Community Highlights: Meet Rhonda Macier Lathen of Culinary Latitudes Travel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Macier Lathen.

Hi Rhonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With the support of friends and family, I launched Culinary Latitudes Travel with a vision to bring culture and cuisine together in meaningful ways. What started with countless late nights building a business plan, creating a website, navigating endless paperwork, and diving into the world of marketing and travel hosting soon grew into something much bigger than I imagined. My background in accounting helped me keep the financial side in order, even in the early days when the website was far from perfect! Today, I’m thrilled to help couples, families, groups, and solo travelers discover unforgettable adventures centered on fine dining and authentic cultural experiences, and I especially love collaborating with chefs to design culinary journeys that connect them with their communities in memorable ways. Outside of planning trips, you’ll often find me in my own kitchen experimenting with recipes, playing piano or flute, or getting involved in local activities and events—all of which continue to inspire the passion I pour into every journey I create.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Culinary Latitudes Travel has typically been a smooth and rewarding business journey, fueled by passion and the joy of helping others explore the world through food and culture. From the beginning, things flowed naturally—my accounting background kept the financial side steady, and the support of friends and family gave me the confidence to keep growing. Then COVID hit, and like so many in the travel industry, I faced a sudden standstill. Trips were canceled, plans were paused, and uncertainty became the norm. It was a challenging time, but it also gave me the opportunity to reflect, get creative, and refine my vision for Culinary Latitudes. Coming out of that season, I felt even more committed to creating extraordinary travel experiences, especially those that celebrate connection, cuisine, and culture in a world that now values them more than ever.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tell us more about your business. What should we know?
Culinary Latitudes Travel is all about blending exploration with flavor. I design trips where food and culture take center stage—whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family adventure, a group trip, or a chef-led culinary journey abroad.

What do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I specialize in group travel to safe and exciting places. Fine dining and authentic cultural experiences are a focus for the guests by selecting top quality vendors. Travelers know me for creating thoughtful itineraries that go beyond sightseeing to connect people through food and shared moments.

What sets you apart from others?
It’s not just about booking travel—it’s about curating meaningful, memorable journeys. Every trip is designed with care, combining professional expertise with a personal touch.

What are you most proud of, brand-wise?
I’m proud that Culinary Latitudes is approachable yet distinctive. It reflects warmth, connection, and passion for culture & cuisine while still offering the professionalism travelers expect.

What do you want readers to know about your brand and services?
When you travel with Culinary Latitudes, you’re not just taking a vacation—you’re stepping into an experience that satisfies your taste for culture and cuisine, leaving you with flavors and stories you’ll carry home forever.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’ve found that inspiration comes from many different places. For business and personal growth, I enjoy listening to podcasts like How I Built This with Guy Raz—it’s motivating to hear the stories behind other entrepreneurs’ journeys. I also find value in Mel Robbins’ work for keeping mindset and motivation on track, especially during challenges. For travel-specific insight, I follow industry blogs and forums to stay on top of trends and destinations, and I often explore cookbooks and culinary travel guides to spark new itinerary ideas. Outside of work, I lean on music and reading for balance—whether that’s playing the piano or diving into a book that takes me somewhere new. All of these resources keep me curious, energized, and ready to bring fresh ideas into Culinary Latitudes.

Pricing:

• Travel with Culinary Latitudes is highly customized, so pricing depends on the destination, length of trip, and the experiences you’d like to include. Some travelers come to me for full-service planning with dining-focused itineraries, while others prefer a group journey where the cost is set in advance. What I can promise is that every trip is designed with value in mind—balancing memorable experiences with your budget. I’m always transparent about pricing upfront so there are no surprises, and I work to ensure that every dollar spent enhances your overall experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.culinarylatitudes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinary_latitudes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulinaryLatitudes
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondamacier/