Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Bushore.
Stefanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before I started Explore by Bushore, I spent almost twenty years in the automotive industry. It was fast-paced, demanding, and honestly, it taught me a ton—how to run a business, take care of customers, solve problems quickly, and juggle a million moving parts. I was all in, at least on the surface. But the truth is, I didn’t love it and my heart definitely wasn’t in it. Over time, that feeling became impossible to ignore. Even with all the skills I had built, I kept feeling this pull toward something else: travel.
Planning trips for myself, my family, and friends became my creative outlet. I loved getting into the details; finding the perfect spot, building out itineraries, adding little touches that made the whole experience feel special. And the best part? Seeing people light up when everything came together. That feeling stuck with me. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t just a fun side project. It was something I wanted to do full-time.
In March 2024, I launched Explore by Bushore. For a while, I was balancing both careers: automotive by day, travel advising by lunch break, nights, and weekends. My inbox didn’t sleep, and honestly, neither did I. I was running on adrenaline, coffee, and pure determination. It was a lot, but I was committed to making it work. Eventually, I hit a point where I had to choose. Leaving a stable, twenty-year career wasn’t easy, but I knew where my passion was. So I took the leap.
Now, I’m fully focused on helping people plan trips that feel personal and unforgettable. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone or just getting away to recharge, I love being part of those moments. And honestly, everything I learned in my automotive career still shows up in my work. I pay close attention to detail, stay organized, and always put the client first. The difference now is, I get to do it with heart. And for me, that’s everything.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not entirely smooth—but every bump in the road helped shape the journey.
Transitioning from a long-standing career to launching a travel business came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest was trying to balance both worlds. For nearly a year and a half, I was juggling the demands of a fast-paced industry while nurturing this growing travel business. That meant long hours, constant multitasking, and learning how to shift gears, literally and figuratively, between two very different roles.
Travel had always been my escape. Planning trips for family and friends excited me in a way my “day job” never quite did. It was where I felt creative, inspired, and genuinely fulfilled. But turning that passion into a business? That was scary. I had so many moments of doubt. Could I really walk away from something I’d spent decades building? Would people trust me with their travel dreams?
There was also the emotional side of it. Letting go of a career that had defined me for so long was difficult. I had to reimagine my identity, trust my gut, and believe that this leap into travel advising would be worth it. I’d be up late working on itineraries, pouring my heart into every detail, and still showing up for my day job the next morning. There were moments of exhaustion, fear, and second-guessing. But there was also joy. Every time a client came back glowing from a trip I helped design, it reminded me why I was doing this.
Starting a business from scratch was a whole new adventure as well. I had to build a brand, attract clients, and figure out the logistics of entrepreneurship, all while staying true to the creative spark that inspired Explore by Bushore in the first place. It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge pushed me to grow, adapt, and stay focused on the joy of helping others experience the world.
And I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my husband, Ryan; my mom, Barbara; and all of my friends and family. Their encouragement, patience, and belief in me, especially during the tough moments, made all the difference. They reminded me of my “why” when I needed it most.
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the struggles. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting my instincts. And now, I get to build something that reflects who I am, not just what I’ve done.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Thanks for asking. This is honestly one of my favorite things to talk about!
Through Explore by Bushore, I help people plan travel that feels personal, intentional, and unforgettable. It’s not just about booking flights and hotels; it’s about creating experiences that tell a story. I love digging into the details: finding those hidden gems, adding thoughtful touches, and making sure everything flows smoothly from start to finish. Whether it’s a big milestone celebration, a family trip, or a solo adventure, I design itineraries that reflect each traveler’s style, interests, and dreams.
I plan all kinds of travel: custom itineraries, group trips, multi-generational vacations, and adventure travel. But my sweet spot is cruises, especially river cruises. There’s something really special about the pace and intimacy of sailing through places like the Rhine or the Danube. You get to immerse yourself in the culture, explore charming towns, and relax in a way that feels effortless. I love helping clients discover that magic.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. A lot of people come to me feeling overwhelmed by options or unsure where to start, and I get to guide them with clarity and care. Hearing their stories when they come back, learning what surprised them, what moved them, and what they’ll never forget, is the heart of it for me.
What sets me apart is the combination of practical experience and genuine passion I bring to every trip I plan. My professional background taught me how to manage logistics, deliver exceptional service, and keep complex projects on track. These are the same skills that now fuel my work as a travel advisor. I bring the kind of behind-the-scenes experience that makes everything feel seamless, a knack for turning complicated plans into effortless journeys, and the ability to transform moving parts into meaningful moments. I get to apply all of that to travel planning, and I do it with a spark, because this work truly lights me up. I’m not just organizing travel. I’m curating experiences that leave people feeling inspired and connected. Every itinerary I create is built with intention and care, guided by the structure behind the storytelling.
I’m also deeply involved in every step of the process. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and make sure every detail reflects the traveler’s vision. My goal isn’t just to plan a great trip. It’s to make the entire experience feel easy, exciting, and tailored to each person I work with.
At the heart of it all, I’m a memory maker. I’m not just helping people go places, I’m helping them create moments they’ll carry with them forever. Whether it’s a quiet sunrise on the deck of a river cruise, a shared laugh in a local market, or the joy of seeing a dream destination come to life, I design travel that becomes part of someone’s story. These aren’t just vacations. They’re memories in the making. Sometimes that means stepping into a centuries-old workshop to learn the art of basket weaving from a local artisan, or sitting cross-legged in a village courtyard while watching a rug come to life, thread by thread. It’s those immersive, cultural experiences that connect travelers to the heart of a place—and those are the moments that stay with them long after they’ve returned home.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Anaheim is the unique energy and character of the city. There’s this buzz you can feel, just from being in a place that people all over the world recognize. Between Disneyland, Angel Stadium, and the Honda Center, there’s always something happening. Whether I’m at a game, a concert, or just walking through the neighborhoods nearby, that energy is always present. It makes everyday life feel a little more exciting.
I also really appreciate where Anaheim is located. It’s in this sweet spot where you can be at the beach, up in the mountains, or in LA within an hour. And with the kind of weather we get, it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors all year long. The cultural diversity here is another thing I truly value. The food, the neighborhoods, and the community events offer so much variety, and that makes the city feel welcoming and full of life.
Now, it’s not perfect. Like a lot of places in Southern California, Anaheim has its challenges. Housing costs are high, traffic can be a lot, and the crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, can make simple errands feel like a bit of a mission. But I think that’s part of the trade-off. Living in a city that offers so much culturally, socially, and geographically comes with a few bumps. For me, the richness of the community and the opportunities here far outweigh the inconveniences. It’s a place where people build real lives, even while the world comes to visit.
As a travel advisor, living here gives me a unique edge. I know how to plan amazing staycations for locals who want to rediscover their own backyard, and I know how to design destination trips for visitors who want to experience the magic of this tourist mecca. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, I get to help people see Anaheim—and Southern California as a whole—through a fresh lens, and that’s something I truly love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.explorebybushore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorebybushore
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explorebybushore
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/explorebybushore
- Other: https://share.google/bweROpk3xnppIQ7GU
Image Credits
Stefanie_Bushore(6) – Marcus Heim, The Parisian Photographers
Stefanie_Bushore(7) – Marcus Heim, The Parisian Photographers
Stefanie_Bushore(8) – Stephanie Gibboney, Unveiled by Stephanie
