Cindi Sanden, Travel Agent in Soddy Daisy, TN

Cindi Sanden

Soddy Daisy, TN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Cindi Sanden

Soddy Daisy, TN · 11 Years of Experience

Awaken Travels, LLC, an independent agent with AWAKEN TRAVELS, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
4.8
(23)
100% Recommended
The arrangements were very well organized and made the trip and wedding relaxed for all the travel and event. Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

England, Italy, Fiji, Alaska, Europe

Interests:

Adventure, Bespoke Travel, Cruises, Family Vacations, Food & Wine

Suppliers:

Abercrombie & Kent, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Celebrity Cruises, CIE Tours

About Me

Luxury Europe, River Cruises & Expedition Voyages

I own Awaken Travels, and I have spent over a decade planning luxury travel for clients around the world. My focus is bespoke European vacations, river cruising with AmaWaterways and Viking, and small ship expedition voyages with Hurtigruten, Silversea, and Ponant. I plan a great deal of Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the South Pacific, and I have a real soft spot for Fiji, Costa Rica, and Hawaii, three places I know well and love sending clients to. Whether you are dreaming of a Rhine River cruise, a week on the Amalfi Coast, or something further off the map, I handle every detail so you do not have to. My goal is simple: match you with the trip that actually fits you.

My Travel Specialties

European Rail Travel Specialist

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European Rail Travel Specialist
Some of the most memorable ways to see Europe happen on the rails, and rail trips are a specialty I genuinely enjoy planning. From the glass-domed scenic trains of Switzerland to the high-speed lines linking Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, I design journeys where the travel between c...Read More ▶

Insight Vacations Premium Tours

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Insight Vacations Premium Tours
Insight Vacations does premium guided travel really well, pairing luxury hotels, smaller groups, and exclusive experiences that connect you to local culture. As an Insight specialist, I help travelers into their premium and luxury gold itineraries across Europe and beyond. ...Read More ▶

Explora Journeys Luxury Cruises

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Explora Journeys Luxury Cruises
Explora Journeys is the newest name in luxury ocean travel, launched by the MSC Group to rethink what luxury cruising can be. Their purpose-built ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, bring a fresh European design sensibility and more space per guest than almost anything at sea. <...Read More ▶

Luxury Family Adventure Travel

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Luxury Family Adventure Travel
Traveling with your family should be the best part of your year, not the most stressful, and that is exactly what I plan for. Luxury family adventures that engage every generation, with the comfort and quality parents expect. The best family trips create the storie...Read More ▶

Princess Cruises Specialist

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Princess Cruises Specialist
Princess has been creating memorable cruises for over 55 years, and as a Princess Commodore, I know their ships and itineraries inside and out. Their modern fleet pairs strong dining and enrichment with MedallionClass technology that personalizes the whole sailing. ...Read More ▶

Globus European Guided Tours

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Globus European Guided Tours
Globus has led guided European travel for more than 95 years, and they are my go-to for travelers who want a well-run, comprehensive tour. As a Globus specialist, I help you navigate their wide lineup across Italy, England, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and beyond. ...Read More ▶

G Adventures Small Group Travel

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G Adventures Small Group Travel
G Adventures helped invent small group travel more than 30 years ago, and they still lead the way in authentic, community-based trips. As a G Adventures specialist, I match travelers with the journey that fits their style, budget, and appetite for adventure. What m...Read More ▶

Holland America Line Specialist

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Holland America Line Specialist
Holland America has been a trusted name in ocean cruising since 1873, blending classic elegance with modern comfort. As a Holland America specialist, I help travelers find the right sailing from a portfolio that spans every continent and ocean. The ships are mid-to...Read More ▶

National Geographic Expeditions

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National Geographic Expeditions
National Geographic Expeditions bring that same spirit of exploration you know from the magazine into real journeys around the world. As a specialist for these trips, I connect travelers with expeditions led by expert naturalists, photographers, and researchers who turn a destina...Read More ▶

Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journeys

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Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journeys
Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most spectacular train journeys on Earth, winding through the Canadian Rockies past towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls. As a Rocky Mountaineer specialist, I plan this bucket-list trip so every piece of it runs smoothly. ...Read More ▶

Luxury Villa Vacations

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Luxury Villa Vacations
A private villa gives you something no hotel can: total privacy, room to spread out, and the freedom to set your own rhythm in a beautiful setting. I plan luxury villa stays across Europe, Fiji, and beyond, matching you with properties that turn a trip into a real home away from ...Read More ▶

Cunard Ocean Voyages & Crossings

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Cunard Ocean Voyages & Crossings
Cunard is the most storied name in ocean travel, and it holds a special place for me, since I have sailed with Cunard myself. The heritage goes back to 1840, and no other line carries quite the same sense of occasion aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. <...Read More ▶

