The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

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Custom Travel Design & Vacation Planning

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Travel Design Services

Personalized Travel Planning Built Entirely For You.

Planning a vacation today can feel like a second job. Between comparing hotels, figuring out transportation, sorting through reviews, and keeping track of all the details, it’s easy to spend hours researching and still feel unsure about the final plan.

I help couples, retirees, families, and multi-generational groups turn those ideas into organized, personalized vacations that actually fit how they like to travel.

Whether you’re planning a European itinerary, a cruise vacation, a Universal trip, or an all-inclusive getaway, I’ll help you sort through the options and handle the details so you can focus on the fun part: the trip itself!

My Signature Specialties

I specialize in vacations that require a little more coordination and a lot more personalization.

1. Ocean and River Cruise Vacations

Cruises can be one of the easiest vacations once you’re on board — but choosing the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom can be overwhelming beforehand.

I help match clients with the cruise line and experience that fits their travel style, whether that’s a fun-filled family cruise, a relaxing Caribbean escape, or a quieter river cruise through Europe.

Expertise includes:

  • Royal Caribbean
  • Celebrity
  • Virgin Voyages
  • NCL
  • AmaWaterways
  • Viking
  • Princess
  • Holland America
  • Disney

2. Custom European Itineraries

Living in France for nearly four years gave me a different perspective on European travel. I learned how to navigate the trains, neighborhoods, pacing, and logistics that can make or break a trip.

I help clients plan Europe vacations that feel organized and realistic, not rushed and exhausting.

That can include:

  • Hand-picked hotels and apartments
  • Rail travel and transfers
  • Private guides and tours
  • Multi-city itineraries
  • Food, wine, and cultural experiences
  • Family and multi-generational trips

3. Parks, Resorts & Milestones

Some trips are less about checking off sights and more about bringing people together.

I help plan Universal Orlando vacations, all-inclusive resort stays, milestone celebrations, and multi-generational trips where the goal is simple: make the vacation feel easy for everyone involved.

Whether you’re traveling with teenagers, grandparents, or a big family group, I’ll help you choose the right resort, room setup, and overall plan so everyone can enjoy the trip without one person managing all the logistics.

Industry Certifications & Training

I stay current with ongoing training and certifications from leading cruise lines and travel brands so I can better guide clients through the options and details that matter most.

  • AmaWaterways – Certified Advisor
  • Celebrity – Certified Expert
  • Disney – College of Disney Knowledge
  • NCL – Master’s Degree
  • Oceania – OCU Certified Advisor
  • Princess – Commodore
  • Royal Caribbean – Master of Adventure
  • Virgin Voyages – Gold Tier Certified
  • Viking – Certified Expert
  • Alaska Certified Expert

What My Clients Are Saying

“I had forgotten how nice it is to have everything planned from getting to the airport, flights, hotels, and the cruise. Dana is incredibly knowledgeable about what to pack and where to go.”
— Traveler D.

“We took a trip across Canada and Dana did all the reservations for hotels and the train—it went great. When we were late getting into places, she stepped in and changed our times for different excursions immediately. She always answered my text messages. Highest recommendation.“
— Traveler M.

“Dana made it entirely effortless to get the absolute best staterooms and accommodations, and she stayed in contact during our trip to answer any questions we had in real time.“
— Traveler T.

The Travel Design Process

Step 1: Start with your ideas– Click “Start Planning” to complete my travel inquiry form or schedule a quick consultation call, so I can learn about your travel style, destination ideas, timing, and budget.
Step 2: Receive personalized recommendations – I’ll narrow down the options and put together recommendations tailored to your trip, whether that’s a cruise, Europe itinerary, resort stay, or family vacation package.
Step 3: Book and prepare for travel – Once you’re ready to move forward, I’ll handle the bookings, coordinate the details, and provide your travel documents and itinerary so everything is organized in one place.

Let’s Start Planning

Whether you’re dreaming of a cruise, a European adventure, an all-inclusive resort, or a family getaway, I’d love to help you create a trip that fits your travel style and takes the stress out of planning.

You can also contact me via email at [email protected]

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Dana. Planning a great trip shouldn't mean spending endless evenings scrolling travel forums, watching videos, and sorting through conflicting opinions online.

I've spent years exploring the world with my husband and our two kids, and those experiences shape how I help clients plan their own vacations. Together, we've visited 48 countries across four continents and spent nearly four years living in France.

Whether you're planning a European itinerary, a cruise vacation, an all-inclusive resort stay, or a family getaway, I'll help you sort through the options and create a trip that works for your travel style, interests, and budget. Read More…

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