In 2013, on the eve of turning 40, I found myself in a bit of an identity crisis. After 14 years as a full-time mom, my teens insisted my job was obsolete—and I wondered if they might be right. I had always been an obsessive travel planner, from family trips to Disney and Greece, to visits to Scotland with my husband’s family. I loved the research, the details, and uncovering hidden, meaningful places.

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And yet, I didn’t think much of travel agents. With the rise of the internet, wasn’t everyone planning their own trips? As it turned out… not even close.

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Friends confessed, “Planning trips is exhausting!” That was my lightbulb moment. I earned my travel certification, focused on what I knew best—Scotland—and Rowan Tree Travel was born, named for the rowan tree of Celtic mythology, said to protect travelers on their journey.

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Early trips revealed something deeper: the way I experienced a place was often through its makers. Through wool and textiles, yes—but also through the hands, stories, and traditions behind them. We began traveling through the lens of fiber, a perspective that opened doors to workshops, studios, kitchens, and communities.

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One trip became many. One destination became dozens. And along the way, something even more meaningful took shape. The right people appeared at the right time: passionate ambassadors, artisans, and locals, each bringing deep knowledge and a love for their regions.

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Today, Rowan Tree Travel is built on a global community of ambassadors who design and create experiences in their own “backyards” or around their passions—whether exploring vintage textiles, meeting neighbors, or discovering local crafts. Together, we craft journeys that are as much about people as they are about place.

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What hasn’t changed is the heart of it all: a belief that travel is richest when it is intentional, personal, and grounded in real connection. I’m endlessly grateful for the travelers, ambassadors, and communities who continue to shape Rowan Tree Travel—and I can’t wait to see where we go next.