Celebrity Cruises Specialist

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Celebrity Cruises Specialist
Celebrity sits right where modern luxury meets easygoing style, and I help travelers find the sailing that fits them. It is polished and design-forward without being stuffy or overly formal. The Edge Series ships changed what a cruise ship can look like. T...Read More ▶

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

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Avalon Waterways River Cruises
Avalon brings a fresh, modern feel to European river cruising, starting with their Suite Ships and those wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The beds face the view, so you wake up each morning to a new European landscape sliding past. Their ships sail...Read More ▶

Windstar Yacht-Style Cruises

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Windstar Yacht-Style Cruises
Windstar feels less like a cruise and more like sailing on a private yacht, and it is a wonderful fit for travelers who want something intimate. With just 148 to 342 guests per ship, the mood is relaxed and the ships reach small ports the big lines cannot. The flee...Read More ▶

Tauck Luxury Tours & River Cruises

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Tauck Luxury Tours & River Cruises
Tauck has been crafting premium guided travel for nearly a century, and their quality and all-inclusive approach make them one of the most trusted names in touring. As a Tauck specialist, I plan their guided land journeys, small ship cruises, and European river cruises. s...Read More ▶

CIE Tours Ireland & Britain

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CIE Tours Ireland & Britain
CIE Tours has been the go-to name in Ireland, Scotland, and Britain travel for over 90 years, and I use them to build trips that feel authentic and easy. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way, explore ancient Scottish castles, or settle in for a pint in a traditional Dublin pub, all backed...Read More ▶

Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Tours

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Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Tours
Abercrombie & Kent has set the bar in luxury travel for more than 60 years, with experiential journeys across over 100 countries. As an A&K specialist, I design trips from their portfolio of small group journeys, private tailor-made itineraries, and luxury expedition cruises....Read More ▶

Oceania Cruises Specialist

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Oceania Cruises Specialist
Oceania lives in a happy middle: upper-premium luxury without the formality, and food that is widely called the finest at sea. As an Oceania specialist, I steer food-loving travelers and experienced cruisers toward a line that consistently delivers. The ships are m...Read More ▶

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas offers the most all-inclusive luxury cruise experience in the world, and I help clients get the very most out of every sailing. With Regent, nearly everything is in the fare: round-trip business class air on intercontinental flights, unlimited shore excursions, ...Read More ▶

Seabourn Ultra-Luxury Cruises

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Seabourn Ultra-Luxury Cruises
Seabourn sits at the very top of ultra-luxury ocean cruising, and it is a line I love matching to the right traveler. The ships are intimate, just 450 to 600 guests, and the service, dining, and all-inclusive luxury set the standard in the category. Nearly everythi...Read More ▶

Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise Specialist

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Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise Specialist
Hurtigruten has been sailing the polar regions and remote coastlines for more than 130 years, and I am a certified Hurtigruten specialist who loves putting clients on these voyages. From the legendary Norwegian coastal route to expedition sailings in Antarctica, the Arctic, and t...Read More ▶

England & Scotland Luxury Travel

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England & Scotland Luxury Travel
The British Isles surprise even well-traveled people with how much depth they hold, and I design England and Scotland trips that go well past the usual highlights. Iconic landmarks, yes, but paired with the experiences you will not find in a guidebook. In England, ...Read More ▶

Luxury Small Ship & Ocean Cruises

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Luxury Small Ship & Ocean Cruises
Small ship cruising is the sweet spot between luxury and real exploration, and it is some of my favorite travel to plan. I work with the boutique ocean lines: Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Windstar, and Ponant. These ships carry anywhere from 100...Read More ▶

AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist

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AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
AmaWaterways sets the standard for river cruising, and as a certified AmaWaterways specialist, it is a line I recommend with real confidence. Their ship design, dining, and shore excursions are a step above, along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, and Rhône. What ma...Read More ▶

Viking Cruise Travel Specialist

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Viking Cruise Travel Specialist
Viking has quietly become one of my most-requested cruise lines, and it is easy to see why. Whether it is a Longship on the Rhine and Danube or an elegant ocean ship in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, Viking does destination-focused travel better than almost anyone. st...Read More ▶

Alaska Expedition & Wildlife Voyages

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Alaska Expedition & Wildlife Voyages
Alaska is one of the last truly wild places you can reach in comfort, and it is one of my favorite trips to plan. I have cruised the Inside Passage myself, and I focus on small ship expedition cruises and custom land-and-sea itineraries that put you close to the glaciers, the gri...Read More ▶

