Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Peterson.
Hi Laurel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved traveling and experiencing new places. Before the pandemic, I was a traveling tech consultant, which definitely helped to satiate my wanderlust. After I started working at home full time, I began feeling like my consultant job was no longer in alignment with me and my life anymore. I also found myself very burnout after years on the road and working in a high-stress atmosphere. I took a leave of absence to help figure out my next career move, but found myself more lost during that time than I had before. I returned to work, part time, but started working with a holistic career coach to help me figure out what to do next. Through 6 months of working with her, this is where I figured out that travel was the industry I needed to be in. It took me about another 6-12 months to figure out the how. In the fall of 2025, I started my business, North Star Wayfarer, as a travel advisor, and have plans to expand my business into retreats and small group trips as well as travel coaching. My mission is to bring joy to people through travel and help them experience the world in the way that’s right for them, returning to their true selves through the journey, their North Star.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes and no. I don’t feel that I’ve hit any major hurdles yet, but I expect them to come. Struggles so far have been things like learning how to market myself (basically all the time) and changing my mindset from employee to business owner.
We’ve been impressed with North Star Wayfarer, 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?
North Star Wayfarer is a travel company that offers personalized travel advising, with retreats, small group trips, and travel coaching coming soon. Our mission is to bring joy to people through travel and help them experience the world in the way that’s right for them, returning to their true selves through the journey, their North Star.
We believe travel should be intentional, not just aspirational. One of the things we focus on most is helping clients identify not only where they want to go, but what they truly need from a trip. Sometimes those things align, and sometimes they don’t. For example, someone craving restoration and calm may not actually benefit from a fast-paced city itinerary, even if it looks exciting on social media. We prioritize how our clients want to feel on and after their trip and build experiences around the outcomes they’re truly seeking.
We work with a variety of travelers, but specialize in couples travel, honeymoons, solo travel, and small group travel. This ranges from hotel-only bookings to full concierge-level itinerary planning, all tailored to each client’s travel style, interests, and goals. Our goal is to make travel exciting, memorable, and less stressful for our clients.
What sets us apart is our love of hidden gems, shoulder- and off-season travel, and destinations that feel meaningful rather than trendy. We’re not interested in sending clients somewhere simply because it’s popular. We care deeply about crafting trips that genuinely fit the person taking them, even if that means encouraging them to rethink a destination or timing in favor of an experience that better supports what they’re truly looking for.
What were you like growing up?
I was a quiet, somewhat shy child growing up, but very smart. I excelled in math which led me to studying mechanical engineering in college. Throughout high school, I was predominantly involved in academic clubs. In my free time I loved reading (still do!) and hanging out with friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northstarwayfarer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstarwayfarer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurel.northstarwayfarer
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-peterson-97120776/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/northstarwayfarer
