The benefits of Traveling With Nikki

Travel concierges like me don’t just plan trips, we bring vacation dreams to life! I don’t doubt you’d be able to plan a decent vacation on your own but with my help, you could take an amazing trip you never could have imagined. That’s because I provide my travelers with a ton of benefits that take vacation planning to the next level. Traveling with me means saving time, benefitting from my insight, personalization, exclusives, and peace of mind. You’ll wonder how you ever traveled alone!

Insight is better than the Internet

The Internet is an absolute treasure trove of information. Sure, you can find general information about destinations, resorts, and nearby attractions, but you only know what the company is willing to share with you. You might only get a sanitized, unrealistic version of what a place has to offer. You can check out reviews but those come from unreliable strangers who might experience things completely different from you. With me, you can be sure that I will do more than give you information, I’ll give you the insight you need to have the best experience possible. Insight has become especially valuable during this pandemic. I’ve made sure to travel several times throughout the pandemic and learn firsthand what procedures are like, how they change, and how they actually play out. Like at the amusement parks, not everyone could be relied on to socially distance. I’ve got insight to share on how to stay safe in these situations. I understand that this might be one of the only opportunities you’ll have to visit a certain place or go somewhere with your kids at a certain age so you don’t have a million chances to get it right. That’s why I make the mistakes for you. There will always be learning moments but my insight ensures that your trip will be the best it can be.

You are busy! I’ll save you time

Many of my travelers are busy people. They’re juggling jobs, marriage, kids, family, and a million other responsibilities. They simply don’t have time to do the research necessary to create the ideal vacation. When you come to me, you can rest assured that I will dedicate lots of time to planning the perfect trip for you and your family. My process starts with getting to know you and what your dream trip looks like. Combined with my insight and expertise, I personalize your experience with elements that I know are perfect for you based on firsthand knowledge. I give you plenty of options at the beginning of our journey together and all options have been vetted by me as top quality. I also make sure to make your trip extra special. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or a birthday or some other special occasion, I will pull out all the stops. My travelers have been surprised with tote bags of goodies, chocolate covered strawberries and wine, and birthday balloons! After years in the travel industry, I’ve got connections and exclusive access to information and experiences that you may have never known of otherwise. I’m also always staying up to date on everything travel and have kept up with all the small details. 

I provide my travelers with peace of mind

Any source of stress you run into, I’m ready to take care of. I give you peace of mind that everything will run smoothly. All you have to do is show up! I’m with you every step of the way, from reservations to your stay and afterwards. There’s an ease I provide my travelers. Even if you hit a snag, like your kid gets sick or your flight is cancelled, my travelers don’t have to panic. I’m prepared to handle setbacks and will help you handle them as well. I make sure you know what your options are and how to advocate for yourself. During your trip, you might find you need advice on something you hadn’t considered beforehand. I’m available to contact whenever you need me! My very favorite part is catching up with my travelers after their trip. I gain more insight that I can use to help other travelers and I get to hear about all the amazing memories you’ve been able to make! 

Are you ready to make some memories yourself?

Schedule a meeting with me and I’ll get started planning the trip of a lifetime!

Wanderlust- A strong desire to travel

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been filled with wanderlust. In fact, some of my earliest and most precious memories revolve around traveling. Naturally, one of those memories is of a trip to Disney World when I was about four years old. I remember being so excited to board the plane and fly, to see something new. I had just come out of an asthma attack when we were heading to the airport yet all I could think about was my eagerness to travel.

Learn what sparked Nikki’s love of travel

I have my mom to thank for my travel spark. She would bring my sister and I along on trips all across the country for work conferences. Soon enough, I was doing my own searching for conferences and convincing my mom to attend just so I could tag along. I was always on the lookout for conferences near Disney World. I hold Disney especially close to my heart because Ryan proposed to me at Epcot on his first ever visit there. We also had a Disney wedding where I got my most treasured souvenirs: his Mickey ears top hat and my Minnie ears veil! 