Italy & Mediterranean Luxury Travel

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Italy & Mediterranean Luxury Travel
Italy is the trip my clients ask me for more than any other, and it is one of my favorites to plan. I build custom itineraries across Italy and the wider Mediterranean that get past the guidebook and into the food, the pace, and the corners most visitors miss. The ...Read More ▶

Expedition Cruise & Adventure Voyages

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Expedition Cruise & Adventure Voyages
When you want to go somewhere genuinely remote, expedition cruising is how you get there in comfort. I plan small ship voyages to the places most travelers only read about: Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Norwegian fjords, the Arctic, and the wild coast of Alaska. T...Read More ▶

European River Cruise Specialist

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European River Cruise Specialist
Europe is best seen from the water, and a river cruise is my favorite way to show it to you. You sail into the heart of the continent, from the grand cities along the Danube to the vineyards of the Rhine and the terraced hills of Portugal's Douro Valley. A river cr...Read More ▶

Luxury Europe, River Cruises & Expedition Voyages

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Luxury Europe, River Cruises & Expedition Voyages
I am Cindi Sanden, owner of Awaken Travels and a luxury travel advisor since 2015. I specialize in planning custom European vacations, river cruises, expedition voyages, and luxury trips to Fiji, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. Europe is where my passion for travel comes alive. I design custom iti...Read More ▶

Mediterranean Cruise Specialist

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Mediterranean Cruise Specialist
The Mediterranean is the crown jewel of cruise destinations, and I specialize in designing luxury Mediterranean cruise experiences that go far beyond the standard port stops. Whether you prefer the intimate elegance of a 300-guest boutique ship or the refined luxury of a premium cruise line, I ma...Read More ▶

Fiji Matai Specialist & Romance Travel Expert

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Fiji Matai Specialist & Romance Travel Expert
With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, I am the owner and manager of Awaken Travels, a full-service travel agency dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys. My passion for travel has taken me around the world, but nowhere has captured my heart quite like Fiji. As a certified ...Read More ▶

Wine & Culinary Travel

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Wine & Culinary Travel
Food and wine are more than just a part of travel. They are the heart of every destination. I specialize in crafting luxury culinary journeys that immerse you in the flavors, traditions, and artistry of the world's greatest food and wine regions. In Italy, I arrange private vineyard tours ...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.8
23 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 23 reviews

Thank you!
Reviewed By Dad - Happy Jack Az | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
The arrangements were very well organized and made the trip and wedding relaxed for all the travel and event.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
17 of 22 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
She Took Care Of Everything
Reviewed By Sean - Chandler, AZ | Traveled to
We wanted to go to an All Inclusive - Adult Only - Resort in Jamaica. Way too many options for a non traveler like me to know what is good & real vs. a touristy rip off. Not only did she show us the "Good Places"... But she got EVERYTHING lined up. She got us freebies, and discounts, and most importantly: She monitored our travel. We were never "alone" during our transition into and then out of complete and total relaxation! Well done Cindi!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
30 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
My Key to a Great Vacation
Reviewed By No Nickname - Arizona | Traveled to
I am a do-it-yourselfer but that no longer applies to my vacation plans. After spending over a week trying to find a workable combination of airfare, hotel, car and Disney Land tickets I finally cried uncle and set out to find a travel agent. I reached out to 10 agents and no one came near the responsiveness and understanding of exactly what I was looking for except for Cindi Sanden at Awaken Travels. Cindi gave me many opportunities and wound up saving me over $1,200 (in addition to a lot of headaches) for my trip. She is now my one and only travel agent. I will never try to do it on my own again with her in my corner!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
32 of 60 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Bucket List
Reviewed By Jacque - Gilbert, AZ | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
Cindi helped our family plan several bucket list trips this year due to a medical diagnosis. She was/is always very attentive to our needs and makes sure that each of our vacations are truly once in a lifetime memorable. Cindi's level of customer service is impeccable!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
29 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Honeymoon to Jamaica
Reviewed By Stacie - Virginia | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Cindi was very responsive and helpful. She helped us plan our honeymoon to Jamaica. The only down fall from the trip was not having seat assignments together on the flights.
Cindi Sanden responded
"Thank you so much for taking the time to review our services Stacie. I am sorry to hear you were disappointed that you were unable to sit together on your flight. Because of your budget for the trip your reservation was for Basic Economy Flights and unfortunately when you book these budget flights you are unable to pre-select your seats. It was my true pleasure helping you plan your Honeymoon to Jamaica and I wish you joy and happiness in your marriage and life. "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
18 of 34 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

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.
Alaska Expedition Specialist
British Isles Travel Specialist
Expedition Cruise Specialist
Fiji Matai Specialist
Hurtigruten Expedition Expert
Italy Travel Specialist
Luxury Cruise Specialist
River Cruise Specialist
Viking Cruise Specialist
Tourism Fiji Certified
Hurtigruten Expedition Specialist
AmaWaterways River Cruise Expert
CLIA Certified Travel Advisor
CTA - Certified Travel Advisor
Princess Commodore
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist

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.

