OUR STORY
Inspiration
Hi, I'm Heather Bolen, founder of Travel & Culture Salon. My love for travel began at sixteen when I ventured alone to Paris to live with a local family for the summer. This transformative experience sparked my passion for history and culture. Since then, I’ve earned a master’s in European history and lived in cities like San Francisco, Paris, Amsterdam, and now New York City, each deepening my appreciation for the stories behind art and place.
Fumbling Forward
Looking back, I realize I was fine with life’s zig-zags when things went smoothly—a promotion, marriage, kids, a marathon finish. But setbacks like divorce, health issues, or family struggles felt like failures, stirring up my inner perfectionist and my urge to fix things beyond my control. In mid-life, I work (hard) daily to “drop the rope” and detach myself from outcomes. After a major life event and the upheaval of the pandemic, I felt a deep need to reconnect with the world and the richness of human stories. That’s why I started Travel & Culture Salon—to create a space for meaningful exploration and connection across cultures. This venture is my way of channeling the desire for deeper understanding and shared experiences, hoping to bring a bit of that same inspiration and joy to others.
Giving Back: Our Shared Heritage
Travel & Culture Salon is dedicated to preserving our shared heritage, especially as climate change, imbalanced tourism, and other challenges threaten cultural sites worldwide. We proudly support the World Monuments Fund, pledging 1% of annual profits to their mission. Through global community partnerships, WMF has protected over 700 sites in 112 countries, safeguarding meaningful places and stories for future generations.
Giving Back: Opening Doors to Cultural Discovery
Travel & Culture Salon is passionate about fostering cultural understanding and educational opportunities for young people. That’s why we donate 1% of our profits to the AIFS Foundation. Founded in 1967 with support from Senator Robert F. Kennedy, the AIFS Foundation provides scholarships and grants for deserving students to experience life-changing study abroad programs. Together, we’re helping to build a world that feels closer, more connected, and more enlightened.
“Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.”
— Albert Camus
ABOUT TRAVEL & CULTURE SALON
Online Learning
Our curated courses are designed to uncover hidden stories and explore the unexpected corners of the past. We bring history, art, and culture to life in fresh and engaging ways, inviting you to dive into unique subjects that spark curiosity and inspire connection. Whether you’re enriching your travels, expanding your knowledge, or simply exploring out of interest, each course is crafted to make learning both personal and memorable, expertly linking you to the timeless stories that shape our world today. Up, up, and away we go!
Salon Collections
COMING SOON: Our Salon Collections feature a curated selection of authentic antiques, quality reproductions, and exclusive designs that bring the past into the present. Inspired by souvenir, the French word for “to remember,” each piece reflects a deep appreciation for heritage—whether it’s a true artifact, a faithful reproduction, or a fresh design with a historical touch. Thoughtfully curated, our collection invites you to carry a piece of the world’s stories wherever you go.
The Library
Our Library is a curated bookshop offering a selection of titles that span history, art, culture, and the world’s hidden stories. From timeless classics to contemporary explorations, each book is chosen to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding—bringing the past into the present with a fresh perspective. Thoughtfully sourced and meticulously organized, The Library invites you to explore the stories that shape our world.
Private Events
Led by our founder and historian Heather Bolen, our Tulip Talk brings the vibrant history and art of tulips to life, creating a fun, unique, and memorable experience for your guests. From casual gatherings to formal presentations, in-person or virtual, each talk is customized to suit your occasion—whether for an intimate group or a larger audience. We would love to help make your next event a resounding success!