About Me
Hi, I'm Zach.
I grew up exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota and spent many years working in tourist shops in the area. I enjoyed those jobs more than people probably expected — there's something about a five-minute conversation with a stranger passing through that turns into hearing about their whole trip. I never got tired of that.
The love of the outdoors and the open road eventually led me to start Zach's Adventure Travel. I believe everyone deserves real adventure, and that it shouldn't be complicated, intimidating, or out of reach. There's something to the idea of getting lost — not literally, but in the way travel pulls you out of routine and hands you back a little more of who you are. That's where the name of this business, and its whole point, comes from.
What I Do
Most of what I do is match people with the right tour operator — G Adventures, Intrepid, Backroads, Exodus Adventure Travels, Out Adventures, etc. These are companies that already run great, well-organized adventures, and working with them keeps trips more affordable and accessible than a fully custom (FIT) itinerary usually is. My job is knowing them well enough to know which one actually fits you, instead of you guessing your way through hundreds of options.
That said, I do build fully custom itineraries too, especially for domestic road trips — that's an area I like planning from scratch. I can also put together FIT trips if that's what someone wants and their budget supports it; I just tend to steer toward operator-led trips first because they make adventure travel more accessible for more people.
Whichever route we go, I'll tell you the truth about what fits your budget and your trip — even when that means steering you toward something simpler, or something else entirely.
Why Work With Me
I'm an introvert who somehow ended up in a people business, and it works because what I actually like is the one-on-one part — figuring out what makes you want to travel, then doing the legwork so you don't have to. If you want depth over a resort-style vacation, and a little bit of getting lost along the way, I'd like to help you find it.
The Dream
Somewhere down the road, I'd like this to grow into something bigger than a travel agency — into real work around travel as a form of transformation, blending psychology, spirituality, and adventure to help people use travel as a tool for genuine personal growth, not just a getaway. This business, and everything below, is where that starts.
Mission
To guide travelers toward deeper freedom, courage, and self-discovery through meaningful, adventure-driven journeys — awakening the adventurous spirit, cultivating personal growth, and connecting people with the world and with their truest selves.
Vision
A world where everyone feels free to explore — inside and out. Where travel inspires courage, connection, and personal transformation, and every journey becomes a path toward clarity, empowerment, and belonging. Through inclusive, life-affirming adventures, I'm building a community where all identities are honored and every traveler is supported in becoming their most expansive, authentic self.
Values
Freedom — Travel is a path to personal liberation. Every journey is an invitation to step beyond expectations, rewrite your story, and explore life on your own terms.
Belonging — I create affirming, inclusive spaces where all travelers — especially LGBTQ+ adventurers — feel safe, seen, and welcomed exactly as they are.
Authenticity — I value real experiences, real connections, and real growth. My adventures go deeper than sightseeing.
Mindful Impact — I travel with respect. From local communities to natural environments, I aim to leave every place better than I found it.
Accessibility — Adventure is for everyone. I design experiences that are flexible, approachable, and financially accessible.
Empowerment — I believe adventure has the power to spark courage, confidence, and self-discovery.
Growth — Travel is one of the strongest catalysts for personal transformation. I champion curiosity and learning.
Your Next Chapter Starts Somewhere Unfamiliar
Adventure doesn't wait for perfect timing, and neither should you. Let's find the journey that's actually right for you.