You're itching to go somewhere, aren't you? But not just anywhere.
In 2022, after the world opened its doors to travelers post pandemic, the online travel market was roughly 475 billion U.S. dollars, and it's forecast to reach over one trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. But the travel trends are changing, away from the traditional to do list and high traffic hotspots. More and more, travelers are looking for meaningful travel experiences.
This world is brimming with extraordinary stories. We each have our own narrative, and within us there are accounts of resilience, compassion, and determination. Sometimes we need help in finding our narrative within us and bringing our story to light.
Go Now Know How was created to help others unearth their true potential through the transformative power of travel.
Barbara has been on a personal journey that makes her bio read like a Kate Winslet 'triumph over tragedy' film, but it's all true, we swear. Life has taken her through loss and profound grief, but Instead of permanently pulling the comforter over her head and succumbing to the shadows, she found solace and strength in travel. By exploring the vibrant landscapes of Alaska, the opulent markets of Dubai, the tranquil beaches of the Caribbean, the crush of the crowds of Shanghai and other diverse destinations across the globe, she found renewal, healing and a taste for fresh king crab and tuna sashimi right off the boat.
Barbara's roots in the travel realm stretch all the way back to when Pulp Fiction first became a cultural phenomenon and The Lion King was at the top of the music charts. So a LOOOOOOONG time. She started at a reservation desk with Northwest Airlines (remember them?), building her customer service muscles with diverse callers, including elite frequent fliers like Maxwell Caulfield (Grease 2 is superior to Grease. Discuss.) After a brief stint in air cargo, where a day once included corralling 10,000 escaped crickets in the belly of a 747, she returned to the reservations office, this time as a trainer in emergency response procedures. Her experience was brought into full focus during the horrific events of 9/11 as she assisted stranded travelers in finding their way home, counseling both customers and coworkers through sorrow, fear and uncertainty.
As the travel industry evolved after tragedy, Barbara shifted her focus from flight to fantasy and joined the Happiest Guest Service Team on Earth at Walt Disney World. Yeah, it was magical. Despite the stress of meeting the needs of some of the most demanding guests imaginable (she's still researching the potential for creating a glass bubble over Cinderella Castle to protect a bride from a rainy wedding day forecast), she thrived on the combination of pressure and pixie dust. Unfortunately, her own personal happily ever after was derailed in 2013 when she suddenly lost her husband of 19 years in a car crash.
There's nothing quite like the loss of your soulmate to make you reevaluate your path and purpose in life. After a few months of soul searching (and a LOT of chocolate), Barbara determined that a complete life overhaul was in order and she embarked on her own path to becoming a full time solo female traveler. She made the leap into a new career as a tour director and could hardly believe her good fortune as she got paid to guide guests to exotic destinations like Alaska, Iceland, Jamaica, Yosemite and South Dakota. Her new livelihood allowed her to have some astounding experiences; including:
🏅 Watching the US Women's Hockey Team win the Olympic gold medal in South Korea
❄️ Marveling at the Northern Lights over the pristine Alaskan wilderness
🂡 Playing in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas
🐭 Visiting every Disney theme park in the world
⚡️ Hugging Chris Hemsworth
All 100% true. We have the photos to prove it.
Barbara is a pretty tough cookie. But more importantly, she knows that YOU are a pretty tough cookie. We all must be tough cookies to get through what Prince so aptly titled this thing called life. It takes strength and resilience to make it through a worldwide pandemic, to face a daily barrage of war, disaster, disease and Tik Tok trends. It takes bravery to just exist in this modern world, and by reading all the way to this point, we know that you are doing more than just existing. You are looking for MORE. More purpose, more joy, more meaning in your travels and more LIFE in your life. And we know that you have heard the siren song of wanderlust, and you want to follow its call. Barbara is here to help.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth and new odysseys? Allow Barbara to open the gate, be your guide and, with a little humor and a lot of pop culture references, help you find destinations for transformation.
Adventure is out there!
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