My first cruise as a travel agent was extra special—it was a group sailing with our church staff and their families. We had an incredible time together.

In early February, I headed to Long Beach, California for our annual corporate kick‑off—a three‑day stretch packed with travel, meetings, meals, and fun activities. These trips are always exciting, but they definitely keep you moving. Here’s a look at my experience, plus a few tips if you’re planning your own visit or cruising out of Long Beach soon.

My oldest son goes to college in Rochester, NY, and since he moved there last year, I’ve only been able to see him once. We made a deal: if his grades stayed solid, I’d fly out to visit, and that's exactly what I did. 

This was our first time visiting Hawaii, and Kauai instantly became one of our favorite destinations. Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is lush, peaceful, and filled with waterfalls, beaches, mountains, and the iconic Nā Pali Coast. Unlike Oahu or Maui, Kauai has no big city energy—just pure island beauty everywhere you look.

If you can take advantage of a casino offer, absolutely do it. I booked an incredible casino deal — a 3‑day Carnival cruise to Mexico for only $530 — for me and my son.

This quick getaway was all about unplugging, relaxing, spending quality time with son, and coming back refreshed… and the price makes it even sweeter.

It was a pleasure helping a close friend plan his family vacation to Orlando, FL. He already had a week of lodging gifted to him, so I stepped in to handle the flights—and found an amazing deal with Southwest. Travel agents don’t just book trips; we help with the small details and often secure better rates. I was able to get round‑trip airfare from CA to FL for a family of five for just $1,931.80 ($386.36 per person). They’re going to have an incredible time in February.

One of my clients wanted to treat her granddaughters to a memorable Manhattan getaway and meet up with family in New York. With a set budget in mind, I secured two round‑trip flights and a Times Square hotel for $2,578.45. The girls will handle their own sightseeing and meals, while I handled the planning details she didn’t want to stress over. Helping her create this experience was a joy, and I’m already looking forward to planning her next trip. 

I recently had the joy of planning a Norwegian Cruise Line birthday getaway for a group of friends celebrating a very special milestone. The host is turning 60 and wanted to mark the occasion with the people she loves most — and what better way than a seven‑day cruise from Miami to Belize this July?

We secured beautiful starboard balcony staterooms, complete with Free At Sea perks, at an average cost of $2,987.57 per guest. I also coordinated private, reliable transportation for the entire group to ensure the trip is seamless from start to finish.

This is going to be an unforgettable celebration at sea. I’ll admit… I’m a little jealous I won’t be joining this fun crew on such an incredible itinerary.

There’s something incredibly special about gifting experiences instead of things — and this August, a few of my wonderful clients are doing exactly that. They’re taking their mothers on a 5‑day Carnival Firenze cruise, creating memories that will last far longer than any wrapped present ever could.

I was thrilled to help them secure cove balcony rooms for just $719 per person — the perfect cozy spot to sip morning coffee, watch the ocean roll by, and enjoy those quiet moments that only happen on a cruise.

The Carnival Firenze is full of charm, sunshine, and Italian‑inspired fun, making it the ideal backdrop for mother–child adventures. From shared dinners to laughter-filled sea days, this trip is all about celebrating the women who raised us, loved us, and shaped us.

There’s nothing quite like watching someone step into the trip they’ve been dreaming about for years — and this summer, a few of my clients are doing exactly that. They’re boarding the beautiful Viking Saturn for an unforgettable journey from Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy, sailing through history, culture, and some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world.

I was thrilled to secure an all‑inclusive sailing for just $3,549 per person in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom — complete with excursions, incredible dining, and Viking’s signature luxury touches. It’s the kind of trip where every sunrise feels like a gift and every port tells a story.

This is more than a cruise… it’s a celebration of life, adventure, and long‑awaited dreams finally coming true.

Travel agents do more than book trips—they simplify, personalize, and elevate your travel experience. Here’s why working with a professional matters:

•  🧭 Expert Guidance: We know the ins and outs of destinations, cruises, and itineraries, helping you avoid common pitfalls.

•  ⏱️ Time Savings: Instead of spending hours researching, we handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

•  💰 Value & Perks: We often have access to exclusive deals, upgrades, and insider offers you won’t find on your own.

•  🛡️ Peace of Mind: If plans change or issues arise, you have a dedicated advocate to resolve them quickly.

•  🌍 Personalized Experiences: Every trip is tailored to your preferences, ensuring your vacation feels uniquely yours.

In short: a travel agent turns planning stress into travel success—making your journey smoother, safer, and more rewarding.

Travel agents are compensated primarily through commissions paid by travel suppliers (like cruise lines, hotels, and tour operators) when they book on your behalf. Here’s how it works:

•  💼 Supplier Partnerships: Airlines, cruise lines, resorts, and tour companies pay agents a commission for each booking.

•  📊 Typical Rates: Commissions usually range between 10% and 15% of the booking value, though luxury or group travel can earn higher percentages.

•  💡 No Extra Cost to You: These commissions come from the supplier’s marketing budget, meaning you don’t pay more for using an agent—in fact, you often save thanks to insider deals.

•  🎁 Bonuses & Incentives: Agents may also receive performance-based bonuses or perks for meeting sales goals.

•  🧾 Service Fees (Sometimes): Independent agents may charge small planning or consultation fees, especially for complex itineraries, but the bulk of their income still comes from supplier commissions.

In short: Travel agents earn their income by connecting you with the best travel options, and suppliers reward them for bringing in business. It’s a win-win—you get expert guidance and exclusive value, while the agent is compensated by the companies you’re booking with.

At Travels by Elijah, LLC, we don’t just book trips—we design streamlined, amplified experiences that reflect your style and passions. What makes us different:

•  🚢 Cruise Expertise: Ocean and river cruising is our specialty, so you get insider knowledge and curated itineraries.

•  🧭 Personalized Planning: Every journey is tailored to you, not a one‑size‑fits‑all package.

•  ⏱️ Seamless Logistics: With nearly 20 years of corporate expertise in strategy and customer service, we handle the details so you can relax.

•  🌍 Bold, Clear Vision: Our brand is built on simplicity and impact, ensuring your travel feels polished yet personal.

•  💡 Your Advocate: We’re here before, during, and after your trip—so you always have support when you need it.

In short: We combine deep travel industry knowledge, personalized care, and professional precision to create journeys that inspire and connect—making us more than just a travel agency, but a trusted partner in your adventures.