10 Years of Venturing Out with Adventure Marketplace

By Nancy Dorrans

I’ve been working as a traditional “travel agent” for various in-house agencies in several states for most of my adult life. I didn’t think or know how I could succeed as an independent agent. But, the industry was changing. More and more, traditional travel agencies were closing. I didn’t fit in with the traditional agencies anyway.  Many are now run by corporations that are more interested in selling insurance than travel dreams. I had met other agents that worked independently, but it seemed overwhelming to me. 

I was skeptical. Then, I was encouraged into venturing out on my own. One friend/entrepreneur coached me. He said, “You can do it. It is what you do and if you work for anyone else, you’re just helping them make money.”   

Another industry rep said, “You have to stay. You’re making me look good in Maine. I’ll help you!” I had booked a private group to Ecuador and the Galapagos through his tour company. I didn’t know that was such a big deal. I had a lot to learn.

Then I contacted OASIS Travel Network, a host agency for independent travel agents/advisors. I spoke with one of the owners and explained my situation, my experience, and that I was out of work and exploring different options. I was even thinking about leaving the travel industry and moving somewhere new to teach English as a second language or, or, or….  She listened intently and then said, “Oh… You can’t leave now… Travel is in your blood!” 

I heard them. I decided to give it a go. That was April 2014 – 10 years ago.

Adventure Marketplace Begins

I chose a big name: Adventure Marketplace. Mainly because I didn’t know where it was going to lead and I didn’t want to have to change it later. Then I joined Peloton Labs co-working space and was connected with an energized group of entrepreneurs. I know that my business never would have had the successes it has if it wasn’t for these connections and the support I made at Peloton and from so many others in the travel industry. That said, “You can DO IT!” My courage, creativity, experience, adaptability and diligence have guided me through this Adventure Marketplace journey.

Moving to a new space last month has given me the opportunity to go through my decade worth of files and a chance to reflect on all the experiences I’ve had and all the clients I’ve helped. As I flip through my notes and files, a flood of memories rush over me – many highlights, challenges, and lessons learned.

So Many Memories

Early on, I guided a sweet and tech savvy bride and her groom and guests to a destination wedding in the Mayan Riviera. I customized Hope’s Patagonian adventure… I drove a small group in a rental van to the New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain up and over the Kancamagus Highway…

Escorted a small G-Adventure group to South Africa and Zimbabwe… Set up ski trips to Big Sky, Montana, and Valparaiso and Val-d’Isère in France, among others…

I organized motor coach tours to New York City, Quebec City, the White Mountains, and assisted the Portland Community Chorus on their journey to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall… 

Myndilee took a group of friends to her home island of Jamaica… Then there was the sold-out bus tour to the Women’s March on Washington in 2017 and more small global group adventures to Namibia & Botswana, Iceland, Vietnam/Cambodia, Women, Walking, and Wine in Portugal…

Doug cruised with Rock Legends. Local Irishman Evan from Independent Ireland helped me organize a 60th birthday celebration for Nancy Noyes with her husband and a dozen of her closest friends. Adventure Marketplace was a vendor at the Rockland Blues Festival for a few years before Covid… I worked with the adventurous Bill Yeo who led two successful groups up Kilimanjaro in January 2020 and again in February 2023… 

My friend Karen and I and another couple took the Cat from Portland to Nova Scotia. Our return ferry was delayed due to a tropical depression in the Atlantic. We spent two extra nights and met some folks from Boston in Halifax that were supposed to be in Bermuda. Their ship was rerouted. Pats were on at the Bah! Whachagonnado? 

So Grateful!

It has been quite a decade, and I am grateful! Adventure Marketplace is still a BIG NAME for a one-person business. I’m getting used to it. I am looking ahead to creating more unforgettable out of the ordinary experiences for years to come. Thank you to all who have been part of the journey.  

“Navigating Travelers On Authentic, Nurturing, Global and Local Adventures… (Since 2014.)”