Why I Started Simply Travel Co. (And How I Help You Travel Better)

Why I Started Simply Travel Co.

Travel has been part of my story for over 20 years—long before I ever thought about becoming a travel advisor.

My first real experience traveling outside the U.S. was a missions trip to the Philippines in 2004. That trip changed everything for me. I saw parts of the world I never imagined I’d experience—standing in awe of the Banaue Rice Terraces, visiting Corregidor Island, traveling through Northern Luzon, and immersing myself in daily life in places like Tuguegarao and Santiago City.

I remember riding an air-conditioned bus from Manila, eating foot-long hot dogs from street vendors, and laughing at the fact that McDonald’s served spaghetti as a side dish. But what impacted me most wasn’t just the sights—it was the people. Their humility, kindness, and sense of community stayed with me long after I returned home.

That trip taught me something important: travel is about connection, perspective, and experience—not just destinations.

How Travel Changed As My Family Grew

Years later, travel took on a new meaning when I married the love of my life and we began traveling as a family.

One of our most memorable trips was a Disney Cruise to Alaska in 2015. Our children were just 3 and 5 years old, and we turned the trip into a full adventure—road-tripping from California to Whistler, Canada, exploring waterfalls, cooking meals together, and soaking in the scenery before boarding the Disney Wonder.

From breathtaking fjords to gold panning in Skagway and riding the historic train, that trip was the moment our family truly fell in love with cruising. We realized how powerful travel could be for building memories—especially when it’s planned well.

Over the years, we’ve cruised the Caribbean, visited places like Antigua, St. Lucia, Curaçao, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and Castaway Cay, explored theme parks like Disneyland, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City, and even tackled cross-country road trips with kids in tow.

We’ve learned a lot along the way—sometimes the hard way.

Why Simply Travel Co. Exists

After experiencing travel from so many angles—missions trips, family cruises, theme parks, road trips, and anniversary getaways—I saw a pattern:

People don’t struggle because they don’t want to travel.
They struggle because travel planning is overwhelming.

• Where should we stay?

• Is this area safe?

• Are these excursions worth it?

• What if something goes wrong?

• How do we make the most of our budget?

I’ve also personally experienced what happens when accommodations aren’t vetted properly. During a trip to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, we stayed in multiple Airbnbs that had serious issues—from no running water to unsafe conditions for our children. While we still loved the island, it reinforced how important it is to have knowledgeable guidance when choosing where to stay—especially in destinations recovering from major events.

That’s when I realized I wanted to help others simply travel better, not just travel more.

How I Help You Simply Travel Better

When you work with Simply Travel Co., you’re not just booking a trip—you’re gaining a travel partner.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Personalized planning based on your family, preferences, and travel style

• Trusted recommendations for hotels, cruises, excursions, and destinations

• Guidance when plans change (because sometimes they do)

• Expert advice on safety, logistics, and budgeting

• Support before, during, and after your trip

As someone who is gluten intolerant, I also understand how important it is to plan ahead for dietary needs. From cruises to theme parks, I’ve navigated food accommodations firsthand and help clients feel confident—not stressed—about their options.

What You’ll Find on the Simply Travel Journal

This blog is an extension of how I serve my clients. Here, I’ll be sharing:

• Real trip experiences and honest reviews

• Family-friendly travel tips

• Cruise planning advice (including Disney Cruise Line fun like Fish Extenders!)

• Theme park strategies to save time and money

• Travel product reviews I personally use and love

• Budget-friendly tips to help you get more value from your trips

Everything I share comes from real experiences—planned, tested, and loved by my own family.

Ready to Travel Better?

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling excited about travel again, I’d love to help.

Reach out to Simply Travel Co. and let’s start planning your next adventure—simply.