Fostering Pride & Joy for LGBTQ+ Travelers

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Hank Smart, Travel Agent in Philadelphia, PA

Hank Smart

Philadelphia, PA Travel Agent

Hank Smart

Philadelphia, PA · 2 Years of Experience

Hank Smart - Dream Vacations, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
About
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Santo Domingo, Cape Town, Athens

Interests:

LGBTQ+ Travel, Groups, Solo Travel, Cruises, Villas

Suppliers:

Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, EVOKE, Kensington, Delta Vacations

About Me

Curating Community: Safety, Connection, and Collective Joy

Group travel should be a sanctuary. Whether you choose to join one of my established groups or bring me an original concept of your own, my role is to transform your vision into a reality that fits your specific needs. I can design a personalized group experience based entirely on your desires and preferences—from shared villa retreats for a close-knit circle of friends to custom-designed cultural immersions. My established groups are also ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking to join a community of like-minded explorers in a setting that is as welcoming as it is restorative.

I understand that for LGBTQIA+ groups, the ideal journey requires more than just a great itinerary—it requires a commitment to collective safety and uninterrupted joy. I act as the guardian of your group's seamless logistics and sanity, managing the complexities of multi-traveler coordination with technical precision. By vetting every supplier and destination through a lens of affirmation, I ensure that your only task is to connect with the people who matter most.

The "Travel with Pride" Annual Series

I am proud to curate an ongoing, annual series of "Travel with Pride" experiences designed to foster community and connection across the globe. These recurring journeys are built on the foundation of shared joy and collective safety, offering a dependable sanctuary for travelers year after year. As an example of this commitment, our 2026 series features four distinct, curated experiences:

  • For the Ladies: An exclusive cruise getaway for sapphic spirits.
  • Pride @ Sea: An intimate Caribbean sailing for gay men and allies.
  • The Pride Aftershow: A celebratory cruise group specifically for Black gay men.
  • All-Inclusive Land Tours: Enriching cultural explorations, such as our multi-city immersion through Portugal.

Vetted Partnerships and Welcoming Spaces

I provide access to a wide range of travel options, drawing from a curated list of affirming, queer-friendly partners—from the vibrant energy of Virgin Voyages to personalized boutique hotels and private rentals. I maintain a strong professional footprint in Puerto Vallarta, one of the most gay-friendly destinations in North America, ensuring my clients receive remarkable service and local advocacy in the heart of the Banderas Bay. Whether it’s a private estate in Punta Mita or a guided tour of Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, I prioritize spaces where your identity is respected. My local partnerships allow me to secure venues and accommodations that offer the privacy and dignity your journey deserves, regardless of the scale of the trip.

Advocacy and Accessibility

My work is rooted in the belief that the world should be accessible to everyone. As a Certified Accessibility Advocate, I specialize in identifying and removing the barriers—both seen and unseen—that travelers with social or physical challenges often face. I approach every itinerary with the technical precision required to ensure that regardless of the destination, you feel seen, respected, and welcomed, bridging the gap between simply visiting a destination and truly experiencing it with dignity.

Transparency, Honesty, Accountability, and Integrity

The foundation of these complex, high-investment adventures is my agency’s commitment to the T.H.A.I. principles: Transparency, Honesty, Accountability, and Integrity. These values are essential for curated travel, where the significance of the investment requires an unwavering ethical partnership. I prioritize my ethical code over transactional sales, ensuring that every recommendation is made with your legacy and experience in mind.

My Commitment to You

You will be treated with dignity and respect, and I will do everything I can to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

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.
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
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert

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 Photo Albums and Videos

Travel with Pride
View Album
POV: Virgin Voyages
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