Thursday, March 20, 2025
In Nashville, a travel advisor and business owner, who previously worked in healthcare sales and cheerleading, discovered her deep love for national parks and began helping others to explore them. She had always been passionate about traveling and had taken multiple trips with her family growing up. She often reminisced about her first international trip at the age of five to Cancun. It was during this time that her love for travel was sparked, and she had continued visiting various locations, including national parks, ever since.
The Shift from Corporate Life to Travel
James’ journey towards becoming a travel advisor began after spending years in healthcare sales. She had already traveled extensively for both business and pleasure but felt unfulfilled in her corporate job. In 2019, she took a sabbatical to travel solo across Europe, but when the pandemic hit, she was not willing to give up her adventures. During this challenging time, she found that U.S. national parks remained open and became a safe haven for travelers seeking to continue their journeys while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
During this period, she fell deeply in love with the serenity and healing power of the U.S. national parks, like Yellowstone National Park, Redwood National Park, and Olympic National Park. The picturesque landscapes and wildlife, such as the grizzly bears in Yellowstone and the stunning sunsets at Ruby Beach in Washington State, left a lasting impact on her. Her growing appreciation for these natural wonders inspired her to begin sharing her experiences with others.
The Launch of Go with Mo Travel Co.
As her following grew, James realized there was a demand for others to experience the beauty of the national parks. By 2023, she joined a travel agency as an independent contractor, but her ambition to run her own business led to the founding of Go with Mo Travel Co. in early 2025. With this venture, she was able to combine her passion for national parks and her love of travel into a professional endeavor. She emphasized the importance of creative freedom in building her own brand, website, and mission, all while offering clients tailored travel experiences.
National Parks as a Path to Healing
During her sabbatical, James discovered that national parks provided not only scenic beauty but also a path to personal healing. She reflected that nature had a unique ability to soothe and rejuvenate her during a time of personal growth and change. Her experience of hiking in places like the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park became transformative, both physically and emotionally, inspiring her to guide others toward similar healing journeys through nature.
The Importance of National Park Travel in the Travel Industry
James’ journey also exemplifies a broader shift in the travel industry, where more people are seeking meaningful, immersive travel experiences that offer both adventure and emotional healing. The pandemic underscored the importance of outdoor tourism, with national parks becoming a refuge for many. These destinations, which were largely untouched during the health crisis, provided travelers with opportunities to connect with nature while ensuring safe social distancing. This trend reflects a growing interest in environmentally conscious travel, with national parks becoming an essential part of the travel industry’s recovery.
Sustainable Travel and Custom Itineraries
James has adopted a sustainable approach to her travel planning, ensuring that her clients’ experiences are not only memorable but also respectful of nature. For example, she asks travelers to be mindful of wildlife encounters and adheres to ethical guidelines that promote the safety of both visitors and animals. Clients are required to sign a waiver promising not to disturb animals, such as not trying to feed or pet wildlife, to preserve the natural environment.
Her approach to planning also extends to creating custom itineraries for clients, particularly when exploring national parks. For instance, she encourages travelers visiting the Grand Canyon to also explore nearby parks like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, making the most of their trip and minimizing travel costs by combining multiple destinations into one itinerary.
National Parks as a Global Phenomenon
The rise in interest in national parks is not only an American phenomenon but also a global trend that impacts travelers around the world. As people seek out more meaningful experiences, especially in the wake of the pandemic, natural landscapes such as the Serengeti in Africa, Maasai Mara, and Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica have become key destinations. This shift toward national parks has transformed the travel industry by highlighting a need for more sustainable, nature-focused travel experiences that prioritize conservation and environmental responsibility.
Travelers today are not just looking for destinations but are increasingly seeking experiences that align with their values, focusing on preserving the planet’s natural beauty for future generations. As a result, national parks worldwide are becoming more significant as travel destinations and key contributors to global tourism.
A New Era of Travel Advisors
As the industry evolves, James represents the new wave of travel advisors who are passionate about bringing their expertise to the public while ensuring that future travel remains sustainable. Through her agency, she helps travelers curate personalized experiences that highlight the beauty and diversity of national parks, both in the U.S. and abroad. She shares expert tips on topics such as maximizing credit card points for flights and creating budget-friendly travel plans.
The rise of travel advisors like James signals a shift in the way travelers approach their vacations, with a growing preference for curated, unique, and responsible travel experiences. As more people discover the healing and transformative power of nature, the future of the travel industry will likely continue to shift towards outdoor adventures and national park exploration.
