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 Travel Specialties
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Cancun, Cozumel, Orlando, Walt Disney World, Cabo San Lucas

Interests:

Adult Only, All Inclusive, Cruises, Family Vacations, LGBTQ+ Honeymoons & Destination Weddings

Suppliers:

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Disney, Funjet Vacations, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean

About Me

Travel Advisor: Cruises, Disney, and All-Inclusive

I am a travel advisor specializing in cruises, Disney vacations, and all-inclusive travel, with a focus on helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions without the overwhelm of sorting through endless options. My approach is straightforward and detailed focused. I prioritize clear communication, honest recommendations, and realistic expectations so clients understand exactly what they're booking and what their experience looks like. I work closely with travelers to match them with the right destinations, resorts, ships, and itineraries based on their travel style, budget, and goals--rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all package. The goal is to simplify the planning process, remove guesswork, and ensure every trip is planned with intention start to finish.

My Travel Specialties

Stress Free Travel, Thoughtfully Designed

Stress Free Travel, Thoughtfully Designed
  Hi! I am Tess. I am a travel advisor specializing in cruises, Disney vacations, and all-inclusive travel, with a focus on detailed, well-planned itineraries for Midwest travelers.  Known for being direct, honest, and highly responsive throughout the planning process--no upselling,...Read More ▶

Honest and Detailed Disney Vacation Travel Advisor

Honest and Detailed Disney Vacation Travel Advisor
Disney Vacations are magical--but the planning process can quickly become overwhelming without the right guidance.  I help clients cut through the noise and build Disney trips that actually make sense for them. That means honest recommendations, clear expectations, and thoughtful planning ...Read More ▶

Family All-Inclusive Travel Advisor

Family All-Inclusive Travel Advisor
I help families choose all-inclusive resorts that actually work for how they travel--not just what looks good online.    That means focusing on kid-friendly activities, easy beach access, practical room layouts, dining flexibility, and resorts where parents can relax without constan...Read More ▶

Couples and Honeymoon Travel Specialist

Couples and Honeymoon Travel Specialist
I specialize in helping couples and honeymooners find all-inclusive resorts that match their version of getaway--whether that's quite relaxation, elevated dining, adults-only atmosphere.   I focus on the details that matter most for couples: resort vibe, privacy level, beach quality...Read More ▶

Girls/Group Trip Travel Advisor

Girls/Group Trip  Travel Advisor
I help groups of friends plan all-inclusive vacations that are actually fun, easy to coordinate, and aligned with the group's vibes.    That includes matching resorts with the right energy level, entertainment, layout, and dining options so everyone has a good experience--not just a...Read More ▶

Honest & Detailed Cruising Specialist

Honest & Detailed Cruising Specialist
Cruise vacations can be one of the easiest ways to travel-but only when they're booked with the right strategy behind them.    I help clients simplify the cruising planning process by narrowing down the right options and giving honest, experience based guidance on ships, cruise line...Read More ▶

Royal Caribbean Cruise Specialist

Royal Caribbean Cruise Specialist
I help travelers plan Royal Caribbean cruises with a focus on choosing the right ship, itinerary, and cabin for their travel style--whether that's a family vacation, couples trip, or group sailing.  Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of ship sizes, onboard experiences, and dining options,...Read More ▶

Virgin Voyages Cruise Specialist

Virgin Voyages Cruise Specialist
I help travelers plan Virgin Voyage cruises for a more modern, adults-only cruise experience focused on design, dining, and a more elevated onboard atmosphere.  Virgin Voyages is very different from traditional cruise lines--no buffets, no formal dining schedules, and a more flexible, life...Read More ▶

Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Specialist

Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Specialist
 I help travelers plan Norwegian Cruise Line vacations with a focus on navigating their cruising style--where dining, entertainment, and scheduling are more flexible compared to traditional cruise lines.     Norwegian offers a wide range of ships, cabin categories, and itinerary sty...Read More ▶

Certifications & Awards

Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
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
Princess Commodore Certified
Princess Commodore Certified
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification

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.

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

What It’s Like to Work With Me

You don’t come to me just to book a trip. You come to me when you want it to feel right. It starts with a conversation—not a package. I ask how you travel, what stresses you out, what matters most, and where you want flexibility. From there, I design a vacation that fits your life and your budget, not someone else’s idea of luxury. ...
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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