We recently connected with Brooke Morrison and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brooke, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism was born in a hospital bed.
After a traumatic brain injury left me in a coma as a child, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and simply be in the world again. Most people don’t remember their second first steps—but I do. And when you’ve had to fight that hard just to exist, you stop taking life for granted.
That experience gave me an unshakable sense of perspective. I know what it feels like to be completely dependent, and I know the triumph of reclaiming your independence—one shaky step at a time. So now, even on the hardest days, I can still find gratitude. I can still find awe. I can still find joy.
Optimism, for me, isn’t blind positivity—it’s a deliberate choice. It’s knowing that life is fragile and beautiful, and deciding every day to chase it with everything I’ve got.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
After surviving a traumatic brain injury as a child and relearning how to walk and talk, I’ve lived every day with the deep belief that life is meant to be explored. Today, I’m the founder and face of American Travel Family, a travel and lifestyle brand that documents our adventures across the globe—through the lens of humor, resilience, and real-life luxury.
My husband is an airline captain, and I often travel the world on standby, turning unexpected moments into unforgettable stories. We don’t fit the mold of typical “family travel”—we skip the kiddie stuff and lean into immersive experiences, cultural curiosity, and a touch of luxury. Whether I’m zip-lining through Croatia with my teens or sailing the Mediterranean with girlfriends, I show people that travel doesn’t have to look one way.
What makes this work so special to me is the connection. I get to share honest advice, stunning visuals, and moments of unfiltered joy that spark something in others. And nothing is more rewarding than a message from someone who says, “You inspired me to finally book that trip.”
Right now, I’m focused on expanding our brand partnerships with luxury resorts, travel boards, and tourism organizations around the world—brands that believe luxury doesn’t have to be boring and that fun can still be elevated. I’ve recently collaborated with standout brands like Virgin Voyages, Windstar Cruises, and Ray-Ban Meta, and I’m building out more ways to bring our unique voice to travelers everywhere.
At the heart of everything I do is this simple idea: life is short—go live it, beautifully and boldly.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things shaped my journey more than anything: resilience, storytelling, and a deep respect for education.
1. Resilience was born out of necessity. After a traumatic brain injury, I had to relearn how to walk and talk—literally rebuilding myself from the ground up. That experience taught me that real progress comes from consistent, sometimes painful effort. It’s the same kind of grit I carry with me today in both life and business.
2. Storytelling became my bridge to the world. I don’t just travel—I translate experiences into something people can feel. It’s what connects me with my audience, builds trust, and sets my content apart. If you’re just starting out, don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Own your story, even the messy parts. That’s where the magic lives.
3. Education is the foundation of everything. In a world full of shortcuts and surface-level content, a solid education sets you apart. It’s the difference between being an imposter and being the real deal. I put myself through college and earned degrees in Sociology, Video Production, and Communications—not because I had to, but because I wanted depth, context, and credibility in my work. Learning takes time. Whether you’re relearning how to walk or mastering your craft, you can’t skip the groundwork. You have to earn it. Otherwise, you’re building on a shaky foundation.
My advice to anyone just starting out? Put in the time to learn. Be curious. Stay resilient. And always remember: the slow, steady work behind the scenes is what makes you unshakable in the spotlight.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely. I work with tourism boards, luxury resorts, and destinations that want high-impact content with both reach and relevance.
With over 15 million views and degrees in communications, video production, and sociology, I create cinematic, story-led content that resonates with real travelers—people who are inspired to book, not just browse.
My audience comes for the visuals but stays for the value: elevated recommendations, honest insights, and a fresh take on luxury that’s anything but boring.
If you’re a brand that believes travel should be as meaningful as it is beautiful, let’s connect.
Follow along at @americanfamilytravel—and let’s turn inspiration into action.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanfamilytravel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanTravelFamily
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@americantravelfamily
Image Credits
Brooke Morrison
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