About Spirit Travel

Your primary tour guide and escort throughout your Spirit Travel pilgrimage will be owner-operator and company President, Elizabeth Medgyesy.

Elizabeth is a world traveler extraordinaire: an adventurous, free-spirited woman whose soul gets filled by the personal growth that results from new experiences and from being challenged emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. World travel has been her passion since an early age, and she has traveled to or lived in 35 countries around the world. During the past decade, her life has been largely focused on seeking in the form of pilgrimage to distant lands. “When I'm traveling in the developing world, my concepts and belief systems about things like security, happiness, comfort and freedom are so radically challenged, that I always have to seriously reconsider my own views. Traveling is the most powerful method of personal growth that I know.”

Elizabeth was raised in an intercultural background as a first-generation American. Her mother's Hungarian ancestry accounts for Elizabeth's gypsy spirit and her last name. Her father was born in Estonia and raised in Sweden. Before she had finished high school, Elizabeth had already lived abroad in Europe and Japan. After six highly successful years in the corporate world, she made the decision to leave her promising career and travel around the world for two years. This was to be one of the major turning points in Elizabeth's life.

“For me, happiness can best be defined in the eyes of a child. When I saw how simply at ease and joyful the children of the developing world were through their deep, calm and reflective eyes, it really made me think about my own life and my own pursuit of happiness. I came back from that long journey a totally different person - much more grateful, grace-full and at peace.”

Upon her return to the USA in 1991, Elizabeth started EcoTours of Oregon: a Portland, Oregon-based tour company that offers environmentally, socially and culturally responsible tours in Oregon. During the next seven years EcoTours of Oregon became internationally recognized for its environmental commitment and its high quality tours led exclusively by naturalist guides. In addition, Elizabeth became a requested speaker on ecotourism, both nationally and internationally.

“More than anything, traveling has taught me not about the differences, but about the similarities between all the peoples of the earth,”says Elizabeth. “We all want a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and for our children, good food, a roof over our heads, and peace and happiness in our communities. Beyond these things, I see all other differences quite superficial and illusionary.”

In 1994 and 1995, Elizabeth was given the vision to begin a new, international, spiritually based tour company. Thus was born “Spirit Travel: Journeys Afar for the Spirit Within.”She again traveled to Asia on four occasions to live, study and perform research, in India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. The fruits of her efforts are the high-quality spiritual pilgrimage tour programs that are being offered by Spirit Travel.

Currently, Elizabeth spends about half of her year leading a voluntarily simplistic life in the USA, and the other half traveling and leading pilgrimage tours in Asia. During

the seasons that she spends in her home of Auke Bay, Alaska, she practices therapeutic massage and Reiki, teaches Hatha yoga, enthusiastically practices meditation, swims fluidly, and has recently taken up the sport of mountain climbing. Her own path has been one of comparative religious experiences, including Catholicism, Native American spirituality, Paganism, Wicca, Buddhism and Hinduism. “My belief is that God is one, and religions are like different tools that all eventually lead to the same realization.”

“My vision for Spirit Travel is to offer you a safe, soothing, supportive and carefree vessel of spiritual pilgrimage to the world's most powerful and ancient sacred places. My personal experience has been that once we allow ourselves a respite from our everyday existence, we naturally become more receptive towards new events, energies and ways of knowing. This allows us to attain a depth of spiritual insight that we may have never known before, and aids us in finding our own Light within.”

Elizabeth has employed a fabulous support team to assist her in executing her vision. In the United States, her assistant, Melda deSalvo, is available to answer any questions you may have and

accept tour registrations. In addition, Elizabeth has become well-acquainted with some of the finest ground tour operators in Asia, whose behind-the-scenes expertise allows for hassle-free domestic air and land transportation, safe and clean restaurants and hotel accommodations, as well as providing the highest quality English-speaking local guides and fascinating scholars - a unique feature offered only through Spirit Travel. This combination of professionals assures that your tour will combine both local flavor and home-style comfort and quality.

Elizabeth welcomes you to join her on a Spirit Travel Pilgrimage Tour…your life will never be the same!

What others say about Elizabeth and Spirit Travel…

My journey to India with Elizabeth was so moving -- mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Elizabeth is able to share her vast knowledge of the Hindu religion and mythology; she is the most loving, kindest, darling tour leader I could ever imagine -- I felt so held throughout our entire trip; and she is an extremely spiritual woman who shared her wonder and her connection with Om with us daily. I could not imagine traveling to India (especially for the first time) any other way. I highly recommend Spirit Travel!”
--Jane Umanoff, Psychotherapist and Coach, New York, NY
“ Spiritual Roots” Pilgrimage Tour, Dec 2003 – Jan 2004

