HERMISTON, Ore.-A new travel business in Hermiston is helping make dream vacations more accessible than ever.
World Beyond Barriers provides vacation and trip planning for all travelers, including single people, families and groups, and specializes in accessible travel for those who may have mobility issues or special needs.
Miranda Rector founded World Beyond Barriers after a trip to Disneyland last year with her family, including her eight-year-old daughter, who has special needs.
Unsure of how to get a Disability Access Service (DAS) Pass at Disneyland, Rector remembered there was help available for Disney trips, and found someone explaining the process on social media.
The DAS Pass is a program that helps guests with special needs enjoy Disney parks by avoiding long lines at Disneyland.
“We ended up having an amazing trip and I thought, I would love to do this for others,” said Rector.
Rector recently left her position as a Volunteer Coordinator with Community Health and Outreach at Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) in Hermiston after almost three years to start World Beyond Barriers.
“I really support the mission and vision of Good Shepherd,” said Rector, who plans to volunteer herself when she has the time, probably with the Auxiliary. “It will always be a part of my heart.”
Rector has traveled extensively around the United States, as well as Disneyland and Puerto Rico, and now hopes to help travelers plan their dream vacations and create lifelong memories.
Getting started
World Beyond Barriers opened in February, and provides vacation planning for cruises, resorts, theme parks, and domestic and international travel.
According to Rector, the challenges so far have been being a parent, while finding the time to build a business and get the World Beyond Barriers name out.
“I’m trying to manage the generation that doesn’t want to talk on the phone and the generation that wants to meet and talk,” said Rector, who believes it’s essential to communicate with clients to get a sense of what trip or travel experience they’re looking for.
Clients have online access through World Beyond Barriers, but Rector always hopes to follow up with an in-person meeting to discuss a client’s dream trip.
“I like to learn what they want and figure out what I can offer, put together a few options and quotes, and then let them decide what’s best for their needs,” said Rector.
Personalized travel service
In researching and planning a trip, Rector has access to travel resources, including hundreds of suppliers and a network of travel professionals to help create vacations tailored to the needs and abilities of her clients.
“When a client contacts me, I’m the one who consumes the stress and worry,” said Rector. “An agent can help with insurance and refundable options and provide peace of mind.”
Rector works to help clients find the best deal on their dream vacations, including making them aware of payment plan options available at some resorts, that they otherwise may not know about.
Agents can also help clients determine if travel insurance is necessary. According to Rector, when a traveler books on their own, they may not consider insurance, and the trip may be non-refundable.
“Is it safe to travel?” is also a question Rector often gets as a travel agent.
As a result, she’s familiar with where she’s sending clients and ensures they know the area in regard to its distance from any trouble spots. She also monitors international news to help ensure client safety.
Rector also personally understands the unique needs that come with accessible travel and can customize trips for her clients.
According to Rector, that includes knowing which airlines are the best for wheelchairs, how difficult a river cruise could potentially be for someone in a wheelchair, and knowing if cruise lines have dedicated programs and certified professionals on staff to serve autistic travelers, and more.
Turning travel dreams into memories
“I have a server’s heart,” said Rector. “I want to make people happy and help them experience a memorable vacation.”
As she works to get the word out and establish World Beyond Barriers, Rector hopes to book at least one vacation package a month.
World Beyond Barriers had a booth at the Pendleton Street Fair on May 16, and Rector plans to be at the Veterans Stand Down event at Wildhorse Resort and Casino from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 13.
Rector also blogs about travel, sharing tips and experiences, including lists of useful items for travel with links on the World Beyond Barriers website.
“I’m excited to help people travel and plan their dream vacation,” said Rector. “I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the world and look forward to making that happen.”
More information on World Beyond Barriers is available online or by calling 218.308.3830.
