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Rikesh

Budddhev

16 years of experience
New York, NY
United States of America (USA)

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You can live many lives in a single life.

About

After 15+ years producing large-scale experiential events, luxury brand activations, and global programs across cities like New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Cape Town, I’ve reached a point where I’m ready to redefine what “experience design” means for me.

I’ve always been driven by connection — between people, stories, and the places that shape them. My career in event production allowed me to craft guest journeys in museums, historic venues, galas, and nonprofit events — spaces that celebrated culture, storytelling, and human connection. Now, I’m excited to bring that same creative energy into the open world — designing and leading experiences that inspire adventure, curiosity, and meaningful connection through travel.

In 2015, I joined Remote Year, traveling with 70 other professionals across 12 countries in 12 months. That journey completely changed how I saw the world — and myself. I continued traveling for another two years, living out of a suitcase, discovering cultures, climbing mountains, and collecting stories that continue to guide how I live today.

I’ve summited Huayna Potosí in Bolivia, biked Death Road (yes, the one with the name that says it all), bungee-jumped off some of the world’s highest platforms, and swam with devil rays in Hawaii. Somewhere between the adrenaline and the stillness that follows, I realized these moments — the ones that wake your soul up — are what I want to help others experience.

Today, I’m exploring what’s next: combining my background in creative production, logistics, and storytelling with my love for adventure, culture, and travel. My goal is to design journeys that move people — experiences that challenge, connect, and remind us how alive we really are. Outside of work, I’m usually found with my Siberian Husky, Kiba. When I’m not producing events or planning my next adventure, you’ll find me hiking new trails, exploring the great outdoors, chasing sunsets, or discovering local food scenes wherever I go.

Tour Director & Expedition Leader feel like the next natural step — a space to learn, grow, and connect with others who believe, like I do, that travel is one of the most powerful teachers we have.
 

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Adventure/Hiking ToursCultural/Specialty ToursExperience HostFood & Drink ToursLarge Group ToursMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursPrivate Tours

TripSchool - Boot Camp, San Francisco, 2026 (Tour Director Cert)

Remote Year - Global travel program, lived and worked in 12 countries over 12 months including: Uruguay, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam

International Remote Living -
1+ month stays including: London, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Ko Pha Ngan, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Lima

Fun Fact!
I spent a year traveling through one country per month—from South America to Vietnam—while bungee-jumping from five of the world’s highest platforms.
Hobbies & Interests
Adventure travel - summiting 20,000 ft peaks to biking Bolivia’s Death Road. Ocean encounters - diving with sharks in Cape Town to manta rays in Hawaii. Adrenaline seeker - GoldenEye bunjee jumps, active volcano hikes in Bali, finding the thrill in every landscape. Culinary explorer - cooking and discovering local food & culture, from snake venom shots in Vietnam to scorpions in Thailand. Fitness and wellness - living an active lifestyle while motivating and inspiring others to succeed physically & mentally.

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

LGA, JFK, EWR

Licenses

New York City (NYC), Charleston, SC

Training

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

TripSchool San Francisco 2026

PURDUE UNIVERSITY (2003 - 2007) > B.A. Fine Arts // Business Admin

MIAMI AD SCHOOL (2010 - 2011) > Art Direction // Advertising Program

National Academy of Sports Medicine

American Council on Exercise

First Aid, CPR & AED Certified

General Availability

Open to tour directing opportunities beginning in 2026—flexible with timing, duration, and destination.

Photo Album