“ The highlights for me were the ritual bath in the Ganga and walking around Mount Arunachala. Both experiences felt unexpectedly powerful and energizing. I also really enjoyed meeting with the scholars in Madurai. I loved all the beautifully absurd moments (the holy men and their cell phones, running after Shiva at the Meenakshi temple, just to name a few). I loved how cohesive the group became, and how quickly we all bonded. And I loved watching you, Elizabeth, deal with all the personalities and the chaos of constantly changing plans with grace and humor and compassion. Being in Varanasi affected me very deeply. I was shocked at how comfortable and happy I felt in the city. It truly felt sacred and welcoming...Spending the day walking and meditating on Arunachala mountain was a mystical experience, although I know it doesn't say much to describe it that way. I felt very centered, at peace, and somehow protected. There was no fear, not even of snakes, and not even after seeing a cobra! I have yet to understand the full impact of these experiences. All I know is that something was opened in me and it turned me around, forcing me to re-evaluate my life at home. I am not sure where it will lead, but I am changed. Yes I definitely would recommend Spirit Travel. It was an incredible opportunity to experience a different spiritual system a little bit more from the "inside," as opposed to simply watching it as a tourist. For me, that's the quality of this tour that made it different from all my previous (independent) travels.
Elizabeth's passion for India is contagious. She is impressively empathic and sensitive to her guests' needs, always trying to accommodate their diverse interests and ensure their comfort. Her own spiritual commitment made the journey a true pilgrimage, as opposed to merely a tour. But best of all, she's so much fun!”

--Vita Lerman, Medical Writer and Editor, Chicago, Illinois
“ Spiritual Roots” Pilgrimage Tour, Dec 2003 – Jan 2004

“ The only organized tour I have ever taken…Or would take! Thank you again for your inspiring presence on the tour. Your calm leadership and your ability to deal easily with many varied situations and people were a learning experience for me which I treasure as one of my warm memories of India. Thank you for being!”

--Robert Zeuner, Retired Attorney, San Luis Obispo, California
“ Spiritual Roots” Pilgrimage Tour, Dec 2003 – Jan 2004

“ The highlights of the trip for me were: The consciousness of the mandir of Ramana Maharishi; Bathing in the Ganges and the unexpected vitality that I felt afterwards; The camaraderie and good fun that the group generated; The plentiful and delicious food; The Matrimandir/meditation hall at Auroville that “meditates for you” (I had my best meditation here); Just being in India (at last). I would recommend Spirit Travel to others.”

--Kalika Novoa, Artist, St Petersburg, FL
“ Spiritual Roots” Pilgrimage, Dec 2003 – Jan 2004

“ It would be a great first experience for anybody traveling to India.”

--Hugh Newton, Self Employed/Service, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
“ Spiritual Roots” Pilgrimage Tour, Dec 2003 – Jan 2004

"Of course I would recommend Spirit Travel to my friends, since Elizabeth is a one woman show and she is just amazing! She can turn the worst situation into bliss."

-- Serhan Akdari, Mount Kailash Yatra, July 2003

"Traveling with Elizabeth is a delight. She maneuvers through these foreign worlds with love, respect, joy and efficiency and many, many laughs. A true spiritual journey!"

-- Arlene Leaf, Mount Kailash Yatra, July 2003

“Elizabeth is a very nurturing person towards her "flock" of travelers. She is quite knowledgeable about places and various spiritual paths and she provides a very good learning experience for the visitors to India. ”

--Mary Edda Gamson, Comparative Religions Tour, October 2002

“It was the personal eye contact and exchange of smiles with a very old Tibetan Buddhist monk in Deer Park in Bodh Gaya that will forever be my most precious and mystical memory of the whole trip. Actually the best thing about the trip was the people we were traveling with. If you searched the world over, and you DID, you couldn't find finer people to share a spiritual journey. I could also say that I felt totally safe and not threatened... ”

--Barbara Shepard, Comparative Religions Tour, October 2002

“This pilgrimage introduced us to the richness of Indian spirituality that few tours could provide. The small tour group and Elizabeth's sensitivity allowed for rich experiences of yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism, while permitting participants the freedom to explore their own interests. The Comparative Religions pilgrimage offers an awesome journey that is exciting, challenging and vastly rewarding for the spiritual seeker. Elizabeth is a very caring and nurturing hostess. She looks out for her guests' needs, but is careful not to impose. She offers enough structure of events, but freedom for each to find his or her own way.”

--Rev. Karl Ruttan, Comparative Religions Tour, October 2002

“Well-organized and planned. A good balance between concern for day-to-day comfort and providing an authentic (ie: not "touristy") experience. Knowledge of spiritual traditions/sites. Elizabeth is a very knowledgeable and well-organized tour guide. Her cultural sensitivity and knowledge of the spiritual traditions of India allow her guests an in-depth experience. ”

--Mary Barkalow, Comparative Religions Tour, October 2002

“The tour was everything you promised, and more!”

--Alberto Fournier, Comparative Religions Tour, October 2002

“Elizabeth's small, intimate tour groups and passion for the Indian spirit help travelers pierce the tourist bubble and touch the real grace and grit of the subcontinent.”

--Todd Jones, Senior Editor, Yoga Journal Magazine, Maha Khumbha Mela Tour,
February 2001

“You have improved my spiritual health by constantly reminding me of the energy and unity of our spirits.”

