I would like to think that everyone’s had that one travel adventure that deeply changed them from within. A soulful realization experienced, perhaps by overcoming a fear of heights. New horizons embraced by listening to a stranger’s perspective. Coming to terms with a major life change, unhindered by societal pressures. Fresh life goals ignited by taking on thrilling challenges. But then, that would be an ambitious assumption on my part, as travel expectations will vary from one person to the next. More importantly, feeling empowered and supported to go on a soul riveting adventure is not easy, as you don’t just add ‘I need to be emotionally supported while hiking’ to your shopping cart on mainstream travel booking sites. This is why Ahmed Almonsouri created Prism Adventures, because sometimes you need to be thrown off-kilter, all while feeling supported and included by a fellow band of like-minded adventure seekers.
When he’s not off exploring bike trails in Norway, Ahmed is an architect by day. Project management is his forté; he loves design, and appreciates the sense of precision required to execute his job. He also applies this deep attention to detail when he is planning a trip for Prism Adventures. From varying the destinations and adventure experiences for different levels (no, you do not have to be a professional mountaineer to attempt a Prism Adventures trip), including fun city explorations on the agenda, to creating a travel community that is truly inclusive, everyone is welcome with Prism Adventures.
Ahmed deeply values and encourages inclusivity and unity across different cultures, religions, races, ethnicities, gender identities/expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and personal beliefs. He tells me that when traveling from a place of acceptance of oneself and others, the entire experience is far more enriching. “What I love about traveling with groups is that you are always unsure of what to expect when meeting new people, but then you give it a couple of hours later taking on the same challenge, and you’ve become like a family.” The avid explorer is so keen on ensuring that Prism Adventures is a safe travel community for all, that he actually integrated this practice in the registration process on the website. He explains, “The main way to sign up for a trip is through our website – and you cannot submit the registration form before accepting the Prism Community Guidelines. Before you set on a trip, you will receive a waiver form, with the first point being the Prism Community Guidelines. I also talk about it on social media, I use it in our captions, I speak about it with the group. When you are genuinely yourself in front of people, they will start feeling more comfortable to be themselves as well. It is challenging sometimes, but I try to break the boundaries from the beginning.”
Ahmed had always loved to travel, but it was an adventure trip in Oman back in 2016 that completely opened up his mind to creating the space for inclusive adventure travel. “I experienced travel like I never have before when I went to Oman on a hiking and camping trip organized between myself and friends. It was my first time going on an “adventure” trip and it felt like I was home, in a very spiritual way. I started going on group trips ever since, and developed great friendships along the way. These experiences changed me a lot in many ways. I discovered how resilient one can be if they put their mind to it, I learned how to deal with my anxiety (and still learning), and one of the most wonderful things I learned is that we will never be alone. We will always be surrounded by great people if we choose to.”
Prism Adventures developed organically, with the first trip being organized to Norway. He says, “I honestly started knowing that I wanted to create a ‘travel group’ in a sense, where everyone felt accepted, everyone felt safe. With that in mind, I loved every detail planning this adventure, and it was so successful. Everyone felt happy, and realizing how happy they were with the outcome increased my happiness tenfold.
As soon as it was over, I knew that I wanted to do this more often. I wanted to give anyone the opportunity to feel this sense of satisfaction.” Today, a visit to the Prism Adventures website will present you with enticing options like otherworldly Icelandic explorations (rated as a Medium-Easy trip, perfect for all levels), to trekking challenging Norwegian trails, but also Glamping and waterfall chasing, and even hiking and backpacking around Italy’s Amalfi Coast (This trip is already sold out, but Ahmed tells me he plans on doing this again soon).
That’s the beauty of having a supportive, like-minded community, and when Ahmed solely focused on creating this safe space, both via the trips themselves and virtually, Prism Adventures continued to grow in popularity. Ahmed tells me of how some adventurers start out quiet, perhaps apprehensive about a challenging hike, unsure of what to expect from backpacking, or worried they might not get along with the travel group. But over the course of the adventure trip, they emerge completely invigorated by the experience. All of this because they went in knowing that they felt included, and that knowledge alone is empowering. “Before any challenging hike or experience, I have a candid conversation with the group where I talk about a ‘turning point’. This is usually when things get really challenging and you start to question why you’re attempting this experience in the first place. But also, this is usually when you are allowed to reach a level where you can be alone with your thoughts. You might not want to converse with anyone, you’re just going to be with your thoughts and that’s when you’re going to develop.” Ahmed is usually in touch with Prism Adventurers who come back home with new perspectives, feeling stronger, and more emboldened by their time challenging themselves.
Ahmed is definitely emotionally driven by these experiences too, “The evolution of a person is priceless,” he adds, “The name “Prism Adventures” as well as the logo both reflect the idea of one’s evolution after travel. When a single light travels through a Prism, it reflects into a spectrum of colors – this idea is reflected when I designed the logo – which shows a rocket traveling through a prism, starting with a single color, and ending with a spectrum of different colors.”
In looking to the future, Ahmed wants to further expand Prism Adventures to include more countries, activities, and definitely more people. He concludes, “I want to continue growing the Prism Travel Community into being the multi-national, multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural place for people to experience travel together.”
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
I actually asked my mom – and she described me as liberated.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Compassionate.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
Can you design my house for free?
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Back when I was in the US, I opened the map with my friend, randomly chose a state, and drove 14 hours to it. The state was Colorado. We booked hotels on arrival, and the hotel choices were based on their proximity to Macaroon bakeries, because we were going through a Macaroon phase.
What is your theme song?
Lana Del Rey’s full discography.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Serendipity.
Where would you like to live?
I am enjoying living in Kuwait at the moment.
What is your dream retirement location?
Norway – it is one of the most magical countries I have been to!
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“Learn from every mistake, because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are here to teach you and force you into being more of who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move, what is your true calling, what is your dharma?” –Oprah Winfrey – This is a quote I know by heart because it has been the gravitational force that grounds me and reminds me of the bigger picture in life.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
Whales – they represent wisdom for me, they are mighty, and they are bigger than life!
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
I miss the innocence and simplicity of life as a child.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
Rupaul or Michele Visage – for sure!
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Honest.
What is the toughest part of your character?
The toughest part of my character is that I absorb the emotions of people around me like a sponge.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
The Golden Girls!
What in the world do you least desire?
The hate and division between people.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
I believe the world is lacking compassion and understanding towards each other and towards people who live a different life than they do.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
For my empathy towards others.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Being surrounded by loving and supportive friends, a plane ticket, and room service after a long night out!
Follow Ahmed Almonsouri’s trailblazing adventures on Instagram @ahmedalmonsouri and @PrismAdventures. For more information, please visit prismadventures.com.
