Some of my fondest memories are from family vacations—ditching the beach and walking across the street with my dad to play air hockey at a wax museum, visiting the millinery shop with my mom in Colonial Williamsburg, taking a moonlight stroll on the beach with my new husband, watching my son fall in love with the magic of Walt Disney World, ringing in the New Year with my husband and teenage sons while watching fireworks over Edinburgh, driving my parents from Georgia to Niagara Falls so they can “mark that off the bucket list”. 

I developed a love of travel early in life.  My interest in the travel industry began while I volunteered at my church to plan trips for the senior adult ministry.   Planning day trips soon evolved into making arrangements for an occasional overnight experience.  Before I knew it, I was planning full-week motorcoach trips where I acted as tour director.  I loved the senior adults who traveled with me and enjoyed seeing them experience new destinations and grow even in their golden years.  I’m friends with many of them still, and they often remind me of a funny or meaningful event that happened on our journeys. 

In 2005, I left the volunteer world and launched Joyful Journeys.  Vacation Designer is the perfect career for me.  Love of Travel + Hard-Wired Attention to Detail = Amazing Travel Experiences for my clients. 

Why Travel?  Travel allows me to escape the ordinary of routine and see life from a different perspective.  That perspective may be a cultural experience, or it may be just unplugging from technology for a while.  Either way, I am reminded of what is important in life, and I’m given a chance to hit the reset button and return home rejuvenated.

Why Family Travel?  Quality time with my family gets buried in the busyness of life.  Traveling allows me to explore new destinations and activities with those I love most, share conversation over long meals and leisurely walks, and go beyond the day-to-day details to reconnect on a deeper level with my family.

Why Me?  Fabulous and meaningful travel experiences require planning.  I listen to your needs and your vacation dreams, mix in a good dose of travel reality, and design a vacation specific to you—one that surpasses your expectations but not your budget!  I include air and rail schedules that recognize the value of your time.  I recommend hotels that are well placed for exploring and that provide the services you require or desire.  I connect you with sightseeing opportunities that immerse you in the location or the culture.  I take care of the planning details and provide a thorough itinerary so you concentrate on the experiences and your travel companions! 

Why Joyful Journeys?

I work with a wonderful team of vacation designers who share the same passion for travel and for our clients.  We stand ready to assist with your Joyful Journeys!