Family Vacation Planners Professionals to Know 2025

Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or unforgettable family memories — Easy Vacations by Michelle is here to make it effortless. Let’s plan your next perfect getaway

Alison Essner is a Travel Agent who works with busy families to help them navigate the complexity of planning a family vacation so they can have an incredible trip with no stress. Alison believes all of her clients deserve a guide to vacation planning so they feel relaxed, supported, and in-the-know. Alison has helped hundreds of families plan magical vacations all over the globe. Alison owns Magic Expeditions LLC, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and a Universal Parks U-Preferred agency. Alison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications, from Saint Louis University. She can be contacted direct at alison@magicexpeditions.com.

With a passion for travel that transcends physical barriers, I have been a dedicated force in the travel industry since 2007. As a seasoned travel agent and agency owner, I specialize in accessible travel, bringing a unique perspective to the world of exploration. Born without arms and shortened legs, I navigate the globe from the vantage point of a powered wheelchair, proving that wanderlust knows no bounds. My journey into the travel industry was fueled by a desire to make the world more accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. I travel with my wife and three daughters. Making family memories while we are out and about is our passion. Whether it is cruising the Caribbean or rolling through the streets of London, I've been all over this world in my powered wheelchair. And, there's still so much to see!

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

I help couples, families, and busy professionals plan luxury travel without the stress. Specialties: destination weddings, honeymoons, all-inclusive vacations, and family trips. Based in Toledo, Ohio. My website is bit.ly/lisaschictravel

Andrea Napiontek | Founder & CEO, Second Star Wishes Andrea Napiontek is the founder and CEO of Second Star Wishes, a boutique travel agency known for crafting magical, meaningful, and meticulously planned vacations around the world. With more than a decade of experience in the travel industry, Andrea has built an award-winning agency that specializes in luxury family vacations, romantic getaways, and bespoke itineraries that balance comfort, connection, and creativity. Under her leadership, Second Star Wishes has grown into a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its concierge-level service, deep destination expertise, and a personalized approach that turns travel planning into an experience in itself. Her team of advisors is known for curating unforgettable trips to destinations including Disney, Universal, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, European cities, Caribbean escapes, and beyond. Andrea is a visionary businesswoman, mentor, and strategist dedicated to helping other travel advisors build thriving, purpose-driven careers. She’s known for blending data-driven business acumen with a heartfelt, service-first philosophy...earning her industry partnerships with leading travel brands and consortia. With an eye for storytelling and a passion for helping others see the world, Andrea continues to inspire both travelers and fellow entrepreneurs to pursue experiences that create lifelong memories.

Sandals #1 US Travel Agency... Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rivage Travel Consulting & www.BestCaribbeanResorts.com is a boutique travel consultant group owned by husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Angela Patton. As Sandals specialists with over 15 years of expertise, we have personally visited every resort and booked over 2,000 client trips to Sandals, earning recognition as the 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency in the USA and ranking among the top seven travel advisors nationwide. Being in the top 1% of all US travel advisors, our Diamond Elite status with Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club means we have insider knowledge and experience when it comes Sandals & Beaches resorts. TRAVEL AWARDS & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Sandals Resorts Awards 2026 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2025 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – USA 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – South East 2024 Top Sandals Butler Elite Travel Agency 2024 Top Sandals Island Routes Agency - Worldwide 2024 Top 10 Independent Sandals Travel Agency – Worldwide 2024 Sandals Million Dollar Club 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club

Joelyz Linkous is a biologist, writer, and founder of Vámonos Together, a travel platform dedicated to helping families explore the world in meaningful and sustainable ways. As a military spouse and mom of three, she brings a unique perspective on navigating travel logistics, eco-conscious planning, and cultural immersion with children. Her expertise has been shaped by both her scientific background and hands-on family travel experiences across North America and beyond.

I'm Alena Warfield, with Vincent Vacations and All Inclusive Weddings. As a dedicated travel advisor, I specialize in turning your travel dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for the perfect getaway to a dreamy destination, organizing an unforgettable group trip, or seeking a customized itinerary tailored to your unique preferences, I’m here to craft experiences that inspire and delight. Let’s make your next journey one to remember!

