Why a travel blog? Why a travel agency? Why us? Why now?
Well for years, I have encouraged Curt to become a travel advisor. For the past 10 years we have been together, he has always planned the most incredible trips with details I would never consider, all figured out before I even realize I should have considered that.
Even before we began dating 10 years ago, he would sit in his family car, with a large atlas on his lap, and his Dad would make him guide the family to their planned destination, clearly before GPS. Planning grew on him over the years while he grew, and because he has always loved adventure and vacations, he spent all his extra time planning out the details and logistics. From cruises, to driving and sightseeing adventures, to European travels, not only does he enjoy planning the logistical aspects of a trip, but he is just SKILLED at it! It truly is a talent.
But, over the years of me encouraging, we both had full time careers, we were having babies, and I went to graduate school. Starting a business did not fit into that, and our free time was already so limited. One thing we didn’t limit though? Vacations. We couldn’t. They feel a part of who we are as a family. I knew, even during our busiest times, I never had to worry about the trips, Curt would handle every aspect, including my own luggage many times. Whether its a weekend trip to visit family a couple states over, a weekend getaway to a football game, a week long trip to the beach, or a few weeks exploring a new city or country… We work to plan the next vacation, sometimes planning the next while still on a current trip.
So what changed?
Conversations over and over with friends, family, and acquaintances. Dreams for travel adventures but so often excuses of, “Oh, I could never go with my kids while they’re so young.” “Oh, I’ll go when my kids are older.” “I wouldn’t be able to take that many people there easily.”
Well, time and time again we would explain, help coordinate, and make those dreams a reality. You can absolutely go with children of any age, and we knew we wanted to help people feel that their travel adventures do not have to be limited!
Was it easy? Is it easy? No and no. Traveling and travel planning are the easy parts for us. That’s clearly where we excel. We can help any adventure be fun and easy. The business aspect will be a learning adventure. Website planning, that’s a whole new ballgame for sure! Wow. Let’s say it was more that I realized in the slightest. But, its up, running, and will continue to grow as we grow and learn.
Website hosting, building, creating. Blog writing. Affiliates. Social media. Email capture. Email chains. Pinterest. SEO. Content creation.
Travel advising, consortia, host agencies, preferred suppliers and strategic partners, GDS, E&O, spreadsheets and formula… And so much more. Is your head spinning yet?
Thank goodness we can pour a cup of coffee, or in her case hot chocolate at the Grand Canyon, and learn new skills and maybe lose sleep some nights to figure it out.
So the part we love, have the passion for, and are EXCELLENT at? Travel logistics! We can take you as a family of 1 or 2, or a family of 22. All ages included. We have taken a 6 month old, 15 month old, and 69 year old to Europe in a party of 11.. Curt also took a 65 yr old and a 67 year old with end-stage bone cancer across multiple states sightseeing as a bucket list trip. (Curt’s grandparents strongly fueled his passions for travel)
So, if you made it through this, thank you. I hope you stick along with us for our journey. Enjoy our tales of our favorite travels, and we’ll share any negatives so you can avoid them if you so choose. Follow along as we grow and learn this online world.
When you want your own tale to tell, reach out to us and we’ll gladly work with you to plan your dream vacation or weekend getaway!
And be confident in choosing us because you’ll not only get an amazing vacation expertly planned, but all proceeds from travels and our blog support our children and their education.
Thanks,
Heather and Curt S.
