Zig Travel

Meet Elizabeth Kratzig

Elizabeth is the founder and owner of Zig Travel. She has over 12 years of experience working in the travel industry.

Her passion for travel started while training on the Olympic Sailing circuit, where she was an 8 time member of the U.S. Sailing team. She explored Europe, Australia, and Asia, racing boats and learning about local cultures. Her European adventures continued when she lived in Lisbon, Portugal for three years working as a strategy consultant for Arthur D. Little.

Conservation and sustainability are deeply important to Elizabeth. She co-chaired the Green Team for the 2018 Youth Sailing World Championships, which won the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award. In spring 2019, Elizabeth was honored to be named an ambassador for 11th Hour Racing, an organization that focuses on ocean conservation and stewardship. Elizabeth also won US Sailing’s President Award in 2019 for her contributions at the Youth Sailing World Championships.

A native of Corpus Christi, TX, and an alum of Yale University, Elizabeth currently lives in Miami Beach. When not planning travel, she enjoys traveling, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of elite American sailors, and spending time with her family. She is currently the US Sailing representative to the Youth Events Sub-Committee of World Sailing.

Elizabeth has two Boykin Spaniels, Pearl and Mac. Mac once made friends with Jimmy Buffet’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Grace.

Alana Marks

Alana brings 20 years of experience in the sailing industry. Alana was a 3 time All-American at the College of Charleston and the 2006 Female College Sailor of the Year. In 2023, she was inducted into the College of Charleston Athletics Hall of Fame. She has been involved in all levels of youth sailing coaching and program management as well as small keelboat racing.

Alana’s passion for travel really took off after college as she traveled for sailing events. Alana was on the US Sailing Team and was a teammate of Elizabeth’s as they campaigned for the 2012 London Olympics in Women’s Match Racing. Elizabeth always made sure to plan a fun excursion when they traveled so they could explore the local area. One of her favorite excursions that Elizabeth planned for the team was a historic train ride from Palma de Mallorca
to Soller.

She loves passing the love of travel down to her children. They have traveled to many state and national parks and they can’t wait to get to more. Her husband is currently in the US Air Force and that has led them to living in places they normally would not explore. They are embracing the time the military has them in certain locations by getting out and exploring.

A native to Charleston, South Carolina, Alana currently lives in Louisiana. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys coaching youth sailors and planning her next national park trip.

Zion National Park is her favorite so far and once her children are older, they can’t wait to explore Glacier National Park. Alana is currently the Chair of the US Sailing Junior Women’s Committee.

Ty Olsen

“To me, travel offers the ultimate opportunity to engage with other lifestyles and experience other cultures, learning, expanding, and breaking away from your bubble.”

Ty manages the business development for Zig Travel and has been involved with the development of Zig Sailing Insider. He brings 27 years of experience in the boating and marine industries, as well as a passion for travel. He has been involved in sailboat racing for most of his life and served on the Board of Directors for Marine Recreation Association.

Ty’s background has not only given him an extensive knowledge in yachting, but also in networking, connection, and business development. His work in the hospitality industry and experience running two graphic design businesses provide valuable insight into business strategy, while his connections in the marine and yachting world provide valuable partnership opportunities.  

Ty’s love of travel dates back to his childhood. He comes from a family of avid travelers who passed down the love of travel to him. Over the years, Ty has travelled throughout much of the world, including Thailand, Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, Spain, British Columbia and Scandinavia. One of his most favorite trips was a private canal cruise with his family throughout the Southern Burgundy region of France. Ty has a passion for traveling, expanding his worldview, and experiencing other cultures and lifestyles. 

A California native, Ty has always been drawn to beaches and developed a love of surfing and diving,  all of which led to a deep love of islands. He has experienced the beauty of Catalina Island, the Hawaiian Islands, the Bahamas, Thailand Islands, and the Discovery Islands in British Columbia.  In his spare time, he also enjoys cycling and spending time outdoors. 

Ty is committed to continuing Zig Travel’s dedication to sustainability and conservation, and looks forward to contributing to and growing that legacy.