Cruise, Intl & Group Travel | Planning Specialist

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Helene Gaither, Travel Agent in Stockton, CA

Helene Gaither

Stockton, CA Travel Agent

Helene Gaither

Stockton, CA · 4 Years of Experience

Oceans Abound Travel Agency, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(15)
100% Recommended
We just returned from our very first family trip to Cancun, and it was absolutely incredible! To be honest, we were a little nervous at first... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska

Interests:

All Inclusive, Cruises, Groups, Family Vacations, Car Travel

Suppliers:

Disney, Funjet Vacations, Marriott Hotels, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking

About Me

Seven-Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica
Seven-Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica

Hello! I’m Helene Gaither, a dedicated travel agency owner and advisor with over three years of experience in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. Specializing in cruise travel, all-inclusive packages, international adventures and group travel, I am passionate about helping clients discover the world’s most beautiful destinations.

What makes me unique is my genuine commitment to understanding and fulfilling your travel dreams. I believe that travel is more than just visiting new places; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you're seeking a relaxing Caribbean cruise, a luxurious all-inclusive resort in Mexico, or an enriching journey through Europe or the US, I am here to ensure every detail is meticulously planned. 

As a dedicated travel agent, I’m committed to making your travel experiences seamless and unforgettable from the moment we first connect until you return home with cherished memories. From day one, I take the time to understand your unique preferences, needs, and dreams, ensuring every aspect of your journey is meticulously planned and tailored just for you.

There are many perks and advantages to working with a travel advisor, such as myself.  I create personalized itineraries that cover every detail, from flights and accommodations to activities and special requests. Throughout your trip, I’m just a call or message away, ready to assist with any unexpected issues or last-minute changes. My support doesn’t end when your trip does—I’ll follow up to ensure your satisfaction and help plan your next adventure.

Before embarking on my career in the travel industry, I worked in the social services field. This unique background has equipped me with exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of individual needs, which I now bring to my travel planning services.

My favorite travel destinations include Mexico, the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe, and I love sharing insider tips and hidden gems to make your trip extraordinary.  I'm also a cruise enthusiast and will make every effort to go on at least two cruises a year!  

I love the travel business because it allows me to combine my passion for exploration with my desire to help others. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing I've played a part in creating joyful and meaningful experiences for my clients. Travel has the power to transform, inspire, and connect us to the world in profound ways, and I am thrilled to facilitate these journeys for you.

As a proud member of ASTA (The American Society of Travel Advisors), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), Travel Leaders Network, and the Family Travel Association, I enjoy staying at the forefront of the travel industry by attending trainings, trade shows, networking events and FAM (familiarization) trips, to constantly expand my knowledge in bringing my clients the latest trends, destinations, and insider tips. 

Let’s embark on your next adventure together. With my expertise and personalized approach, your perfect getaway is just a call away!

Testimonials I've Received

"Helene, thank you for planning our Hawaiian vacation to Maui! We had the absolute best time and can't wait to travel again next year!" - Denise V.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the trip you organized for us. It's been such an uplifting experience for my family. The hotels were beyond superb! Can't thank you enough! Clients for life!" - Dave R.

"Thank you so VERY MUCH! You made the process soo easy! You have answered all of our questions and have gone above and beyond to make this a vacation we will never forget!" - Denise G.

"Helene was extremely responsive and flexible. She was always available to answer questions no matter how small and made travel so easy for a large group getting to an international destination." - Gaby N.

 

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
15 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 15 reviews

