Cruise, Tour, & Group Travel Specialist

Eze, France

I believe the best trips don’t just take you somewhere — they give you something to look forward to, something to experience fully while you’re there, and something meaningful to carry home with you.

After a 21-year career in education, I became a travel advisor to help people experience what I call meaningful travel. I genuinely love the planning stage — the dreaming, the anticipation, and the excitement that builds before a journey begins. My travel philosophy, Zestinate, is about infusing joy into the entire experience, not just the destination. Whether you are celebrating, reconnecting, exploring, or simply needing a reset, I design trips that match what you need right now physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I also believe there are two equally valuable ways to travel.Travel Beautifully focuses on restoration and ease — ocean and river cruises, guided journeys, scenic itineraries, and thoughtfully paced vacations where the details are handled for you and you can simply be present.

Travel Boldly focuses on discovery — cultural immersion, small-group exploration, national parks, and experiences that expand your curiosity and perspective.Many travelers need a combination of both, and together we determine what best fits your season of life right now.

I specialize in cruise vacations and have personally been cruising for more than 30 years. I help clients select the right cruise line, itinerary, and cabin location so they feel confident in their decision. I regularly assist first-time cruisers, couples, multi-generational families, and milestone celebrations.I also plan classic escorted tours and small-group exploration travel. I have arranged multi-destination European itineraries throughout Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg, including extended stays in Brussels. I have also booked Mediterranean itineraries, Alaska sailings, Canadian and Nova Scotia cruises, and international getaways to destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Costa Rica. In addition, I have booked all inclusive resort stays for couples, families, friend groups, and wedding parties in destinations such as Punta Cana and Cabo San Lucas. 

I also specialize in European travel by both guided tour and independent travel, helping clients choose the style of travel that best fits their comfort level, interests, and pace. Whether that means a classic escorted tour, a custom multi-city itinerary with rail and transfers, a scenic self-drive journey, or exploring Europe by river or ocean cruise, I enjoy designing itineraries that balance logistics with meaningful experiences. In addition to Europe, I also plan cruise vacations, all i-inclusive resort stays, classic and small group tours, solo travel, family vacations, Disney and Universal trips, and custom U.S. getaways-helping clients Travel Beautifully, Travel Boldly, and Travel Wonderfully in the way that suits them best. 

I also partner with businesses and organizations to coordinate retreats and incentive travel, creating experiences that strengthen teams while I handle the details behind the scenes.  

My goal is to manage the logistics so my clients can focus on enjoying the experience rather than coordinating it.Solo travel is another area I enjoy supporting, helping independent travelers feel secure while maintaining the freedom they value.Group travel is a favorite part of my work. I coordinate friend groups, reunions, milestone birthdays, and hosted travel groups, managing communication and booking details so the organizer can actually enjoy the trip alongside everyone else.

My favorite international destinations include Europe and Alaska, and I especially enjoy helping travelers engage with local culture, cuisine, and history — not just sightseeing.I also plan U.S. travel including national park journeys to Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona, as well as coastal escapes throughout Florida and the Southeast.

As both an educator and a writer, I believe travel offers something rare: perspective. When you work with me, you don’t just receive a reservation — you gain an advocate, a planner, and a partner invested in your trip from start to finish. I would be honored to help you plan your next journey — to Travel Beautifully, Travel Boldly, Travel Wonderfully and experience travel with purpose.

Follow me on Instagram @goroamwithkaren for more travel inspiration.