Every so often, someone asks what I actually do as a travel advisor - especially when it comes to cruises, groups, and the kind of thoughtful, immersive travel experiences I love creating. And I get it. From the outside, planning a vacation can look simple: choose a ship, select a stateroom, pick a date, book the trip. But the truth is, a well-planned vacation is the result of a great deal of care, expertise, and behind-the-scenes  work.

For a typical family cruise, planning can take anywhere from a few focused hours to well over a dozen, depending on how much direction you need. That includes comparing ships and itineraries, reviewing deck plans, checking promotions, confirming policies, coordinating flights and hotels, building your travel documents, preparing your Trip Plans app, and making sure everything is truly travel ready, not just “booked.”

And that’s just individual or family travel.

Group travel is an entirely different level of coordination. Between room blocks, guest registrations, payment schedules, contract terms, private events, communication threads, spreadsheets, excursions, and the usual last-minute surprises, group trips can easily reach 100+ hours of behind-the-scenes work. It’s a labor of love, but it is absolutely labor.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: travel advisors are only compensated by the cruise line or travel partner after you travel, and only if we handle the booking from start to finish. The research, planning, communication, and coordination leading up to that point are not covered unless I’m part of the final reservation.

That’s one of the reasons I've introduced planning fees to our business model. They allow me to devote the time and attention your trip deserves, stay unbiased in my recommendations, and be available to support you from your earliest ideas all the way through your return home. My goal is to make your travel experience enriching, thoughtfully designed, and as easy on you as possible.

And because we want every client experience to feel thoughtful and collaborative, here are some steps you can take to help us make the most of the process together:
 

• Share your vision early.
Whether you want relaxation, adventure, culture, connection, or a little of everything, that’s what shapes the entire plan.

• Be open if you’re comparing quotes from other travel advisors.
I will always step aside with goodwill. This clarity helps me focus my time where it’s needed. 

• If you see something online, send it my way.
I can usually match the price, and you’ll still receive the support and advocacy that comes with having a dedicated advisor in your corner.

• Stay in touch.
If you go quiet after receiving recommendations, I’ll pause planning until you reconnect. Clear communication keeps your trip moving and helps me manage timelines for all my clients. 

Working with a travel advisor isn’t about simply booking a cruise - it’s about having a partner who understands the timing, the logistics, the policies, the fine print, and the heart of the trip you’re planning. I’m here to help you make decisions with confidence and build a travel experience that feels meaningful from start to finish.

To every traveler, family, and group who has trusted me with your vacations: thank you. It’s a privilege to be part of your journeys, and I pour genuine care into every single trip I plan.

If you’re dreaming about where to go next, please reach out. I’d love to help you bring it to life!