Joyful Travelz

Fall is the season of slower moments — wrapping up in a warm blanket with a good book, enjoying a latte at a coffee shop, or taking a quiet walk to take in the Fall colors.

What are the small autumn joys that help you slow down and relax? ⬇️

I have good friends off to St. Lucia this week to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. I was honored that they thought of using me to help in planning this joyous occasion.

And I have to tell you about how we decided on their accommodations and activities.

This is my 2nd time planning trips for them and I knew we needed to get clear on their wish list since this was their first time visiting St. Lucia.

To understand my friends' goals and preferences for their trip, we setup a call to discuss everything and then I sent an inquiry form for them to fill out so that I could have records to refer back to as I planned it.

After our initial chat followed by the client form, we both had clarity on what they wanted: something adventurous and out of the norm of their usual getaways since they're celebrating 30 years of marital bliss.

They didn't want activities daily so we just booked a couple of activities. We booked a sunset catamaran one evening and a day of local shopping another day.

Nothing beats a personalized approach to travel, in my opinion.

Can‘t wait to see the photos!

Love at first sight doesn’t even BEGIN to express how I feel about Secrets Wild Orchid - I was instantly smitten!

From the moment I walked into the gorgeous lobby and was greeted by the attentive check-in staff to experiencing the breathtaking ocean views from my bedroom to the mouthwatering food and cocktails with top chef liquor, I knew this was a place my clients had to experience.

I’m absolutely head over heels for this property, and here’s why it should be on your list:

[Adults Only - you don't have to worry about kids screaming]
[Preferred VIP access - who doesn't like VIP treatment]
[Preferred Club - guests have access to the party at nearby Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa and have free flow access to Secrets St. James right next door]

Thinking about booking your next getaway here? Drop your questions about Secrets Wild Orchid—I’m here to help you fall in love with it, too! ✨

Love at first sight doesn’t even BEGIN to express how I feel about Iberostar Grand Bavaro, I was instantly smitten!

From the moment I walked into the gorgeous lobby and was greeted by the attentive check-in staff to experiencing the breathtaking ocean views to the stunning beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea, I knew this was a place my clients had to experience.

I’m absolutely head over heels for this property, and here’s why it should be on your list:

Luxury Resort with butler service
Only Top Shelf liquor
All Inclusive
Adults Only
Golf Course

Thinking about booking your next getaway here? Drop your questions about this resort below—I’m here to help you fall in love with it, too! ✨

Hands up if you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2025.🙋‍♀️

Whether it‘s been five, ten, or fifteen years, there’s one thing you can always count on to reignite that spark in a relationship — quality time together in a gorgeous location doing new things together.

Here are five dreamy anniversary trips to the Caribbean my clients have booked and loved:

1️⃣ Private Beachfront Villa in St. Lucia: Relax in paradise with stunning views of the Pitons and your own completely private space, complete with staff.

2️⃣ Sailing Adventure in the British Virgin Islands: Cruise through crystal-clear waters on a luxury yacht or catamaran

3️⃣ Romantic Hideaway in Antigua: Enjoy a secluded resort with soft sands and endless sunsets.

4️⃣ All-Inclusive Luxury in Barbados: Indulge in gourmet dining and pampering spa treatments right by the ocean.

5️⃣ Eco-Luxury Stay in Dominica: Connect with nature in a rainforest retreat, complete with waterfalls and hot springs.

Which anniversary adventure would you book?

Just casually putting together an incredible itinerary for my clients headed to Paris for a milestone anniversary, and trust me, this one is going to be spectacular!

I can’t spill all the details just yet, but I do have a shortlist of hotels that will make this trip even better.

The shortlist:

**Secret de Paris - Hotel & Spa + the location is great, minutes away from the Moulin Rouge

**Shangri-La Paris + it sits on a hill so you have an incredible view overlooking the Eiffel Tower and it's on their bucket list to visit

We have a few other decisions to make like the activities and experiences during the trip and we’re working together to make the best picks.

