I enjoy and have become good at researching and finding vacation ideas for my clients, whether it's basic or something out of the ordinary. I had a client just ask about an Amazon Cruise for 2019 and after a few hours of research I was able to give them three good choices. Another client wanted to go to Bordeaux but thought he wanted something totally different. I found some barge cruises for them with fabulous wine and food, private tours and French cooking lessons. I showed them options that they did not know existed. They decided on a traditional Tauck River Cruise and continued to cruise or tour with them but they appreciated the options that I was able to offer. I think the most exciting aspect of being an agent is being able to find the right trip for your client while staying within their budget.  I am constantly learning about new companies for river, luxury and soft adventure travel through conventions, trade shows, webinars, and fellow agents.

 I am now working as a home base agent, which allows me time to work on the special requests of my clients. As a Nexion agent I have access to large agency promotions and specials plus a venue for me to go to for referrals and insight into places I have not personally visited.

I have been a travel agent for about 20 years.  My husband and I had always enjoyed traveling and cruising and when I was ready to go back to work I knew someone with an agency who wanted to add to his staff. That gave me the opportunity to learn from the cruise reps and other agents. I was able to sail on more cruise lines and visit different destinations which expanded my knowledge and gave me more to offer my clients. 

I was born in Cleveland but moved to Buffalo where I grew up and went to college and earned a BBA degree.  I moved back to Cleveland and after I got married we moved to Houston, bounced around some and settled in Dallas 27 years ago.

I have been focusing on river cruises and luxury travel and have found that my clients appreciate the special amenities that they provide.  They like the inclusive aspect and the ability to visit unique small intimate ports as well as the fabulous cities they fly to when they begin the cruise. I have learned the differences in the cruise lines and tour companies and also how they are similar. By knowing this I can match my client to the best lines for them. 

On a personal and professional level, I enjoy both river and ocean cruises.  I think it is beneficial to experience the different lines and itineraries to better be able to talk about their similarities and differences.  My most memorable river cruise was to China and the Yangtze River on Viking. I loved the way the cruise line exposed us to the charms and reality of the country. It was exciting to visit cities and historic treasures I had only read about. River cruising gives us the ability to go to exotic and unique places we never thought we would see and yet do it in a somewhat intimate way. I have cruised on the Douro in Portugal, the Danube between Budapest and Prague, the Garonne River in Bordeaux, the Rhone River in Provence and the Columbia River here in USA.  I find it helpful to share my experiences with  clients.

I have gone on a number of ocean cruises in Europe and Caribbean, but one of the most memorable was on Regent to Scandinavia/Russia. Talk about things I thought I'd never do! We visited the Hermitage, saw a Russian Ballet and toured the Peterhof Place to name a few. The ports were all interesting, but the fact that we were one a 6 star fabulous ship made it all the better. I have been on 4 to 6 star trips and each one has it's own charm and advantages.

This past summer I took a wine immersion cruise on UnCruise on the Columbia and Snake River. This cruise line makes you feel like your sailing with a family gathered together to explore and educate. It is very informal and relaxed and unlike any other cruise I've ever taken.  The itineraries are soft adventure, but this cruise was all about wine tasting.

Two other very unusual trips I've taken were to the Tuscan area of Italy.  Both were a week long immersion in the area with a small group of between 8-18. We were either taking cooking a class, eating the food we prepared, drinking local wines or touring Tuscany. It was educational as well as delicious.

When I can, I enjoy being able to talk about companies who specialize in their food and wine service. Lately, many river, ocean and tour companies are placing additional emphasis on their chefs, restaurants and wines. Being a Foodie is "in" right now.  

Travel is all about experiencing new things! I love hearing from my clients when they get back and tell me about how great their trip was and that they couldn't wait to plan the next one. My years traveling and listening to my clients has exposed me to so much and given me the ability to talk to anyone interested in travel.

So call or e-mail me and let's plan your next great memory.