Hi there! I’m Heather Thompson — a luxury travel agent, group travel specialist, and cruise-obsessed travel agent behind Purple Suitcase Travel.

I help couples, families, and friend groups plan unforgettable vacations without the stress or guesswork.

Whether you’re dreaming of

• a Mediterranean cruise,
• a bucket-list trip to Italy or Greece, or
• a perfectly planned group getaway,

I design travel experiences that feel personal, seamless, and thoughtfully curated.  I specialize in luxury travel planning, ocean and river cruises, and group travel.

My favorite cruise destinations include Italy, Greece, France, and Croatia, and I work closely with clients to help them choose the cruise line and style of travel that fits their interests, pace, and travel goals.

From romantic cruises to multi-generational family vacations and milestone celebrations, I make group travel easy and enjoyable from start to finish.

Here’s the thing: I’m not here to hand you a brochure and hope for the best.

I don’t believe in cookie-cutter itineraries or one-size-fits-all trips. I design custom, concierge-style travel experiences that are tailored to you — from the first “I think we want to go to Italy?” conversation all the way through your return home.

I’ve always been the planner friend — the one with the spreadsheets, restaurant lists, and backup plans.

Turning that skill into a career was a natural fit, and now I help busy travelers book smarter, better vacations with confidence.

I am certified and trained with top cruise lines including Oceania Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America.

I stay up to date on cruise ships, itineraries, cabin options, shore excursions, best travel seasons, and port experiences so I can guide my clients toward the best possible choices.

From selecting the right cruise line to coordinating flights, transfers, and on-the-ground details, I handle it all.

I’m based in Encino,California, but I work with clients across the United States who are looking for a luxury travel agent they can trust to manage the details and elevate the experience. 

What sets me apart is my relationship-driven approach. I don’t just book trips — I partner with my clients. I pay close attention to the small details that make a big difference: flight times that make sense, smooth transfers, realistic pacing, and experiences you won’t find buried three clicks deep on a random blog.

My clients describe me as extremely organized, detail-oriented, easy to work with, and a true itinerary nerd.

I’m also known as a bit of a cruise whisperer — there truly is a ship for every travel style, and I love helping clients find the one that fits them best.

If you’re dreaming of

• cruising the Mediterranean,
• exploring ancient cities one day and relaxing on the beach the next,
• planning a group trip without doing all the work yourself, or 
• finally taking that bucket-list vacation you’ve been putting off,

I’d love to help.  Let’s pack that purple suitcase and create something unforgettable.