From Dreamer to Independent Travel Advisor: Why I Do What I Love

If you’d told me years ago that I’d one day serve in one of the most rewarding roles of my life—Independent Travel Advisor with Fora Travel—I might’ve smiled and said, “That sounds about right.” Long before my chapters in media and the state and federal governments, I imagined becoming a flight attendant because travel had my heart from the very beginning.

Where the Journey Began

Growing up in the heart of New York City, I developed my love of travel in elementary school on family road trips to visit my grandparents in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With a family of six, driving was our adventure—and our classroom. State by state, highway by highway, I learned that travel isn’t just the destination; it’s everything you discover along the way.

In high school, we took two bold cross-country drives to the Grand Canyon—talk about awe. Soon after, we went to Niagara Falls, and I felt my curiosity push past borders. College opened the world even wider: I studied abroad in Lesbos, Greece (poetry and yoga), then at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland for Creative Writing, and even hopped a ferry for a weekend in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The people, the food, the customs, the pace of life—each place changed me. From that point on, I knew I would always be a traveler.

Miles, Moments, and Memories

I’m grateful for a passport filled with stories:

• Islands like St. Thomas, St. John, the Bahamas, Jamaica (St. James), and the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)
  

• Hawai‘i (Kauai) and Puerto Rico (San Juan)
  

• 39 of 50 U.S. states and 2 of 5 inhabited U.S. territories (so far!)
  

• Repeat visits to Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, and Greece, plus a Holy Land stop in Ephesus, Turkey
  

• Faith-based work assignments to Ethiopia (twice) and Cambodia
  

• Most recently, an unforgettable journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and a touch of the Zambia border
  

And I’m not done—I plan to visit the remaining states and territories while continuing to explore the world one moment at a time.

Why I Chose Fora

With Wayne retired and me semi-retired, we agreed: travel more, do more, see more, experience more. We also wanted the inside scoop—deals, perks, new hotels, and surprise-and-fun-filled moments—so I leaped and became an Independent Travel Advisor.

Here’s what I love about working with Fora Travel:

• Daily live trainings and Q&As that keep me sharp and inspired
  

• A supportive community and resources—24/7 support
  

• Access to preferred rates, VIP amenities, and curated partners (yes, even private island and jet options if that’s your dream!)
  

Like many women, I love a great deal—and I love the hunt for the perfect all-inclusive package. Now I get to do that for myself, my family, my friends, and my clients.

What’s Next (and How I Can Help You)

Our next big adventure is around the corner: Wayne and I are sailing with Viking for 10 days, embarking from Fort Lauderdale and visiting Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, and, of course, entering the legendary Panama Canal. Even after all my travels—solo, with my husband, family, and friends—I still feel like the journey is just beginning. I am tickled pink!

As a new Independent Travel Advisor, I’m ready to help you plan the trip you’ve been dreaming about—from weekend getaways and milestone celebrations to bucket-list cruises and far-flung escapes. If you’re ready, I’m ready.

Let’s plan something unforgettable.
Email me at tamara.browndriver@fora.travel.