If you’ve been to Paris, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What was a highlight for you?

-La-ParisHotel

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.

Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

Allow me to introduce myself to the new faces. Thanks for visiting my page.

My name is Andrea Martin! I’m an Independent Travel Agent from Virginia who loves to travel, try new foods and watch action movies.

Although my job has its highs and lows, I would never trade it for the world.

Now enough about me, just wanted to share a little bit about myself.

Send me a DM or call to plan out your next vacation. Live your life to the fullest!!

"Isn‘t it too early to be thinking about spring trips?"

Some advice from your travel advisor:

It‘s NEVER too early.

If you’re planning your Spring Break trip now, you’re way ahead of the curve:

➡️ You get first pick and can lock in the best rooms at those high-demand resorts and hotels before they fill up.

➡️ You have more time to look for promotions. I keep my eyes peeled for offers that align with the trip you have in mind so you can get the best value for your budget.

➡️ One less thing to stress about. Get it locked into your calendar so you have something to look forward to.

Let’s get you ahead of the Spring travel game. Send me a DM so we can start planning!

My mission? Making your travel goals a reality.

Here’s how I do it:

✅ Getting to know you and understanding what you want from your trip

✅ Researching the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, tours and experiences that suit your taste

✅ Taking care of all the details, from booking the flight to making the reservations

✅ Leveling up the experience by connecting you with insider access to the best pricing and perks

When you book your trip with me you can relax and know that you’ll be met with an experience that is true to you and how you like to travel.

So, are you ready to make this travel thing happen?

Let's talk so that I an get to know your travel needs!

Fair warning when you’re planning trips to the Caribbean…

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that every resort is equal.

There are so many options that it’s easy to get a few hours or even weeks into the process of planning a trip that everything starts to blur.

Which resort had the adults-only section again?

And which resort has the better beachfront?

It’s so hard to keep track of it all, then take the leap and make the decision.

But what if instead, you had options based on the trip you’re looking to take, the way you like to travel, etc.?

❌ No more bookmarking, taking notes, or hunting for online tips.

✅ Just the best resort and hotel options served up based on your needs by an expert who takes the time to get to know you.

That expert is me friend, and all it takes is a DM to get started. Who’s in?! 🙋‍♀️

Short on time but desperately in need of a getaway this Fall?

Sometimes, all you have is a few days of PTO for a quick getaway to rest and recharge.

But that doesn’t make your trip any less meaningful or easy to plan.

In fact, I would argue that the shorter the trip, the more you’ll need some planning help because you have less time to make the most of your time away.

Call me the queen of maximizing vacation time because that’s where I can help.

Whether you’re planning a city adventure, a quick break to an all-inclusive, or a little wellness time to relax and reset, I’ll help you plan an itinerary that maximizes your time.

Don’t let time be the thing that stops you from making the most of your vacation. Send me a DM so that we can discuss shorter trips.

Do you hate planning your vacations?

If you’re thinking of getting away in a few months, now is the time to get in touch.

I’ll do the planning.

I’ll give my expert recommendations for the best resorts and hotels that fit the type of trip you have in mind

I’ll coordinate all of the logistics so you can just kick up your feet and know you’re taken care of.

Send me a DM or an inquiry through the link in my bio!

Travel planning is key…but a sprinkle of spontaneity?

That’s where the magic is waiting for you.

Here’s how to mix in both to get the most out of your next adventure

👉Set the foundation
Nail down your must-see and must-do things. Think of it as your travel safety net—no missed flights, overbooked hotels and tours, or long lineups. Setting the foundation removes all the stress and FOMO of travel.

👉Flex Room
I always recommend clients leave gaps in their schedule for the unexpected. We always think we can pack more into an itinerary than we probably should I’m guilty!). Use those gaps for exploring and doing things that spontaneously pop up along the way — things like local festivals, hidden-away towns you’re driving through, etc.

👉Stress-Free Exploring
With your essentials covered, you can enjoy unplanned moments without worrying about missing out. You’re going in knowing that you roam freely because your wish list items are taken care of.