Client Testimonials

20th Anniversary Trip of a Lifetime
Thank you, Cindi and Awaken Travels! Cindi helped my husband and me plan our 20th wedding anniversary trip and really went above and beyond for us. From sending us a little gift before we left to having perfectly planned and printed itineraries for us so that we got to do all the things we had planned for. Thank you, Cindi and Awaken Travels, for a very memorable, fun, and stress-free experience from start to finish! We recommend them to EVERYONE!
Katie E.
Fiji Honeymoon and 50th Birthday
Cindi met with us at our earliest convenience and discussed what we were looking for. She had just returned from a trip to resorts in Fiji. She worked with us to iron out all the details — flights, coach transfers, boat transfers, resort stays, meal plans, and special occasions. It was our honeymoon and my 50th birthday in one trip, so she arranged champagne, a birthday cake, and a message in our room. Very nice. She followed up afterwards. I could not have asked for anything more. She provided a full itinerary before the trip and arranged for any changes to seats on the airlines. Use Awaken Travels for your next vacation!
Mark P.
Anniversary in St. Lucia with $4,000 Upgrade
Cindi was great to work with. She planned our 10-year anniversary trip to St. Lucia. We priced it out prior to contacting agents and not only did she beat our best price, she was very thorough and thoughtful. We stayed at Jade Mountain for a few nights and Cindi wrote a personal letter to the GM of the hotel explaining our trip and requesting them to take care of us. When we arrived, we learned that we were upgraded to one of their expansive pool suites — basically a $4,000 upgrade. Thank you, Cindi, for all the help!
Gabriel T.
Saved Over $1,200 on Family Trip
I am a do-it-yourselfer but that no longer applies to my vacation plans. After spending over a week trying to find a workable combination of airfare, hotel, car and Disneyland tickets, I finally cried uncle and set out to find a travel agent. I reached out to 10 agents and no one came near the responsiveness and understanding of exactly what I was looking for except for Cindi Sanden at Awaken Travels. Cindi gave me many opportunities and wound up saving me over $1,200 — in addition to a lot of headaches — for my trip. She is now my one and only travel agent. I will never try to do it on my own again with her in my corner!
Sue W.
Best Vacation Ever in Cabo
Cindi was amazing at helping us plan our trip to Cabo. I provided her a list of what was most important to us — an all inclusive, incredible food, great beach walks, pampering, adults only, entertainment, and our list went on. She nailed it perfectly! Our trip was everything we asked for and more. She truly took our desires, upped them a notch, and created what my husband is calling the best vacation he has had. We have had some pretty amazing vacations too! We received nice touches along the way, such as a personalized passport holder and luggage tag. It took all the stress out of the planning part and only increased the enjoyment.
Lee
First International Trip to Costa Rica
Cindi planned the perfect getaway to Costa Rica for us! Leading up to the trip, she kept us well-informed with weekly emails full of helpful tips — what to pack, what to wear, how to get around, and more. Her familiarity with the destination made a big difference, and her insights on the tours we selected were spot on. Our accommodations were absolutely flawless. As my first international trip, it truly could not have been better. Thank you, Cindi — we cannot wait to plan another adventure with you soon!
Peggi H.
Bora Bora Family Adventure
We had the pleasure of working with Cindi from Awaken Travels on our recent Bora Bora adventure. Cindi was incredible — from the flights and transfers to the exact bungalow we wanted, she took care of everything. She was patient as our family of four debated excursions, knowing exactly what would work for us. She booked an amazing spa day and made sure our kids could enjoy it too. Her correspondence is incredibly prompt — no question went unanswered, and being new to international travel, no question was ever unimportant. Even while on her own European vacation, Cindi made it clear she was always just a phone call away. Cindi made the whole process fun, enjoyable, and completely stress free. We highly recommend Awaken Travels!
Nicki R.
European Dream: France and Italy
Every detail was meticulously planned and communicated to us via email or text in a timely manner, which was so important to us. This was evident both before and during the trip. From transportation, lodging, restaurants and tours, Cindi has a wide network of resources and each experience was terrific. We spent two weeks traveling through parts of France and Italy experiencing everything from culture and history to shopping, dining and some R&R too. The hotels she recommended all exceeded our expectations and the staff at each could not have been more accommodating. We were so impressed with everything they did for us and cannot wait for Cindi to help plan our next big vacation!
David R.
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