National Parks Travel Expert

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Amber McNeil, Travel Agent in West Lafayette, IN

Amber McNeil

West Lafayette, IN Travel Agent

Amber McNeil

West Lafayette, IN

Once Upon a Departure, an independent agent with Yeti Travel Co, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
About
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Yellowstone National Park

Interests:

National Parks

Suppliers:

Adventures By Disney , National Geographic Expeditions

About Me

Moose spotting in Yellowstone NP!
Moose spotting in Yellowstone NP!

With a deep love for the great outdoors, Once Upon a Departure specializes in creating unforgettable National Park adventures. From planning scenic road trips and family-friendly hikes to securing the best accommodations and insider tips, I will ensure every itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and exploration.

Having personally visited numerous US National Parks, I understand the logistics, timing, and hidden gems that make each park unique. Whether it’s planning a sunrise tour in Yellowstone, a photography-focused trip in Yosemite, or a multi-park road trip through the Southwest, I help travelers experience the natural beauty of America safely and seamlessly.

Passionate about making these iconic destinations accessible for all, I love guiding travelers to create lifelong memories surrounded by the nation’s most breathtaking landscapes.

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
My favorite sight in the park is Lamar Valley. You can sit there and watch the wolves, bears, coyotes, bison and more!
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Been There 10 Times
Must Do:
Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and Great Wolf Lodge is just a stone's throw away!
Rome, Italy, Europe
Been There
Must Do:
Gelato and pizza are an absolute must - just don't order a "latte" or you will get a weird look and a glass of hot milk.
Tuscany, Italy, Europe
Been There
Must Do:
Not only should you have the full wine experience, but there is amazing olive oil too!
Napa Valley, California, USA
Been There
Must Do:
Ferrari-Carano winery is a top choice!
Universal City, California, USA
Been There
Must Do:
As fun as rides can be, the Universal Studios Studio Tour is amazing if you are a movie buff!
Denver, Colorado, USA
Been There 3 Times
Must Do:
Drive to Estes Park for wildlife viewing at Rocky Mountain National Park! A great way to kill time before flights is going to the National Wildlife Refuge to watch the prairie dogs and bison.
Port Canaveral, Florida, USA
Booked It 4 Times
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
Disney Cruise!
Universal Orlando, Florida, USA
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Epic Universe!
Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
Booked It 3 Times
Been There 3 Times
Must Do:
Stay on property, Disney Springs, all 4 parks, resort-hop, and lots of great character dining!
Nashville, Indiana, USA
Been There 4 Times
Must Do:
Check out Brown County State Park, walk through downtown Nashville, and grab a bite at Big Woods (and maybe even an ATV beer tour)!
New York City, New York, USA
Been There
Must Do:
Rockefeller Plaza around Christmas is one of my most cherished experiences, despite sitting in 3-4 hours of traffic!
Portland, Oregon, USA
Been There
Must Do:
Powell Books and Voodoo donuts are two must-do's!
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Been There
Must Do:
I spent a summer living here - there is a mix of big city life with small-town country music energy!
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
Although the park is beautiful, stop by The Local Goat for some deep fried deviled eggs!
Grand Tetons, Wyoming, USA
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
Moose watching!

Client Testimonials

Making Our Universal Trip Effortless and Exciting!
"My son and I are heading to Universal, and I can’t say enough about how easy and exciting the planning process has been – all thanks to Once Upon a Departure! She has taken care of every detail with care and professionalism, making sure our trip was customized to fit what we wanted, from park tickets to hotel recommendations and helpful tips. You can tell she truly loves what she does – and she’s great at it. If you’re looking for a stress-free and magical vacation, I highly recommend reaching out."
Corey A, Indianapolis, IN
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