Meet Declan Chapin

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Declan Chapin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Declan below.

Declan, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

For me, confidence and self-esteem didn’t come from one big moment, but from a lot of small, intentional choices over time. A few things that made a big difference:

Leaving my hometown and close-knit community at 18 to move to Texas on my own. That experience taught me how to stand on my own two feet, find my voice, and create a life from scratch—far from everything familiar.

Watching my grandmother and mother model courage and confidence in their own lives—both professionally and personally. Seeing them show up fully, take risks, and speak with conviction made a lasting impact.

Keeping promises to myself—whether it was showing up to a workout, finishing a project, or resting when I needed to. That built self-trust.

Traveling solo around the world—being out of my comfort zone forced me to rely on myself, listen to my instincts, and take up space.

Doing hard things on purpose—whether that’s running a race, pitching a brand, or speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, every challenge I’ve faced (and gotten through) added a layer of quiet confidence.

Surrounding myself with people who reflect back the best in me—community matters.

Failing and not letting it define me—I’ve messed up a lot. But learning to separate failure from identity has helped me grow stronger.

Confidence isn’t about being loud or always sure—it’s about showing up anyway, again and again.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Declan Chapin, but most people call me Decca. I’m a travel advisor, content creator, and storyteller focused on helping people experience the world more intentionally. After years of fast-paced travel and working in marketing for wellness brands, I realized my passion lives at the intersection of adventure, wellness, and meaningful connection.

Professionally, I wear a few hats—but everything I do is rooted in the same mission: to make travel more personal, more conscious, and more fulfilling. Through my content and travel advising, I help others navigate the world in a way that feels aligned with their values—whether that means crafting a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, planning a wellness-based solo trip, or simply finding the perfect hotel that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap.

What excites me most is creating experiences that go beyond surface-level sightseeing. I’m obsessed with the details that make a trip unforgettable—the hole-in-the-wall restaurant you never would have found on Google, the local guide who feels like a lifelong friend, or the morning run route that becomes the moment you feel most like yourself.

Lately, I’ve been expanding my work by launching more custom itineraries, curated guides, and building a brand that blends travel, storytelling, and lifestyle. I’m also in the early stages of organizing group trips and retreats—designed for people who crave community, adventure, and ease.

What I hope people take away from my work is this: you don’t have to quit your job or change your whole life to travel well. It’s about being curious, intentional, and open—and I’m here to help make that feel accessible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:

1. Curiosity
Curiosity has been the driving force behind everything—from choosing new destinations to learning new skills and building deeper connections. It’s what keeps me asking questions, exploring new ideas, and staying open to growth.
Advice: Lean into your curiosity. Let it guide your decisions, not just your interests. Read, ask questions, travel if you can, and say yes to experiences that stretch you. Curiosity turns the unknown into opportunity.

2. Resourcefulness
Whether it’s figuring out how to travel on a budget, pivoting professionally, or navigating a new place solo—being resourceful has helped me move forward even when I didn’t have all the answers or ideal conditions.
Advice: Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Learn to research well. Watch how others have done it, then make it your own. Use what you have. Creativity often thrives under constraint.

3. Self-trust
There’s a moment when you stop asking for permission and start trusting your gut—that’s when things change. Developing self-trust has helped me make bold moves, say no when needed, and stay aligned with what matters most.
Advice: Start small—keep promises to yourself, follow through on your ideas, and take note of how it feels when something isn’t right. The more you listen to yourself, the stronger that trust becomes.

Everyone’s journey looks different, but I believe if you stay curious, get creative, and learn to trust your voice, you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was lead by example. They didn’t just tell me what was possible—they lived it.

My mom showed me what it looks like to be resilient, grounded, and unwavering in your values. She modeled how to be both strong and soft, how to lead with intention, and how to build a life rooted in purpose and service.

My dad taught me curiosity, creativity, and how to see the world through a wide-angle lens. He gave me my love of books, music, and adventure—but more than that, he always encouraged me to think for myself, to chase freedom over comfort, and to explore boldly.

More than anything, they both gave me the permission to be fully myself—and that shaped everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deccadotcom.com
• Instagram: @deccadotcom