European River Cruise Expert

View My Main Profile
Kimber Travis, Travel Agent in Coeur D'Alene, ID

Kimber Travis

Coeur D'Alene, ID Travel Agent
Super Agent

Kimber Travis

Coeur D'Alene, ID · 10 Years of Experience

Thirsty Bird Travel, an independent agent with TerraMar Travel, Inc., a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
Working with Thirsty Bird Travel was such a positive experience. Kimber made the entire planning process feel simple, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable. She really took the... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Luxembourg

Interests:

Food & Wine, Luxury Cruises, Wine Country Vacations, Hosted Cruises, River Cruises

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Classic Vacations, Europe Express, Marriott Hotels

About Me

Cruising the Moselle River with Ama Waterways
Cruising the Moselle River with Ama Waterways

My journey into the world of luxury travel didn't begin in a typical agency; it began in the vineyards of Burgundy and the cellar of my own winery. For 23 years, as the founder and General Manager of Coeur d'Alene Cellars, I have lived and breathed the "Art of Hospitality." My career has been dedicated to crafting ultra-premium varietals and creating "serious wines for not-so-serious people." This decades-long immersion in fine wine and high-end service provides me with a unique lens through which I view the travel industry. I don't just book trips; I curate sensory journeys that bridge the gap between the world’s most renowned vineyards and its most storied waterways.

As the founder of Thirsty Bird Travel, I specialize in the most intimate and culturally rich way to experience the heart of Europe: the luxury river cruise. My expertise is backed by top-tier industry certifications and a deep, working knowledge of the world’s leading lines. I am a Certified Specialist with Ama Waterways and Avalon Waterways, ensuring that every guest receives the benefit of my specialized training and direct industry connections. My experience is particularly rooted in group travel. I have successfully guided numerous groups, ranging from 15 to 40 guests, through the historic rivers of Europe. Most recently, I served as the Travel Advisor and Wine Host for a group of 35 on the "Moselle and Rhine Splendors" itinerary. These experiences have taught me that a truly luxury cruise is more than just a beautiful suite—it is about the seamless orchestration of people, places, and palates.

A river cruise is only as good as the experiences that bookend it. To ensure a flawless transition from the ship to the shore, I leverage my extensive partnerships with elite land operators, including Abercrombie & Kent, Europe Express, and Classic Vacations. Whether I am arranging a private pre-cruise tour of a Grand Cru vineyard in Champagne or a post-cruise boutique stay in a hidden corner of Paris, I ensure that the luxury standard never wavers. My commitment to excellence extends to every accommodation I select. Having completed the Marriott Hotel Excellence program, I possess the insider knowledge to guarantee that pre- and post-cruise stays meet the exacting standards of the luxury traveler. I understand the nuances of the "Star" rating system and the "Bonvoy" luxury portfolio, ensuring my clients enjoy the finest suites and service available.

I believe that travel should be sophisticated but never stuffy. My background as a CPA and an MBA-holder ensures that the logistics are handled with surgical precision, while my heart as a vintner ensures the journey is filled with joy and discovery. Whether you are seeking a yacht-style cruise through the Adriatic or a wine-focused journey through the heart of Germany, I provide an insider’s perspective that only someone from the world of fine wine can offer.

Let’s plan your next vintage of memories. I handle the complex logistics of luxury group travel, so you can focus on the view from the deck and the glass in your hand.

Additional Languages
French

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
Search reviews:

