We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jamie Santillo. Check out our conversation below.
Jamie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, hands down. Intelligence and energy are valuable, but without integrity, they can be used in ways that harm rather than help. I’ve built my business and my life around the belief that doing the right thing—especially when it’s hard—creates trust, respect, and meaningful impact. In the world of accessible travel, integrity means advocating for my clients, making sure every detail is accurate, and being upfront about challenges so they can travel with confidence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jamie, the owner of Adventures by Jamie, a multi–award-winning travel agency specializing in accessible travel for people of all abilities. As a full-time power wheelchair user, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to hear, “You can’t go there,” or “That’s not possible for someone like you.” So I’ve made it my mission to prove that the world is open to everyone—with the right planning, advocacy, and expertise.
What makes Adventures by Jamie unique is that we don’t just book trips—we create inclusive travel experiences that meet each traveler’s specific accessibility needs. I also partner with tourism boards, industry leaders, and destinations to help them become more inclusive. Right now, I’m working on expanding those partnerships globally, so no matter where my clients want to go, we can make it happen with ease, comfort, and dignity.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mentor, Cyndi Williams, the owner of Wanderlust Campus, has been a huge influence on my career. She didn’t just teach me how to run a travel agency—she taught me how to build a profitable, portable business that gives me freedom while making an impact. Cyndi showed me how to blend my passion for travel with the systems, strategies, and mindset needed to grow a multi-million-dollar agency. Her guidance has helped me not just dream big, but execute those dreams in a way that changes lives.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
“Suffering” taught me grit. I’ve been told “no” more times than I can count—especially because I’m disabled. I’ve been told I wasn’t smart enough, strong enough, or capable enough to chase my goals. That kind of dismissal lights a fire in you. It taught me to fight harder for equality and inclusion—not just for myself, but for others who have been underestimated. Success feels great, but struggle shapes your purpose.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get. The smiling, confident, go-getter people see on social media is the same person you’ll meet in real life. I’m just as passionate, driven, and full of ideas behind the scenes as I am in the spotlight. I don’t put on a persona for the sake of appearances; I genuinely love what I do and the people I serve. The only difference? In public, you might not always see the quiet moments of planning, researching, and late-night problem-solving that make the big wins possible.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say I lived with purpose, fought for inclusion, and inspired others to see the world without limits. That I didn’t just open doors—I helped build ramps so everyone could get through them. I hope they’ll remember me as someone who used her voice to make life better for others, who refused to let barriers win, and who always found a way to say, “Yes, you can.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adventuresbyjamie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbyjamie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventuresbyamie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventuresbyJamie
- Soundcloud: jamie@adventuresbyjamie.com