Find out what Nikki’s favorite travel souvenirs are!

No matter where I end up, I get to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Travel has expanded my worldview and my social circle. I’ve met some of my longtime friends from traveling and I’ve gotten to deepen my existing relationships from experiencing new places together. I also love to travel because vacation is all about taking a break and letting go of everyday responsibilities. After a year stuck inside, it’s incredibly freeing to set aside time to explore and enjoy yourself.

My wanderlust continues despite the circumstances. Now that it’s been a year since the start of the pandemic, I’ve had a chance to reflect on what a balancing act it’s been between my desire to travel and my need for safety. This past year was an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve had to consider whether the trips I was planning for the year were worth the potential exposure for me, my family, and those around us. I kept my trips within the U.S. and was pleasantly surprised by the smart adjustments made by the airport, air lines, hotels, and resorts. Thank goodness for hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes! Even the rental car process was different. This whole experience has shown me that even though things are different, different doesn’t mean bad. 

How does one balance wanderlust and safety in a pandemic world?

COVID-19 may have altered my 2021 travel bucket list but it didn’t get rid of it! I keep travel plans realistic by keeping up with safety guidelines and planning accordingly. I intend on making both domestic and out of the country trips. Everything about Hawaii has been calling me back to its gorgeous shores. All I want is to feel the sun on my face and the waters flowing around me. Also, nothing in Michigan could possibly compare to the food in Hawaii. It’s all unbelievably fresh, from the fish to the fruit. I especially love their sushi. Outside of the U.S., I’ve been itching to get back to Mexico. For a while, I’ve had my eye on Xel-Há Park. It’s an adventure park where you can bike, jump off cliffs, and ride river tubes! I’m looking forward to riding a golf cart all around Isla Mujeres for a mix of relaxing and fun. I returned from Disney World and Universal Studios not too long ago but I absolutely plan on making it back there one more time this year. 

Determining when you’re comfortable traveling is a super personal decision and one that I don’t want to force you into. I’m always available to talk over your concerns, answer any questions, and get you excited about your future travels!

Dream Now Travel Later

So much has changed in the travel world (thanks COVID), that my travel dreams for 2021 look pretty different now. While the pandemic meant some plans had to be cancelled, there have been some positive changes, like the more organized boarding process that I hope stays in place long term. Also, temperature checks and extra cleaning measures that are now in place gives me assurance that everyone around has been declared healthy enough to travel. 

Back to my travel dreams for 2021. The midwest has its charms, but it’s a little hard to remember that right now. I look outside my window and see white snow. What I’m really dreaming of is the white sands of a Maui beach. To tell you the truth, I never really understood the draw of Hawaii until I went myself. Now that I have, I can honestly say that a piece of my heart permanently resides on Maui. 

My first trip to Hawaii was to Oahu with my mom. We made two key mistakes: only staying four nights and not renting a car ahead of time. It takes 15 hours to fly from the midwest to Hawaii. Now add to that the six-hour time change and by the time we were acclimated to the time difference, it was time to leave! Something I know is NOT on most people’s dream travel list is a too-short trip to Hawaii. Don’t worry, I travel and make all the mistakes on my own trip because I don’t want you to have any issues on yours.  

My travel dreams for 2021 don’t stop with Hawaii! Mexico holds a spot in my dreams as well. One of my favorite trips is the trip my husband and I took to Mexico with six other couples. It was truly special because I was able to connect with my friends on a whole new level. Such a large trip will have to stay a dream for now, but family trips are totally doable in 2021! Mexico has so much to offer families and couples. Adults-only resorts offer breathtaking views over the water with top-notch room service. If you’re looking to spend time with your kids, there are shows and waterparks and your kids can even learn to surf!

Just because traveling looks different in 2021 doesn’t mean it can’t happen. It’s totally possible and definitely worth dreaming about! I’d love to hear about your travel dreams and help you plan the perfect, stress-free and COVID-free vacation in 2021!