Global travel is an electric experience. It broadens your mind and changes the way you think about the world. When you go to new places, taste new meals, experience new cultures, and meet new people, you discover yourself in a brand new way.
Leisure travel is sumptuous and recharging! You can get away from your regular routine to enjoy the sunshine, be playful, or splurge on delicious food and drink. It refreshes your spirit and rejuvenates you like nothing else.
All of these experiences provide incredible opportunities to connect with your spouse, your family, and your friends. Travel memories, whether you are a solo traveler or exploring with the ones you love, last your whole life long!
- Shing Xiong
I fell in love with travel on my first international trip right out of high school. With just a backpack, my best friend and I traveled throughout Mexico & Central America. We loved learning about the many cultures, marveled in the beauty, and were touched by the kindness of the locals we met. In college I spent a year living in Sevilla, Spain. During my time there I delighted in exploring much of the European continent. These trips ignited a life-long passion for travel and I have since been to 35 countries across five continents. Travel is my passion and I'd love to share my perspective with you.
Being a travel agent is all about making connections with people who know what to do and where to go. This industry is bursting with fascinating people who have made hospitality the focus of their life’s work. I feel lucky to get to engage with them, here in my hometown or traveling to theirs, to arrange tours and trips for my clients.
I would love to share my wealth of travel knowledge and my connections in the industry. I can’t wait to help you have an amazing vacation!
Planning and booking of air, ship, train or bus travel
Planning and booking lodging at hotels
Organizing transport and travel for groups
Planning and booking travel for destination events, such as reunions and weddings.
Do you have a destination you’ve been dreaming of, and need help putting the pieces together? I will build you a customized travel itinerary! When we work together, I can provide you with the benefit of flexibility and customization. Your dates, your budget and your ideas pair with my knowledge of the region's best hotels, tour guides and transportation options.
I work closely with clients to research & craft a tailor-made trip specifically for them. We can include trip components such as flights, in-destination transportation, sightseeing days tours, cooking classes with locals and more!
A cruise can be a fabulous way to achieve particular vacation goals! Would you like to explore new places on a budget? Do you want to take a break from cooking or worrying about transportation? Cruises take care of it all so that you can relax.
But which ship is best for you? Some are family-friendly with included child care and water slides. Others have world class wellness amenities or feature staged entertainment. You might want a child free cruise environment too. This is where I can help you find the right cruise for your specific interests. I have trained with the cruise companies, toured the ships, and know the scope of options. I’d be delighted to share them with you!
The fun, the magic and the joy that come with a trip to a Disney resort is a true delight, but planning your magical vacation can sometimes be daunting. As a certified Disney travel agent and a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge, I can help you get the most out of your vacation. I can assist with every stage of the process including reservations, custom itineraries, and even insider tips.
The best part is that everyone, no matter the age, will enjoy Disney as it is well suited to multigenerational families. Disney is inclusive and is well positioned to support people with food allergies and disabilities.
Let me help you find a fantastic property with views that dazzle, or beach access directly outside your front door. I'll set up the details so you can celebrate a milestone.
All Inclusive resort vacation packages are set up in a special way, as they are a worry-free chance to relax & recuperate. In addition to comfortable accommodation, you can expect food, drinks, activities, and entertainment to be included, without having to pay as you go. This can be really helpful for setting a firm vacation budget and for traveling with groups!
Some all inclusive resorts include scuba diving and sailing classes. Looking for an eco-resort that operates with a focus on sustainability? Other properties offer infant care for new parents. Looking for a resort that is specifically supportive of LGBTQIA+ travelers? I can help! Please contact me and we’ll find the resort that matches your interests and holds a wow factor for your vacation!
For an enchanting vacation destination, Hawai’i is difficult to beat! As a U.S. State, Hawaii is relatively accessible, but the islands boast a culture that is distinct from the mainland. In fact, Hawaii is ranked first in the nation for racial and ethnic diversity. Each of the islands have their own local character, and travelers often have a favorite town or beach. Hawaii has something to offer for every traveler and for the ultimate relaxing vacation, there are stunning resorts on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and even Lanai and Molokai.
I encourage travelers to engage conscientiously with the cultural heritage of the Hawai’ian people, and to encounter the natural environment respectfully. Hawai’i has active volcanoes, Pacific surf, the cleanest air in the world, gorgeous beaches, and dense jungle. I’d be delighted to help you build a vacation to experience these wonders! I have personal experience traveling the islands. No matter how many times you return, there is always something new to find in the most remote archipelago on planet Earth!
Expedition travel is for those who have special interest in remote regions of the world or scientific inquiry. Few people have the fortune of having been to, say, Antarctica or the Galapagos. These sorts of trips provide an opportunity for learning, once in a lifetime sights, and gaining a better understanding of how the world truly works through immersive adventure.
Travelers will meet remote area specialists, historians and scientists, and participate in onboard lectures prior to exploring the destination firsthand. The one thing expedition travelers tend to have in common is their curiosity and love of adventure.
Expedition companies lead land tours or use advanced hybrid ships to support travelers in remote destinations. They are varied in their approach, and the degrees of comfort they offer during the trip. I was delighted to be invited onto an expedition ship where I learned how these trips work. The experience was incredible! Contact me so I can set you up for the adventure of a lifetime!
Why work with a travel agent? The real question is, why not! Travel agents work directly with suppliers to provide value by finding you the best and most up to date travel experiences. Typically, travel agents are compensated by suppliers, rather than through fees paid by the client.* Because suppliers compensate travel agencies, it leaves the agency to work independently with the client with no added cost.
Here are the Steps:
*Infrequently, there is a direct fee for researching complex trips. These fees are discussed in advance if they apply at all.
donna@guidingstartravel.net
+1-503-784-8526
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