’s Coffee Shop, a retro diner.
• Spend the day at Coronado Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in California, or tour the historic Hotel del
Coronado.
• For lunch, dine at Bluewater Boathouse overlooking the water.
• In the evening, enjoy a sunset dinner at Il Fornaio Coronado with stunning views of the San Diego skyline across the bay.

Adventure at Sea and Sunset Cliffs
• Start with a breakfast pastry from Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café in Liberty Station.
• Book a whale-watching tour or a sailing adventure from the San Diego Bay to enjoy the Pacific Ocean.
• For lunch, head to Liberty Public Market for a variety of gourmet food options.
• In the afternoon, visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for a relaxing walk along the cliffs, ending the day with an unforgettable
sunset.
• Enjoy dinner at The Brigantine in Point Loma, known for its seafood and amazing views of the harbor.

North County Coastal Gems
• Head up to Encinitas or Carlsbad for a more laid-back vibe.
• Enjoy breakfast at Swami’s Café in Encinitas.
• Spend the day exploring Swami’s Beach and the nearby Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens for some peaceful
reflection and amazing coastal views.
• Have lunch at The Crack Shack in Encinitas for a fun take on fried chicken.
• For a farewell dinner, head to Campfire in Carlsbad, known for its innovative dishes and cozy outdoor atmosphere.

This itinerary combines the best of coastal relaxation, cultural exploration, and foodie delights to give my friend an unforgettable San Diego experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my greatest sources of inspiration has been Bob Goff’s book *Dream Big*. This powerful, motivational guide encourages readers to embrace their boldest dreams and overcome fears that hold them back from living their best life. There were countless moments when I struggled with self-doubt and uncertainty, but Goff’s words reminded me that pursuing a dream, even in the face of obstacles and fear, is always worth it. His message of resilience and courage has been instrumental in helping me push past those challenges and bring my vision for Enriched Escapes to life. Bob Goff is also a San Diego resident.

Website: https://enrichedescapes.travel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enrichedescapes.travel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanda-daly-6a51061b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enrichedescapes

Image Credits
I took all of these photos.