Zig Travel

Meet Elizabeth Kratzig

Elizabeth is the founder and owner of Zig Travel, bringing more than 16 years of experience in the global travel industry. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a graduate of Yale University, her career has been shaped by a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure. That passion was forged early through elite competition as an eight-time member of the U.S. Sailing Team, training and racing on the Olympic Sailing circuit across Europe, Australia, and Asia. These experiences sparked a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a truly global perspective.

Elizabeth’s connection to Europe further deepened during her three-year residence in Lisbon, Portugal, where she worked as a strategy consultant for Arthur D. Little. Living abroad enhanced her understanding of international travel, cross-cultural experiences, and thoughtful business strategy—insights that now inform every journey she curates.

Among her favorite destinations are Japan and Greece. In Japan, she was inspired by the harmony between ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, from tranquil temples to vibrant urban centers. Greece captivated her with its island beauty, rich history, and warm local culture. These travels strengthened her commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, underscoring the importance of preserving the natural environments and cultural heritage that make destinations extraordinary.

A dedicated advocate for conservation and sustainability, Elizabeth served as co-chair of the Green Team for the Youth Sailing World Championships, helping earn the event the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award. In 2019, she was named an ambassador for 11th Hour Racing, a leading organization focused on ocean conservation and environmental stewardship. She still holds that role today. That same year, she received the US Sailing President’s Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to youth sailing. She currently serves as the US Sailing representative to the Youth Events Sub-Committee of World Sailing.

After more than a decade in Miami Beach, Elizabeth recently moved back to Texas. When she’s not designing exceptional travel experiences, she enjoys discovering new destinations, mentoring aspiring elite American sailors, and spending time with her family. She shares her life with Ty and her two beloved Boykin Spaniels, Pearl and Kona. Elizabeth is always up for an adventure!

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.

Leah Kennon

Leah Kennon brings a wealth of global travel experience and a lifelong passion for exploration to her role as a travel advisor. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Leah’s journey began as a member of the U.S. Sailing Development Team, where she competed internationally before earning her degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia.

Her competitive sailing career took her to destinations across Canada, Mexico, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Bermuda, sparking a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and landscapes. Beyond competition, Leah has enjoyed extensive leisure sailing on bareboat charters in Greece, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, and the Bahamas.

As a mother of two, Leah now delights in sharing the world with her family, embracing the joy of discovery through her children’s eyes. Together, they favor warm destinations where they can surf, swim, and snorkel, while also enjoying the occasional ski adventure. Leah and her husband, Nick, are avid explorers who immerse themselves in local cuisines, cultures, and outdoor activities wherever they travel.

Among her many adventures, Leah’s most memorable experience was swimming alongside humpback whales in French Polynesia—a testament to her love of extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Costa Rica holds a special place in her heart, offering her family the perfect blend of surfing, relaxation, and the laid-back rhythm of Pura Vida.

Now based in Houston, Texas, Leah continues to nurture her family’s love of sailing at the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club while guiding clients toward unforgettable travel experiences. With her unique background in competitive sailing, global exploration, and family-focused adventures, Leah is dedicated to helping travelers design journeys that are both enriching and inspiring.