I like that you’re into the get-to-know-you stuff.
Nice to meet you, I’m Tara.
I’m a “retired” teacher of 10 years. I taught high school social studies and truly loved it. I left the classroom to find more freedom in how I spend my time. I’ve always loved to travel — I’ve been to 19 countries (and counting), mostly over school breaks. I’ve traveled with friends, family, and I’ve gone solo. And I’ve loved every version.
On group trips, I’m always the one with the detailed Google doc, the downloaded maps, the history facts, and the secret spots “only locals know.” I’m that kind of planner. I research. Deeply. (Did I mention I was a history teacher? 😅)
I love learning and experiencing culture. And I love planning trips. It's so fun for me. I have planned so many trips for family, friends, and even myself- and now, I plan them for people like you.
In the fall of 2024, I trained to become a travel agent. What I learned? It’s complex. Every hotel chain, cruise line, and theme park has its own training, login, and booking rules. And many traditional agents make money by recommending what earns them commission — not what’s always best for the traveler.
That didn’t sit right with me.
I realized what I actually wanted to do was educate. I don’t want to upsell people. I want to help people plan unforgettable trips — whether that means I book for them or teach them how to do it themselves.
Yes, I’m credentialed with Disney, Princess Cruises, Marriott, Expedia, and more. But unless there’s a deal involved, you’re often better off booking yourself. Why? Because you retain control, you avoid third-party runaround, and if something goes wrong, you’re not waiting on hold for 70 minutes with customer service.
(Honestly? Booking a hotel through Expedia is a gamble. If something goes wrong, the hotel often can’t help you — they’ll tell you to take it up with Expedia. Ask me how I know.) 😭
So why would someone with booking credentials tell you to book things yourself?
Because I want to be the kind of advisor who helps you have the best trip possible, no matter who’s handling the checkout screen. I want to empower you to plan your own amazing vacation, if that’s what you want.
And if you just want a little free advice?
Scroll to the bottom of this page — my number and email are right there.
Most travel agents work on commission. That means they’re incentivized to push you toward certain packages, hotels, or cruise lines.
I work differently. I charge flat planning fees so I can recommend the best options for
your style, budget, and goals. No pressure. No upselling. Just thoughtful, intentional trip planning from someone who actually loves doing the research.
I want you to feel empowered, prepared, and excited, not overwhelmed or second-guessing every decision.
I do love bringing the snacks. A good party has good snacks.
I’ve traveled solo and with friends, planned trips across Europe, to Asia, and the U.S., I've made mistakes and gotten into some sticky situations, but I've learned from it! As I said before, I research deeply, love a well-balanced itinerary, and believe in leaving room for the unexpected.
I care about getting the details right, not just the dates and bookings, but the vibe of your trip.
You’ll get recommendations that make sense for you, not just the first result on Google or what ChatGPT says you should do.
I’m here to make the process easier, not more complicated.
Whether you’re dreaming of a big international adventure, a local getaway, or something totally custom, I’d love to help. You can start with a simple planning session or fill out my trip intake form to get a custom quote.
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