--Mimi Bhatt, North India Spiritual Pilgrimage, March 1999

“I want to express my deep appreciation for the journey to India. I fully appreciate your affection for a country that is so full of vitality and vibrancy as India.”

-- Rosamond Shee, South and North India Pilgrimage, 2000

“Elizabeth is an excellent guide. She is kind, patient, she will always be there for you, and her passion for India is really contagious!”

-- Pingo Spezia, South India Pilgrimage Tour, January 2000

“Elizabeth was masterful on all levels, she took great care of us, and was so accommodating and so caring!”

-- Wendy Binkowitz, South India Pilgrimage, January 2000

“I enjoyed the trip immensely. I would like to travel with Spirit Travel again.”

--Dr Bruce Knutsen, North India Pilgrimage, 1999

“I feel so blessed and so very thankful for the richness I feel inside. Thank you for the one-on-one experience that will forever affect my life. You are a radiant beam of light. All of the lessons that I learned from you are memories no camera could capture. Your generosity, patience, and kindness are lovely attributes to be proud of. I will recommend Spirit Travel to my friends and relations.”

-- Bonny Dawn Eddy, Receptionist, Portland, Oregon, South India Pilgrimage, 1999

“What will make traveling with Elizabeth so very special is her empathy with the people and her love for the culture.”

-- Robert Arnett, author of the award-winning book, "India Unveiled", Columbus, Georgia

“There is in Elizabeth a clarity (light) that speaks of her inner and outward journeys through a spiritual life. What better guide to take you to ancient and spiritual places?”

-- Brian Hamasaki, Systems Consultant, Shawnee Mission, Kansas

“Traveling with Elizabeth will provide you with the opportunity to express your wildness and sense of adventure. I love how she lives her life passionately and honors her connection to Spirit.”

-- Mary Olivia Callow, Family Support Worker, Portland, Oregon

“Enjoy spiritual serendipity with Elizabeth! An unusual adventure for the spirit and senses…body and soul.”

-- Debra Taevs, Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania, Portland, Oregon

“You give your tour members excellent service and a memorable experience. You are a person with enormous energy, enthusiasm, resourcefulness and dedication.”

-- Heinz Gunther, Computer Systems Developer, Winchester, Virginia

“Elizabeth's extensive travel experience and cultural awareness, combined with her exceptional organization and communication skills, make her an ideal guide for people seeking a non-commercial, intimate view of India.”

-- Cathy Holtsford, Molecular Biologist, Columbia, Missouri

“Elizabeth gives me the impression she was born in India, though she says not. She is a woman of the spirit, who brings to her work, a sense of the divine combined with all the moxy a person needs to shepherd a group through India or Nepal with ease. I encourage you to follow your heart and travel with her as soon as you can. You will be amazed at the doorways she will open for you both in the outer world and the inner world that is so much a part of the eastern culture. Spirit Travel is unique in that as a traveler, you are not a sightseer. You are, rather, a pilgrim.”

-- Marilyn Morse, Eugene, Oregon

“Through Elizabeth's open heart and open mind, I learn to experience the peoples and places of the world in refreshingly different and magical ways.”

-- Chris McCormick, Software Developer, Newport Beach, California

“It has been a week or so since our trip to Tibet has concluded and I have had a chance to sit and reflect upon the adventure. I have some thoughts that I would like to share with you.

As you know, when I first contacted you, I was very enthusiastic about the adventure for I had been desiring to travel to that part of the world for some time. One week before my departure, the events of the world trade center took place and the country was in shock and mourning. I seriously contemplated whether I should continue with my travel plans in light of this event along with the fact that I would be traveling throughout India by myself for several weeks prior to meeting with you and the group in Delhi.

Based on my intuition, my previous discussions with you about your traveling expertise and my contacts with Rajeev (your recommended agent in India), I decided to depart for my trip on the following day after the airports in the United States opened for general business.

I must tell you that I have not regretted that decision. In the numerous cities throughout India that I have traveled to, the guides and drivers have been impeccable. They have been courteous, kind and have all expressed their sincere regrets to our loss of Americans in New York. I have felt safe and secure in my travels despite the fact that I have been traveling alone in India on a first time basis.

In addition, I wanted to compliment you on your talented abilities as a travel agent. I watched your actions throughout the tour and marveled at how you interacted with the tour guides, travelers and local people. You always made sure the needs of your travelers were met and cared for their safety and well-being. Your understanding of local customs and worldly affairs allowed us to have an extremely pleasant, productive and safe trip despite the current world affairs stemming from terrorist acts.

I feel the biggest lesson which I have learned on this trip is how to trust in the overall goodness of mankind. Our world will never be completely safe, but I must learn to walk with a sense of security in my God and the decency of mankind. I am glad I had a chance to practice this kind of trust with you, our fellow travelers and all the gents/guides/drivers which assisted us on our journey.

Thank you for the great adventure. Best wishes for your continued success in the travel business.”

-- Love and Peace, Susan Lesnek


1500 Elkay Drive Eugene, Oregon 97404 USA	(541) 520-6214 info@SpiritTravel.com
© Copyright 2006 Spirit Travel. All Rights Reserved.