Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Prater.
Hi Michele, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After Hurricane Ike in 2008 destroyed the building where I worked at UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch), I suddenly found myself laid off and at home with two young children. It was an uncertain time, but also a blessing in disguise — it gave me the opportunity to be present for my family while I figured out my next chapter.
As my kids grew older, I knew it was time to return to work, but I wanted to do something different — something that inspired me. I considered photography while volunteering as the yearbook editor at my daughter’s school, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the direction became clear. My husband had been working long, exhausting hours at the plants in Texas City, and I decided we both needed a break — a real one.
That’s when I started planning a trip to Germany. I’d always been fascinated by medieval castles and the romance of old-world Europe, and I knew my husband shared that same curiosity. I spent weeks researching Bavaria and the Rhine River Valley, crafting an itinerary of castle hikes, cozy boutique stays, and hidden cobblestone towns. The result? Two weeks of pure magic. My husband still says it was the best trip he’s ever had — and I agree.
That experience changed everything. When we returned home, I couldn’t stop talking about the places we explored. I wanted everyone I knew to feel that same spark of wonder — to see the world through new eyes. That passion inspired me to become a travel advisor.
In 2019, I launched Ports and Paths, my own travel agency, after months of training and preparation. Just as I was finding my rhythm, the world shut down due to COVID. Like so many others, nearly all my clients had to cancel their trips. Instead of giving up, I used that time to strengthen my skills, shift focus to national park adventures, and keep my dream alive.
Fast forward to 2024 — I proudly celebrated five years as an entrepreneur! I hosted monthly Zoom travel parties, gave away prizes, and during my anniversary celebration, I awarded a $500 grand prize to one of my loyal clients. It was a moment of joy and gratitude — a reminder of how far I’d come and how much I love what I do.
Today, I continue to design personalized travel experiences for clients throughout Texas and beyond — with a special focus on the United Kingdom and immersive, cultural journeys abroad. My goal is simple: to help travelers see the world in a way that enriches their lives. Every itinerary I create comes from the heart, and nothing brings me more joy than hearing the excitement in my clients’ voices when they return home with stories to share.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A smooth road? Was that an option? Starting a business is challenging enough, but launching a travel business when the entire world was shut down—well, that might sound a little crazy. But I believed then, as I do now, that travel is an essential part of life. People were always going to want to explore the world again; they just needed time to feel safe doing it.
So, while I waited for the world to reopen, I focused on what I could do — learning. I dove deep into training to strengthen my expertise, not just in travel itself but in the behind-the-scenes parts of running a business. I learned about bookkeeping, legal requirements, and back-office systems — all the “less glamorous” things that keep a business running smoothly.
Admittedly, those parts aren’t my favorite, and I’ve learned that it’s okay to not love every aspect of entrepreneurship. That’s why I now partner with trusted professionals, like a tax advisor, to handle the areas that aren’t in my wheelhouse. Accepting that I can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything myself has been one of the biggest lessons in business.
Having the right people in my corner allows me to focus on what I do best — creating personalized, meaningful travel experiences for my clients. In the end, those early challenges didn’t just make my business stronger; they made me stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a travel advisor, I believe every unforgettable journey begins with understanding the traveler behind it. My first step is always a personal consultation — an open, relaxed conversation where I learn about my clients’ travel expectations, passions, and preferences. I ask open-ended questions to uncover their likes and dislikes, their comfort level with exploring new destinations, and their preferred travel style and pace. These insights allow me to design a personalized itinerary that reflects who they are and how they want to experience the world.
My specialty lies in family and small-group travel, including multi-generational vacations where every age feels considered and connected. I also love curating romantic escapes for couples celebrating anniversaries or simply seeking time away together. While I design journeys across the globe, I’m especially known for travel throughout the UK and for crafting seamless cruise experiences. Living near Galveston—the fourth most important cruise port in the U.S.—I’ve helped countless travelers set sail on extraordinary adventures right from my own backyard.
One of my proudest professional accomplishments is earning my Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification through the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). As an ASTA member since 2022, I’m deeply committed to their mission of elevating the professionalism of the travel industry, promoting ethical standards, and building consumer confidence in working with travel advisors. My VTA status assures clients that I am a verified, knowledgeable, and trustworthy advisor with a legitimate business dedicated to their best interests.
What truly sets me apart is the personal connection I build with each client. I don’t just plan trips—I craft experiences that reflect who my clients are and how they want to feel while exploring the world. My process is built on connection; I take time to understand the “why” behind every journey. It’s this insight that allows me to design travel that feels effortless, meaningful, and uniquely theirs. Whether it’s a family discovering joy together on Maui or a couple reconnecting over a river cruise in Europe, my goal is always the same: to turn travel dreams into memories that last long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Just that if you’ve never traveled abroad and are uneasy about the idea of navigating a new destination by yourself, there are different ways to explore with group escorted tours or hosted tours that make it simple. I encourage everyone to dream a little and give me a call to talk about it. I’m here to help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.portsandpaths.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portsandpaths
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portsandpaths
Image Credits
All pictures submitted are personal pictures taken by myself or my husband or my friends.