Founder of multiple Brands including Elite Travel and TASK Travel Agent Success Kit consulting Travel Correspondent Entrepreneur Public, Keynote and Motivational Speaking Inventor Marketing Travel Agent Educator Mentor Author Philanthropist Innovative, unorthodox, resourceful, brilliant- these are just a few of the words that describe Tammy Levent. Tammy got her first taste of entrepreneurship while running an international shipping business at age 17. Nearly 25 years ago she founded Elite Travel and has proven herself to be an entrepreneur that can survive and thrive against all odds. Her expertise in business has led to her contribution in the #1 best- selling book “Women Who Mean Business,” as well as her latest book "Sink or Swim" she is the founder of T.A.S.K. – the Travel Agent’s Success Kit – to teach travel agents and entrepreneurs how to succeed through strategic partnerships, innovative marketing and out of the box branding. More about Tammy on www.TammyLevent.com

Since my inception into the travel business 45+ years ago, I have always had an unwavering passion for luxury travel experiences and making my clients happy. I derive the greatest pleasure in the feedback that I get from my clients. Beside my love of travel, I am romantic at heart. It is my unwavering passion for romance, travel, unique experiences that led me to create my business Honeymoon Islands, Inc. I think what separates me from other luxury travel advisors is my genuine love for what I do and making people happy. More important than the professional accolades, I live and breathe romance & travel and the finer things in life. I will go the distance to ensure that the travel experiences I put together for my clients creates memories for them that transcend lifetimes!

Bespoke luxury travel & VIP concierge services. Creating extraordinary journeys worldwide with multiple certification programs.

Experienced Director Sales Marketing Business Development with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Skilled in Negotiation, International Business, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Corporate Communications, and International Marketing. Strong marketing professional with a MBA focused in International Business from Copenhagen Business School.

Nicola Evans is the founder of 6Teen Summers, a boutique luxury family travel advisory based in Newport Beach, California. She specialises in designing high touch family and multigenerational trips for busy parents who value ease, thoughtful pacing, and meaningful shared experiences. British born and now US based, Nicola brings a transatlantic perspective to family travel planning. With a background in executive leadership and marketing, she applies a strategic, detail driven approach to curating journeys across Europe, the USA, and beyond. Her expertise includes school holiday travel, multigenerational logistics, and selecting hotels and experiences that genuinely work for families rather than simply looking good online. Nicola is part of the Virtuoso consortia. Nicola is known for her honest, straight talking advice and her ability to filter through overwhelming options to recommend what is truly the right fit. Through long standing preferred partner relationships with leading luxury hotel brands and destination partners, she secures added value, upgrades, and insider access for her clients. She regularly advises on trends in luxury family travel, common planning mistakes parents make, and how modern families are prioritising time, connection, and ease over deal hunting. Her work reflects a forward thinking view of luxury travel that is intentional, personal, and grounded in real family needs.

My love affair with Costa Rica began in 2015 when my family and I took our first trip. We stepped into a world of amazing culture and wildlife that captivated us immediately and have been visiting yearly ever since. From hiking remote beaches in the Osa Peninsula to helping protect newly hatched sea turtles, I’ve experienced the country in meaningful and unique ways that go beyond the typical Costa Rica travel advice. Today, I help travelers plan meaningful Costa Rica trips without the overwhelm, and I serve as a go-to Costa Rica source for writers looking for real on the ground insight. If you’re planning a trip or telling a story about Costa Rica—I bring firsthand experience, local perspective, and a deep love for this extraordinary place.

I love to travel and learn about new places, people and history. I share my passion with my clients and help them plan the best vacations! I work with different budgets because I believe everyone deserves to be able to travel and I want to help them do that. I specialize in group travel and run group trips myself as well but can help with destination weddings, honeymoons, all-inclusives, US travel, Europe, river cruises, travel is endless!

Sara Wilcox is a luxury travel advisor with ForaX (ranked in their Top 10 advisors), leveraging over 20 years of industry expertise. Prior to her current role, Wilcox served as Head of Marketing at JSX for 7 years, where she was the Founding Director of the Marketing Department, overseeing all marketing initiatives and brand strategy for the hop-on jet service. Her earlier career included positions as PR & Marketing Director at SBE Entertainment, where she helped launch the SLS Hotel brand and worked with outlets such as The Bazaar by Jose Andres. She also held roles as Marketing Manager at Viceroy Hotel Group in Mexico, and Account Executive at BBDO West, managing advertising campaigns for clients including Visa U.S.A. and Air New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & International Business from Santa Clara University.