Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Megan Grant Pedersen

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Grant Pedersen. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time in moments of awe. Travel often gives me those experiences, like when a group of whales surfaced beside our small boat in Alaska or when I watched elephants move across the savannah in Tanzania. But I have also learned that awe can be found closer to home. Sometimes it is as simple as being completely captured in a good book or noticing azaleas blooming on a walk with my dog.

For me, learning to find awe in everyday life took practice, especially after experiencing depression. During that time, it was hard to lose track of time in ways that felt joyful. Most days just blurred together. Finding myself again meant creating routines that grounded me, while also giving myself permission to break routine when I needed fresh perspective. Small habits, like making a list of things that make me happy, helped me reconnect with who I am. Slowly, I began to find joy again in getting lost in time and in those little moments of awe that remind me I am still here, still me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Megan Grant, and I am the founder of Cherish Tours. At its heart, Cherish is about creating meaningful travel experiences that empower women and support women in business around the world. Our community is made up of women who are often in seasons of transition, seeking connection, growth, and a sense of renewal.

Since the last time I shared my story here, Cherish has grown in exciting ways. We have expanded to more destinations and welcomed new members to our team. We have also walked through some difficult seasons that challenged us to pivot, to learn, and to grow. Out of that came opportunities we had not imagined in the beginning, like offering private trips. Now we are able to design customized journeys for groups of six or more to any of our destinations, which has been a beautiful new way to bring people together through travel.

What makes Cherish special to me is not just the places we visit, but the way travel reminds us of who we are. I believe that when women travel with intention, they come home not only with memories but with a deeper connection to themselves and to others. That is the heart of Cherish and the work I feel grateful to do.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most pivotal moments that shaped how I see the world happened when I visited the Dharavi slums in India. I took a tour with a young college student who had been born and raised there. He now leads tours to share the reality of his community and to teach visitors about Indian culture. Walking through those streets with him changed me.

I came away with two powerful lessons. The first was the importance of traveling with an open mind. When we let go of assumptions and allow ourselves to really learn about other people’s circumstances and cultures, we develop a deeper sense of empathy, respect, and understanding. The second was about the power of dreams. My guide shared that he wanted to own his own leather goods business one day. That dream was born from looking up at the apartment above his home, where another family had built their own business. His story reminded me that dreams often begin simply by seeing what is possible.

That day stays with me as a reminder that there is beauty in dreaming and in opening ourselves to the ways others live, hope, and create.

Travel shapes me in so many ways through similar stories like this. I strongly believe that travel is one of the strongest tools for learning and creates ripple effects of positive change in the lives who share these types of experiences.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the feeling that I am too different. I have often worried that I do not fully belong anywhere and that one day my differences would leave me alone. Loneliness is a strong fear motivator that has made me show up in strange ways in my life. It is a fear that can be quiet but powerful, shaping how I behave and sometimes making me hesitate to take risks or share my true self.

What I have learned, though, is that the very things that make us feel different can also be the things that connect us most deeply with others. Sharing our authentic self with others can be scary but is also what creates the most beautiful relationships in our lives. When I have chosen to step into that vulnerability, I have found community and belonging in unexpected places. That’s why I encourage a safe place through all of Cherish’s trips for travelers to share their authentic selves. Travel has a way of helping people let down their walls. When we connect with others in an authentic way it helps heal the pieces inside us that may have felt broken or lonely.

The world is full of people living in different ways, and there is beauty in that variety. Embracing my personal differences instead of hiding them has opened the door to connection rather than isolation. It also opens up space for deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the travel industry is the idea that bigger is always better. Mass tourism often caters to large audiences with the promise that more attractions, more amenities, and visiting more places at a quicker pace create the best travel experience. In reality, it can be the opposite. Overcrowding puts strain on local communities, damages natural environments, and waters down the very culture travelers come to experience.

What is often overlooked is that travel is most impactful when it is intentional and more personal. Smaller groups allow for meaningful connections with local people and create space for authentic cultural exchange. They also have a lighter footprint on the environment and contribute more directly to the communities being visited.

Sustainable tourism is not about doing more, but about doing better. It is about recognizing that travel can be a powerful force for good when it is mindful, respectful, and rooted in genuine connection.

I believe that most consumers are starting to make this shift, and when demand moves in the direction of more intentional travel, providers follow. Booking a trip that is thoughtful and meaningful does not mean sacrificing luxury, skipping a bucket-list destination, or staying somewhere that feels unsafe. Intentional travel can be luxurious, beautiful, safe, and impactful. It can create experiences you will remember forever.

This kind of travel is not just for adventure seekers. It is for anyone who wants to support local economies rather than sending money to large international corporations. It is about balance. It does not rule out experiences you love, like cruises or all-inclusive resorts. Instead, it is about finding ways to integrate local culture and experiences that support it, making your trip not just enjoyable, but meaningful for the places and people you visit.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
I think I will regret not seeking out the experiences that make me feel fully alive. Seeing gorillas in Rwanda, orangutans in Borneo, or exploring every national park in the United States are all dreams I hold close. These kinds of adventures open your eyes, expand your perspective, and remind you how vast and beautiful the world is.

But I also know I will regret not spending enough quality time with the people I love. Travel can be transformative, but it is the connections we nurture, the laughter we share, and the moments of presence with others that truly stay with us. I hope to strike a balance between these two things. Chasing the wonders of the world while also making space for the people and relationships that make life meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gocherishtours.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocherishtours/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cherish-tours-llc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gocherishtours
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gocherishtours

Image Credits
@Joel Collins