Family Vacations w/ Tess All Inclusives to Mexico

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Tess Hankins, Travel Agent in Dubuque, IA

Tess Hankins

Dubuque, IA Travel Agent

Tess Hankins

Dubuque, IA · 2 Years of Experience

An independent agent with Wishful Wanderings Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
About
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel

Interests:

Family Vacations, All Inclusive, Adventure

Suppliers:

Funjet Vacations, Iberostar, Inclusive Collection – World of Hyatt, Riu Hotels, Sandals and Beaches Resorts

About Me

Yes--this is located in Mexico
Yes--this is located in Mexico

@travelwithtess3 

https://paa.ge/travelwithtess3

[email protected]

About Me: 

Hi! I’m Tess, an Iowa-based travel advisor. I was a stay-at-home mom for 8 years, so I understand firsthand how hard it can be to travel to the grocery store with three kids in tow, let alone take them all on vacation. I also know how quickly vacation planning can turn into another thing on your never-ending to-do list.

That’s a big part of why I became a travel advisor. My goal is to help clients have less stress when planning their vacations.  Maybe you’re deciding between a cruise and an all-inclusive. Maybe you’re planning a babymoon or celebrating a milestone. Or maybe you have absolutely no idea where you want to go yet. That's where I come in. I am your personal resource to  ask questions, get ideas, learn about the destination/trip, and hopefully get excited about your trip instead of overwhelmed by it.

My first trip internationally was Mexico as an 18-year-old kid. I am sure you can imagine how that went. But it left a lasting impression. I love history and seeing  Chichen Itza. I fell in love with the destination. But since my first trip travel to this destination has transformed and expanded. There are hundreds of resorts in the Cancun and Riviera Maya. Including dozens that are great for families and kids. Each one offers something different. I will help you narrow down the options and eliminate ones that won't meet your needs.  

Interested in working with me?

When you’re ready to start planning, begin with my quote request form. It gives me some basic information about your dates, travelers, destination, budget, and what you’re hoping to get out of your vacation.Once I receive it, I’ll review your answers and send you a link to schedule a short consultation. We’ll talk through what you’re looking for, answer questions, and make sure I have a good understanding of your trip before I start researching and creating your options.Some people come to me knowing exactly what they want — the destination, resort, cruise, and sometimes even the room. They just want someone to handle the booking and details. Others have absolutely no idea where to start. Both are okay. I love helping with either. 

WHAT I BOOK:

  • Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line
  • Cruises (Royal, NCL, Virgin, etc.)
  • All-Inclusive Vacations
  • Family Vacations
  • Honeymoons and Babymoons
  • Milestone trips

WHAT I DON’T BOOK:

  • Standalone one-night hotel stays
  • Airbnb/VRBOFlight-only bookings
  • Standalone transportation
  • Air-only bookings

SERVICES I PROVIDE:

  • Vacation planning and research
  • Comparing vacation options based on your needs and budget
  • Booking and managing your travel reservations
  • Assistance with changes and cancellations
  • Destination and resort/cruise guidance
  • Travel resources and information to help you prepare for your trip

SERVICES I DON’T PROVIDE:

  • Travel planning or assistance for travel booked independently of me.
  • Interpretation of insurance coverage: I can provide available policy information and help connect you with the insurance provider when you have questions or need to file a claim. But I cannot interpret coverage or determine whether a specific situation is covered.

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
Bimini Islands, Bahamas, Caribbean
Been There
Must Do:
Put your feet up at Virgin's private beach club!
Castaway Cay, Bahamas, Caribbean
Been There
Must Do:
Check out Disney's Marvel Day at Sea!
CocoCay, Bahamas, Caribbean
Booked It 5 Times
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
Sail away on a Royal Carribean Cruise!
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Booked It 4 Times
Been There 5 Times
Must Do:
Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins!
California, USA
Been There
Must Do:
Meet Loki at Disney's California Adventure!
Florida, USA
Booked It 4 Times
Been There 13 Times
Must Do:
Enjoy bread pudding at Ohana!

My Travel Stories

Dreams Sapphire—Mexican Caribbean

Dreams Sapphire Riviera Cancun: My First Stay & Honest Review At the end of June, I attended a supplier training in Riviera Cancun and was hosted for four nights at Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa. While I’ve long been familiar with the brand, this was my first time experiencing this specific property—and I’m so glad I did.<...
Read more

Client Testimonials

Personalized Planning That Made All the Difference
A client was referred to me after feeling discouraged by a previous experience with another travel advisor. She had been quoted a high-end resort that exceeded her budget, experienced delayed communication, and felt the trip planning lacked personalization. She reached out hoping there might be other options that better matched what she and her family were looking for. After taking time to learn her priorities, travel style, and budget, I was able to recommend a resort that checked every box — including a larger space with a private rooftop — all within her desired price range. She later shared that her family had an amazing trip and that it ended up being the perfect fit for their needs. This experience reflects my commitment to responsive communication, thoughtful planning, and creating customized vacations that truly work for my clients.
May 2025
Protected, Prepared, and Stress Free
One of my clients was preparing for an upcoming trip and was unsure whether travel insurance was necessary. After talking through her options, she decided to protect her vacation for peace of mind. Just before her departure, an unexpected family illness occurred, creating uncertainty around her travel plans. While she ultimately did not need to cancel or modify her trip, she shared how reassuring it was to know she had coverage and flexibility if plans needed to change. Knowing she had travel protection in place allowed her to focus on her family instead of worrying about potential financial loss. This experience is a great example of why I encourage clients to consider travel insurance — not because something will go wrong, but because being prepared can make stressful situations much easier to navigate.
June 2025
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