Before launching Travel Mates, I spent 16 years in the global finance industry, working in Legal & Compliance roles at some of the world’s largest financial institutions. In 2023, I made a life-changing decision to step away from corporate life and realign my career with what matters most: my family, my well-being, and my passion for helping others through travel.

Travel has always been a core part of who I am. My parents introduced me to the world from a young age, and I’ve been exploring it ever since. My father, a dedicated teacher for 40 years, and my mother, a compassionate cancer nurse and nurse practitioner for just as long, instilled in me the values of education, empathy, and service. Values that now guide my work every day.

Our family's own experiences have shaped the mission behind Travel Mates. My dad is a two-time stroke survivor living with aphasia, complete right-side paralysis, and wheelchair dependence. Traveling with him, both within the U.S. and abroad, has opened my eyes to the very real barriers that still exist for disabled, elderly, and family travelers and their companions. The frustration, emotional toll, and lack of accessibility we’ve encountered should not still be the norm in 2025.

That’s why I created Travel Mates: to make travel more inclusive, accessible, and joyful for everyone regardless of ability or background. Whether you're planning a simple weekend away or a complex international journey, I’m here to help make it seamless, supportive, and empowering.

My wife and I have been married for seven wonderful years, and we've shared a passion for travel since the day we met over a decade ago. From the beginning, we bonded over our love for exploring new cultures, cuisines, cities, and religious traditions always eager to discover everything this beautiful world has to offer.

Travel planning quickly became more than a hobby. We found joy in researching destinations, crafting detailed itineraries, and helping our family and friends experience meaningful trips. It’s such an important part of our lives that we even named our daughter after our favorite town from our honeymoon: Ella, in Sri Lanka. Now, as new parents, we can’t wait to share the world with her.

So far, I’ve traveled to 25 countries on my own, 18 with my wife, and 2 as a family of three. Traveling with a young child, and alongside my father has taught me the importance of thoughtful, inclusive travel planning. These personal experiences have given me first-hand insight into the gaps and frustrations that so many families face when navigating accessible and family-friendly travel.

That’s what inspired me to launch Travel Mates. My mission is to support families like mine by simplifying the complex logistics of accessible, inclusive, and multi-generational travel. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the world and I’m here to help make that possible.

Cheers, 

Seth