A Perfect First Family Trip to Cancun
Reviewed By KatieandTodd - Lodi, CA | Traveled to Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico
We just returned from our very first family trip to Cancun, and it was absolutely incredible! To be honest, we were a little nervous at first about traveling to Mexico, especially with our two kids, but Helene immediately put our minds at ease. She took the time to explain everything clearly and helped us feel completely comfortable and excited about the experience. Helene went above and beyond to help us choose the perfect resort — we wanted something all-inclusive, family-oriented, laid-back, and right on the beach — and she nailed it. Every detail was handled for us, from flights and ground transfers to accommodations and excursions, so all we had to do was relax and enjoy. The trip was seamless from start to finish, and we honestly couldn’t have planned it better ourselves. We’re already dreaming about our next adventure, of course, with Helene's help again!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Ireland and Japan
Reviewed By Happy Dave - Castro Valley | Traveled to Dublin | Ireland | Europe
I am writing to recommend Helene, my travel agent at Ocean abound Travel with whom I have had the pleasure of working for several years. Throughout this time, Helene has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication in providing exemplary service. From our very first interaction, Ocean Abound Travel Agency impressed me with her profound knowledge of various travel destinations, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for finding the best deals. Helene took the time to understand my preferences and requirements, ensuring every trip was tailored to my needs. What sets Helene apart is her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Helene has gone above and beyond to resolve any issues that arose, providing solutions quickly and efficiently. Whether it was securing last-minute bookings or recommending hidden gems at my destination, Helene has consistently exceeded my expectations. Additionally, Helene keeps me informed about new travel offers and updates, which has always resulted in substantial savings without compromising the quality of my trips. I have complete confidence in her ability to curate incredible experiences, as I have enjoyed numerous memorable journeys thanks to her expertise and guidance I wholeheartedly recommend Ocean abound travel for anyone seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable travel agent. Helene is not only a great professional but also a pleasure to work with, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable travel planning experience. Helene makes me have a stress free experiment as she takes control of the drivers seat and does everything for me in making the vacation experience have such a positive experience when ever I am planning a trip! Because of Helene I got To have over the top trips to Ireland, Japan and many trips around the united states! She is now on my speed dial on messenger to be my go to person whenever it is dealing with traveling plans! I feel like I won the lottery when I found her as my super star travel agent!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Perfect first vacation!
Reviewed By Bec - Riverdale, MD | Traveled to Dominican Republic | Caribbean
Helene was absolutely amazing! My boyfriend and I wanted to go to the Dominican Republic as our first international trip. Helene booked our trip and everything was seamless. She listened to our requests and planned the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure at a beautiful adults only resort. She scheduled out the travel dates perfectly with no time conflicts or confusion. She also checked in on us to ensure that we were ok on the flight dates. There were plenty of food options each night, gorgeous white sand beaches, where comfort and luxury met our budget. She found an incredible snorkeling trip and eco park where we zip lined, swam in a blue hole and at a waterfall. I would absolutely recommend Helene as a travel agent and plan on using her services for all future trips!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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First trip with young kids
Reviewed By Kellie1983 - Sacramento, CA | Traveled to Orlando | Florida | USA
Our family of four recently took our first out-of-state vacation with our 4- and 5-year-old, and having Helene handle the planning made all the difference. She was referred to us by a family friend and we couldn't be more grateful. She arranged our nonstop flights, rental car, Disney and Universal tickets, and even made sure everything was downloaded and ready to use on our phones before we left. She also created a personalized itinerary with restaurant recommendations, activities outside the parks, and even a fun beach day. What really stood out was the level of service. Not only did she remind us to do our online check-in for our flights, Helene checked in after we arrived and again during our trip to make sure everything was going smoothly and to see if we needed anything. She truly thought of every detail, which allowed us to focus on enjoying our vacation instead of stressing about logistics. The kids had an absolute blast and, what we thought would be a stressful family vacation, felt relaxing for both me and my husband. Every little detail was well-planned for us! If you're looking for a travel advisor who goes above and beyond and genuinely cares about her clients, I highly recommend Helene!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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A seamless, once in a lifetime family trip to Spain & Portugal
Reviewed By Ruby0613 - Denver, CO | Traveled to Spain | Europe
We cannot say enough wonderful things about working with Helene at Oceans Abound Travel. She planned an absolutely incredible 14-day Spain and Portugal journey for our multi-generational family group of 10, and it truly exceeded every expectation. This trip was something our family had been dreaming about for over a decade and Helene handled it with such care, professionalism, and attention to detail. From the very beginning, the planning process felt seamless and stress-free. Coordinating flights, hotels, transfers, tours, and special considerations for a group of our size and wide age range could have been overwhelming, but Helene made everything feel effortless. Once we arrived, every detail flowed perfectly. Transfers were smooth, accommodations were wonderful, and the itinerary struck the perfect balance between sightseeing, downtime, and meaningful time together. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we were able to focus on making memories instead of worrying about logistics, which meant so much to us. Helene’s customer service was excellent throughout the entire process. She was responsive, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in making sure this trip was everything we hoped for. It is clear she cares deeply about her clients and takes pride in creating unforgettable travel experiences. We are incredibly grateful for her expertise and guidance and would wholeheartedly recommend Helene to anyone planning a special trip, especially a meaningful family journey like ours. This is a trip we will treasure forever.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
NCL University - Associate Degree
NCL University - Associate Degree
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
IATAN card (2022-2023)
IATAN card (2023-2024)
IATAN card (2024-2025)

Client Testimonials

Perfect Getaway for our 1st Anniversary
Hi Helene! Thank you so much! We had the best time. The hotel was awesome and close to everything. They even upgraded our room to a premium suite at no cost for our anniversary! Ed and I appreciate your help in finding this perfect getaway to celebrate our one year of many anniversaries. Thank you for everything!
Denise B, San Francisco, CA
Fun High School Reunion Trip
My high school reunion was coming up and I asked Helene to help plan our family adventure; she went above and beyond! She put together an amazing itinerary for us starting in New York where we enjoyed exploring the area and saw a Yankees game; then we headed to Boston for sightseeing, a Red Sox game and my reunion. My wife and son returned to California and I stayed behind to travel to Chicago to visit with some childhood friends. I've always wanted to take the Amtrak train from Chicago to California and Helene was able to arrange that too! All the properties we stayed at in all the different cities were perfectly located and were exactly what we were looking for. When I was in Chicago, Helene recommended a pizza place where I could get Chicago-style pizza and I was impressed with how delicious it was! Overall, this is a bucket list trip we will always remember! Highly recommend Helene as a travel agent!
Dave R, Castro Valley, CA
Memorable 50th Birthday Celebration in Cabo!
Our group trip to Cabo to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday was a huge success! Everything from the property (Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa) to the food to the excursions was perfect. The staff treated us so kindly and catered to our every desire. Our travel agent helped us charter a boat so my brother and his friends could go deep sea fishing and they loved it so much, they did it a second time! One of the restaurants at the marina cleaned the mahi-mahi my brother caught and we enjoyed delicious fish tacos and fish and chips that night! The marlin that my brother caught ended up stabbing him in the leg when he was taking a picture of it and the staff at the hotel made him a birthday cake with a marlin jumping out of the cake! It was hysterical and made our trip that much more memorable. My girlfriends and I enjoyed a snorkeling trip while the guys went fishing and that was amazing. We are looking forward to booking our next trip with Helene!
Kimberly C, Stockton, CA