My FIrst Tour: Bringing Seattle to Life Through My own Lens
Hi, I’m Shirin, and I’m currently based in Los Angeles, but my heart still beats with the rhythm of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, Washington—my hometown—is where my love for nature, travel, and community first took root. As a world traveler and natural-born organizer, I’ve always found myself leading the way—whether guiding friends and family through a bustling city or stepping in when things felt chaotic. With years of management experience and a thriving hiking group under my belt, I had already led over 250 hikes, often with groups of 20+ adventurers. These journeys through stunning trails were more than walks—they were connections. Connections built on trust, enthusiasm, and my commitment to making every outing meaningful. This is what eventually inspired me to launch my boutique travel business. And naturally, my first tour had to be in the place that shaped me: Seattle.
The Spark of Inspiration Truth be told, I still had doubts—until I stumbled upon an itinerary to Seattle offered by a well-known travel company. One glance, and I thought: “I can do better than this.” That’s when the vision became real. I crafted a 5-day, 4-night tour designed not just to “see” Seattle, but to feel it. I focused on efficiency—no time wasted driving in circles. And I skipped generic attractions found in every U.S. city, instead highlighting the authentic spirit of Seattle and its surroundings.
The Experience:
Highlights from the Journey We were a group of 12—no advertising, just word of mouth. And what a group it was: seasoned global travelers, many of whom later told me this was one of their best trips ever.
Here’s a glimpse of what we did:
- Stay: Four nights in a 4-star hotel in a prime location
- Included: Flights, city transportation, entry tickets
- Iconic Sights: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Pike Place Market, First Starbucks
- Nature & Outdoors
- Hiked Rattlesnake Ledge, with a moderate option and a picnic by the lake
- Hiked down to Snoqualmie Falls and lunched at the cozy Salish Inn
- Rode a ferry to a charming island in the Puget Sound
- Explored a safari farm zoo
- Visited the Ballard Locks, where freshwater meets saltwater and boats “climb” through engineering magic
- Experienced local culture
- Caught a quirky Halloween performance
- Danced the night away at a live music bar But the magic wasn’t just in the itinerary—it was in the details.
The Little Things That Made a Big Impact While we cruised on the ferry, I surprised everyone with fresh watermelon—sliced and served on deck. It was such a simple gesture, but the joy on their faces was unforgettable. At every restaurant, I made sure we got the best table with the most stunning view. I built in plenty of time for group photos and personal memories. And on the road, music filled our van—everyone sang along, creating spontaneous moments of unity and fun. One traveler laughed and said, “Shirin kept us so busy, we had no time to gossip!” Another added, “I’ve been to Seattle three times before—but almost every place we visited with your group was new to me.” Someone even asked, “Is there any part of Seattle we didn’t see on this trip?” What I Learned This first tour taught me to trust my instincts. Our instincts are shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and passions. And when you pour your energy into something you love, it shows. I left behind a 9-to-5 job that drained me—and now, I get to spread joy, discovery, and connection through travel. I get to show people not just places, but the feeling of adventure, of being cared for, and of being part of something meaningful. That’s the heart of Green Travel. And this is just the beginning. With Love Shiri