Luxury FIT Specialist| Group Travel Expert

I have spent three decades designing and escorting travel experiences for clients who want more than a standard vacation. As President and Owner of 1st Class Travel, I help travelers access the world in a way that is curated, intentional, and exceptionally supported.

My work focuses on luxury and custom travel to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, ocean and river cruising, and group travel experiences including alumni groups, fund-raising for various foundations, and destination weddings.

My agency, founded in 1996, has built its reputation on concierge-level planning, depth of knowledge, and the ability to remove stress and uncertainty for our clients. From first-time international travelers to seasoned global explorers, I help clients navigate logistics, pacing, timing, and local nuances so they can experience a destination fully rather than simply “check it off the list.

My Specialties & Expertise:

• Europe (Italy, Greece, France, Netherlands, Ireland, UK & Scotland)

• Alaska (Cruise & Land, Rail, Small Ship, Photography & Wildlife Focused Travel)

• Destination Weddings & Romance (Caribbean & Mexico)

• Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts

• Custom FIT Planning

• Cruises & River Cruises (Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, NCL, Celebrity, Holland America, Royal, Princess)

• Group Travel: Alumni & Affinity, Corporate Groups, Foundation fund-raising groups, Church Groups, Couples Groups, Multi-Generational, and Hosted Private Groups

Escorted Group Travel: One of the differentiators of my agency is our escorted group programs. Each year I design, promote, and personally escort custom itineraries for travelers who enjoy the convenience of traveling with a professional host. Recent and upcoming programs include the Rhine River Cruise, Holland–Luxembourg–Belgium, Alaska by Sea, Greece Island Hopping, and a Mediterranean Cruise with a pre-tour in Rome. Clients appreciate not only the expertise and logistical support, but also the community and friendships that form along the way.

Destination Weddings: For couples planning a destination wedding, I serve as a project manager, advocate, and logistics partner. My role is to simplify resort selection, negotiate group room contracts, manage guest travel, and protect couples from pitfalls they often do not know exist. Weddings are both emotional and operational; my goal is to allow couples to enjoy the experience without being overwhelmed by details.

Planning Philosophy: Exceptional travel is a balance of timing, pacing, and thoughtful design. Rome feels different when you understand its rhythm. Alaska rewards those who slow down long enough to experience its scale. The right resort transforms a wedding week into a celebration rather than a coordination exercise. I help clients travel well, not quickly.

Who I Work Best With: • Travelers who value expertise and want guidance • Travelers who prefer customized planning • Travelers who want elevated or luxury experiences • Travelers who want to understand the destination

Why Work With a Professional: Travel today is more complex than it has ever been. Weather, strikes, schedule changes, vendor terms, and global events can disrupt even the most careful plans. Having an engaged travel professional provides coverage, advocacy, and intelligence before, during, and after travel so clients are never navigating challenges alone.

Awards, Leadership & Affiliations:  Member of Iatan, ASTA, CLIA, Multi-Year Top Producer Collette Vacations, multi-year Elite Diamond, Elite Sapphire Agency with ALG Vacations, multi-year 500 club agency Funjet Vacations, multi-year Amazing Agent AMR Collection, multi-year Marriott Travel Expert, Norwegian Cruise Line PhD, Princess Commodore, Viking Cruise Line Travel Expert, ALGV Pro, Confident Collective Agent, multi-year top producer MLT Vacations. 

If you are looking for a highly engaged travel advisor who will design an intentional travel experience and support you throughout the journey, I would be honored to assist you.