Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gurney.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Jessica Gurney, and my journey is one shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep belief that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how long the road may be.
I am originally from El Salvador, where Spanish is my first language. In December of 2017, just a couple of weeks before Christmas, I moved to the United States as an au pair. I arrived full of hope, determination, and big dreams for my future. Although I had studied English before coming, adapting to everyday communication was challenging. My host family initially described my English as very basic, and those early months were humbling. Still, through persistence, effort, and determination, my communication skills improved, and I gained confidence in navigating a new culture and country.
During that time, I met my husband, and we later married. Together, we built a life rooted in love, hard work, and shared goals. I always dreamed of owning my own business, and over the years I explored several ideas. While none of them worked out at the time, each attempt taught me valuable lessons. My husband followed a similar path, and eventually we both settled into traditional 9-to-5 jobs, focusing on stability and growth.
In 2023, our lives changed forever when we welcomed our first child, a beautiful baby boy. Becoming a mother reshaped my priorities and strengthened my desire to create a life that allowed me to be present for my family while still pursuing my dreams.
Then came 2025, a year that turned my world upside down. At the beginning of the year, I experienced two very close personal losses that deeply impacted me. In the midst of grief and healing, we also welcomed our second child, a beautiful baby girl. As challenging and emotional as that time was, it also became a turning point. Almost unbelievably, the right opportunity knocked on my door the very same month my daughter was born, and I made the decision not to wait any longer. That was the moment I launched True Adventure Travel.
I knew I wanted to be present during the most precious months of my children’s lives, and I also knew, just as everyone who knows me knows, that I am persistent and committed to fighting for my goals. Becoming a travel advisor has truly changed my life. Travel has always been my passion. I was the person family and friends relied on to find the best deals, do the research, and plan unforgettable experiences. Turning that passion into a business felt natural and deeply fulfilling.
As a travel advisor, I provide personalized service, expertise, and support at no additional cost to my clients, because suppliers pay us for the value we bring. My greatest joy comes from hearing my clients’ stories after their trips and knowing I helped create memories they’ll cherish forever.
Travel has always been part of my professional background as well. Back in El Salvador, I worked in an airline call center and at a travel agency. While I gained valuable experience, I was always working for someone else. Today, I’m building something of my own, something that aligns with my values, my family, and my vision for the future.
Beyond serving travelers, I’ve also stepped into the role of mentor. I support and guide other travel agents as they begin their own journeys, answering questions, offering encouragement, and showing them how this business can truly change their lives. Helping others succeed is something I take great pride in, and I’m always willing to assist anyone who needs guidance.
At the heart of everything I do, I’m still working every day to be the best version of myself; to be the mother my children deserve, a supportive wife, a reliable mentor, and the best travel advisor I can be. I would love to continue connecting with more people, sharing my story, and helping others craft their dream getaways, one adventure at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The grief I felt from my loses, and the difficulty of become a mother for the second time felt like I was already beyond my limits. I worried most nights about the future of my family and how nothing could be the same again. I lost my father only a few days after the new year in 2025, then in March I lost one of my closest friends of eighteen years. When the opportunity to start this business came I stressed thinking it was to much, but then I realized this was my moment, to challenge myself and change my future. That season of my life forced me to choose resilience, even when it felt overwhelming and ultimately, it became the foundation for everything that followed.
We’ve been impressed with True Adventure Travel, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
True Adventure Travel is a full-service travel advisory focused on creating personalized, stress-free travel experiences. I help individuals and families plan everything from simple getaways to once-in-a-lifetime trips by handling all the details so my clients can truly enjoy the experience.
What I do & specialize in
I plan and book all types of travel, including flights, hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, rental cars, airport transfers, activities, sporting events, and theme parks. I’m a certified Disney Specialist and currently completing my cruise specialization, while still offering expert planning for destinations worldwide.
What sets me apart
What makes my business different is the level of care, education, and advocacy I provide. Many travelers don’t realize that online bookings already include commissions; my services come at no extra cost, yet clients receive personalized planning, exclusive promotions, and support before, during, and after their trip. I take the time to understand each client’s needs and design trips that truly fit their lifestyle and budget.
What I’m most proud of
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building True Adventure Travel during a deeply challenging period of my life. The business represents resilience, persistence, and the decision to create something meaningful while staying present for my family.
What I want readers to know
True Adventure Travel is about more than booking trips; it’s about creating memorable experiences with confidence and ease. Whether it’s a simple flight, a family vacation, a Disney trip, a cruise, or a custom adventure, my goal is to make travel feel accessible, affordable, enjoyable, and personal.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
When I look ahead to the next 5–10 years, I see the travel industry becoming more human, more intentional, and more meaningful. People are no longer just booking trips, they’re seeking experiences that create real memories, bring families closer, and leave a lasting impact. I believe travel advisors will play an even bigger role as travelers look for trust, personalization, and guidance in a world that often feels overwhelming and impersonal.
On a personal level, I see my business continuing to change lives, including my own. I didn’t step on an airplane until I was about 22 years old, and travel wasn’t something I had access to growing up. Because of that, my vision is deeply rooted in giving my children opportunities I never had in exploring the world, learning through experience, and understanding how big and beautiful life can be.
I see myself traveling the world with my kids and my husband, creating memories together while showing them that family and career don’t have to be separate. I want to create magical vacations for hundreds of families, help my team grow and succeed, and build a business that allows freedom, flexibility, and purpose. To me, the future of this industry is about connection, possibility, and the power of travel to truly transform lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://my.linkpod.site/Trueadventure
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueadventuretravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575165572074&locale=es_LA
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/true-adventure-travel