Showing 18 reviews

Win + Travel Done Right
Reviewed By Scarlet H. - Paris | Traveled to Paris | France | Europe
Working with Thirsty Bird Travel was such a positive experience. Kimber made the entire planning process feel simple, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable. She really took the time to understand what I wanted and brought everything together in a way that felt thoughtful and well put together, including recommendations that tied perfectly into wine experiences and destinations I was excited about. One thing that really stood out was how flexible and inclusive she is in what she helps with. She was open to assisting with all kinds of details, which made the process feel much more relaxed and personalized compared to other experiences I’ve had. Overall, everything was seamless, and I felt fully supported from start to finish. I highly recommend Thirsty Bird Travel to anyone looking for a smooth and enjoyable planning experience!
Kimber Travis responded
"Thank you! It was a joy to 'expertly craft' this journey with you. At Thirsty Bird Travel, I believe the planning process should be as enjoyable as the trip itself. I’m so glad the custom wine experiences and destination recommendations hit the mark! My goal is always to provide personalized, inclusive support so every detail feels seamless and stress-free. I truly appreciate the high recommendation and look forward to our next collaborative adventure! — Kimber Travis"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
First River Cruise
Reviewed By George and Julie - Manchester, NH | Traveled to Danube | On the River | At Sea
My wife and I had a great time on our Danube River Cruise with Kimber and family in May 2025. Other than the airfare we set up ourselves (by choice), Kimber and AMA Waterways made everything effortless with great accommodations, excursions, and dining. It was our first time ever outside the US and for cruising. We would definitely do it again and AMA was a great choice for River cruiselines
Kimber Travis responded
"Thank you! It was an honor to help you navigate your first international trip. At Thirsty Bird Travel, making river cruising feel effortless is exactly what I strive for. I’m so glad you loved the AmaWaterways experience—their luxury dining and service are truly 'spot on.' I am especially thrilled that we already have your July 2027 cruise on the books! I can’t wait to 'expertly craft' another incredible journey for you and your wife. See you on the water! — Kimber"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Debbie Roberts
Reviewed By Deb R - Los Gatos, California | Traveled to Bordeaux | France | Europe
Kimber established and owns and operates her own winery, Coeur d’Alene Cellars. She is very knowledgeable about wines from all over the world. I went on a criuse with her along the coast of France, Spain and Portugal. She exhibited her wide knowledge of wines during tours of wineries that were offered along the route of the cruise tour. She is intelligent, organized and lots of fun to be around. She would be a great wine tour agent. I highly recommend her!
Kimber Travis responded
"Thank you! My background as the owner of Coeur d’Alene Cellars allows me to bring a unique perspective to every Thirsty Bird Travel journey. I loved sharing my passion for French, Spanish, and Portuguese wines with you along that beautiful coast! My goal is to combine that deep winery knowledge with seamless luxury cruise logistics to create a truly 'intelligent' and fun adventure. I am so glad you enjoyed the tours, and I can't wait to plan your next one! — Kimber"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Cruising the Danube
Reviewed By Cruisefanforlife2025 - Post Falls, Idaho | Traveled to Bucharest | Romania | Europe
I had never been on a cruise before and didn't really know anyone that would be on the cruise. Kimber made everything so easy, from the transports to & from the airport, the excursions and the post cruise trip. It was all so well organized and made the experience comfortable and so much fun.
Kimber Travis responded
"Thank you! I am so glad I could make your first cruise experience a 'worry-free' success. At Thirsty Bird Travel, handling those airport transfers and post-cruise land tours is what I do best to ensure a seamless journey. It has been a pleasure to 'expertly craft' your travels, and I am so excited to welcome you back on our AmaWaterways river cruise next month! I can't wait to raise a glass with you again on the Rhine. See you soon! — Kimber Travis"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Love a River Cruise!
Reviewed By Ro1955 - Coeur D Alene, Idaho | Traveled to Eastern Europe | Europe
I had a great experience preparing for my vacation with Kimber. She was always available for my questions and concerns. She had a group of 22 guests and I’m sure we all share the same experience. She put together knowledgeable tour guides, transportation, beautiful hotels and restaurants. It was easy to follow her lead. It all seemed effortless but I know she put a lot of time, research and energy into preparing this great adventure. I would definitely travel with her again. The AMA waterways is also a cruise line I would also recommend. The staff, service and food were also outstanding.
Kimber Travis responded
"Thank you! It was a pleasure to lead our group of 22 on such a memorable AmaWaterways river cruise. At Thirsty Bird Travel, I believe the 'effortless' feel comes from deep research and expertly crafting every detail—from luxury transportation to hand-picked hotels and restaurants. I’m so glad you enjoyed the outstanding service on board! I look forward to managing your next group travel adventure with that same care and professionalism. — Kimber"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

Certified Cruise Specialist for Ama Waterways
Certified Cruise Specialist for Avalon
Marriott Hotel Excellence Program

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

Ama Waterways Gems of SE Europe
View Album
    BESbswy