National Park Escapes Joins Runway Travel

When I started National Park Escapes, I never planned to become a travel advisor.

In my head, travel advisors meant cruises, all-inclusives, and pre-packaged tours. Nothing wrong with those types of vacations, but they just aren’t me. I love researching and customizing trips to exactly what I want to do. I know it’s overwhelming for a lot of people, but it’s always been fun for me.

So when Runway Travel approached me about joining their team as a national park specialist, I wasn’t sure it was what I wanted. But not every travel agency is created equal. Runway is a small group of awesome women who love planning customized trips and creating unique experiences. In other words… my kind of people.

But what I appreciate the most about Runway, is that I don’t need to change anything that I’ve been doing. My vision for National Park Escapes is still the same. I will still plan trips the same way, but it does absolutely expand what I can offer. And that’s a good thing.

Some of the most beautiful places aren’t national parks, like the Na’ Pali coast in Kauai, Hawaii

National Park Trip Planning Is Getting More Complicated

I love planning national park trips. But I’ll also be the first to admit that planning them has become more challenging.

Popular lodges book far in advance. Timed entry systems keep changing. Some parks need permits, some need reservations, some don’t. There are shuttle systems, seasonal road closures, and decisions about whether to stay inside the park, outside the park, or build a road trip around multiple destinations.

National park vacations are amazing experiences, and that’s precisely why they’ve become more popular. And that means crowds. And another level of planning around trying to avoid crowds. This is another place where having access to more resources genuinely helps.

Free PDF National Park Itineraries

The Experiences I Can Offer Now Are Pretty Incredible

One of the things I’m most excited about is access to suppliers and local partners who specialize in unique, immersive experiences.

It’s less about a “big group tour” and more about “a local expert who knows the landscape inside and out.” I have had conversations with “local heroes” who can help families spend a week near Yellowstone and feel like they have the place almost to themselves.

Or rent a modern RV for a week with 24/7 so you can drive with confidence and know that you are covered no matter what happens. I wasn’t really sure how to plan a trip like that before, and now, it’s easy.

Family in Luxury RV by the snow covered mountains in Grand Teton National park

It’s Not Just National Parks Anymore

National parks are still my favorite thing to plan and absolutely remain the heart of National Park Escapes. But, just like I’ve always explored more than U.S. national parks, now I can help plan trips beyond national parks.

My first Runway client was a dude ranch. It’s not a national park, but it’s still everything I love about outdoor adventure and mountain landscapes in Colorado.

Hawaii, Costa Rica, Portugal, the Alps, Iceland, Panama, Ireland, Columbia. I’ve done outdoor trips to all of them and way more. Now, I have a team of travel experts to ask for suggestions and truly curate the best experience for you. It’s still always about a customized trip plan.

Hike to alpine lake with mountains in the Dolomites, Italian Alps — *More stunning scenery beyond the U.S. National Parks. The Dolomites in Italy.*

I Still Love DIY Travel (And Always Will)

Yes, if you go to the Runway website, there’s a focus on luxury travel. But National Park Escapes is still my business, which is just now part of a bigger family. You don’t need a luxury budget to work with me.

My goal will always be to help people have amazing trips, whether it’s a smart, affordable road trip or a milestone splurge. And now I have access to more perks, amenities, and planning tools.

Hiker standing on an iceberg in the iceberg lagoon in Iceland — *One of my all-time favorite travel photos in Iceland – an outdoor adventure paradise*

Why I’m Excited About This Next Chapter

Starting a business by yourself can be a little lonely. It’s great to have colleagues again. People to bounce ideas off of. People who genuinely love travel and creating experiences.

There’s nothing but upside. More connections. More unique experiences. More options.

If you are thinking about an upcoming vacation and don’t have time to do all the research, send me a message. National parks are still very much my thing, but now they aren’t my only thing.