Travel Planning Services
Experience Culture Travel has many tools to use to ensure your vacation adventure is perfect for you. If you've read the blog post I wrote about why using a travel agent might be the best thing for your trip, you know that using a travel agent can be very beneficial to both your time and wallet.
My speciality is creating customized, immersive, international trips.
Spending time with the locals, learning to cook a traditional meal, experiencing cultural traditions, and going off the beaten path of a destination - these are examples of things I love to include in the unique itineraries I design based on the conversation I have with each client in their complimentary travel consultation. I specialize in creating authentic experiences, going places and seeing things that most others have not, and I try to incorporate elements of this in every trip I plan, no matter the destination.
Customized itineraries don’t necessarily mean $$$$ either. I often work with moderate budgets, using accommodations that are in the 3-4 star range, to create travel journeys that bring you through culture and offer a broader view of the world because of it. If you do prefer more luxurious or higher end trips, I can definitely work with you as well, bringing an exclusive and distinctive set of accommodations and activities that reflect your taste. My relationships with local suppliers allow me to bridge both modest and deluxe budgets alike.
A private tour of an organic coffee farm in Colombia had us peeling veggies for our lunch!
More comfortable joining a group? I can plan that too!
Me (second from left) with some new friends whale watching in Iceland on a G Adventures escorted tour.
For those who are uncomfortable navigating a foreign destination on their own, or who are looking for camaraderie from strangers (or maybe future friends!) on their adventure, or even those who want to see more on a stricter budget, a traditional escorted tour might be a great option for your trip. Escorted tours these days aren’t limited to the big coach bus trips to Branson your grandparents were used to, they can be small groups (some maxing out at 12-16 passengers), immersive (I have quite a few that I love because of how they purposely bring travelers together with locals in the area), and off the beaten path.
In your travel consultation we can discuss some of the features of the tour that are most important to you, whether it be the size of the group, the dates of the tour, the inclusions, how much free time you’re allotted, or whatever else is important to you. I take that information and match your preferences with the many tour options that are out there, finding a curated list that fit the bill for you. I don’t just copy and paste my favorite tour, I listen to your preferences and hand-select the best options for you.
Because I live in the winter tundra that is Minnesota, I also plan relaxed beach vacations.
Residing in Minnesota has many pleasant qualities, but it can get a little frigid, especially around mid-January. I can help you, no matter where you call home or what time of year it is, to plan a warm weather escape. Whether you are looking for more of a traditional All-Inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, seeking a trip Down Under or to somewhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, or searching for more of a unique haven in warmer areas of nature, I can find you someplace to flee the cold!
And hey, I’m still all about off the beaten path experiences, so when we plan your warm weather escape, I can also throw in some suggestions for excursions and things to do that bring you a step closer to understanding the culture or seeing the unique nature that the destination offers.
Sometimes a little R&R on a calm beach under the warm sun is all you need to recharge during the winter months.
Protect your health and investment when you’re there.
I tend to quote Allianz Global Assistance or Travel Insured International for most of my clients, although I do have access to other options if you have an insurance provider in mind.
Travel insurance
Regardless of if you’ve planned and booked your trip through me or not, I can quote travel insurance for you. Travel insurance gives coverage for not only trip cancellation or interruptions*, but also generally provides medical, dental, and emergency medical coverage for you. In a world where most US medical insurance plans don’t cover you 100% internationally, the health coverage can be a huge asset if, God forbid, anything unforeseen should happen on your trip. Your peace of mind is worth it.
*For covered reasons - please read the policy terms carefully to ensure it is the right fit for you and to ensure you understand what is covered in the case of cancellation or interruption.
No matter how big or small of a trip you’ve got planned, I can quote insurance for you!