“‘What‘s the difference between booking online or working with you to plan a trip?”

And honestly, I think it’s a great question!

Because booking online looks really easy, so why would you want to get someone involved in your travel planning?

From comparing prices to researching hotels to booking everything and keeping track of it all — there’s a lot that goes into planning a trip.

Some people enjoy doing it all, but if you’re thinking to yourself, “hmm, I’m not sure I want to spend weeks researching and booking a trip”, here’s how working with me can make your life easier:

Personalized Service: I take the time to get to know you, so I can serve up recommendations based on your unique travel style and the goals you have for that specific trip. No need to scour the internet for hours.

Clarity: If I know where you’re going and what type of trip you’re taking, chances are I can help you narrow down your choices and make decisions about your trip way quicker. There are just so many choices when it comes to travel, and that can make figuring it all out infinitely more difficult.

Stress-Free Planning: I take care of all the research, bookings, and logistics, saving you hours of time and effort.

If you’ve never experienced the ease of having someone personally plan and book your trips for you, you’re missing out, friend!

My DMs and comments are open if you have any questions about working with a travel advisor.

I’ve got my eyes on Aruba! It's on my bucket list of travels and so far I've knocked off Belize, Greece and Barbados.

I’m really looking forward to exploring the culture and trying new foods.


Do you have any questions about Aruba? Don’t hesitate to ask, I’ll be there in person soon, so my tips and advice will be fresh!

Thinking about a getaway to Jamaica?🏝️

I’ve been planning trips to the Caribbean for some time now and my brain is literally a rotating Rolodex of hotels, resorts and beaches, overwater bungalows, and kids clubs!

Let me share a few of my current favorites with you:

🏝 For the best beachfront stay at: Secrets Wild Orchid

🍽 For the best food experiences, stay at: Couples Swept Away

🏏 For the best kids club and activities, stay at: Moon Palace

🧘‍♀️For the best wellness, stay at: The Cliff Hotel Jamaica

This is only a start, Jamaica has so many resort and hotel options, so making sure your pick is tailored specifically to your needs is an art.

I have so many more great resorts I can recommend. Send me a DM to kick off your planning.

Current travel obsession!

Right now, I’m getting certified as a specialist on Hawaii, and I’m hooked.

My friend had to tear me away from planning this itinerary that’s so good, now I want to take the trip too.

Here’s a preview of what I’d do if I went there. You’re definitely going to want to bookmark this for later if Hawaii is on your bucket list. 📌

Stay @ Hale Koa hotel because it's an oceanfront retreat and reviews of the rooms and customer service are awesome.

Eat ___ Saimin and Musubi, I've heard that it is delicious and I love to try good food.

Do ___ Visit historic sites such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the beautiful beaches just to name a few things.

Have you been to this resort? What did you think? Like I said, I’m even more in love after learning so many new things about it!

SO grateful to have such amazing clients.

I woke up to a special note from a client who recently came home from a weekend cruise. It was their first cruise.

"Joyful Travelz is awesome in arranging travel. The travel went well with no issues. Andrea was always in contact making sure all was going well from the beginning to the end. She is impeccable."

It‘s messages like these that remind me I‘m doing the exact kind of work I was meant to do.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the idea of planning a trip, let me know if there‘s anyway I can assist.

DM me "I NEED A VACATION" to get started!

Is this you every night after work trying to plan your next vacation? 👇

You have a giant list of resorts you can’t keep straight.

10 browser tabs open with articles, reviews, and recommendations.

You‘re trying to decide on which resort works best, to rent a car or not and which local tours are the best option since they’re all starting to blend in and sound the same.

Friend, let me remind you that planning a trip doesn’t need to turn into a full-time job for you.

Here’s what you’re going to do instead:

👉 Hand your travel wishlist over
👉 Tell me more about the trip you’d like to take
👉 Give me some insights into past trips and what you loved or didn’t love

And let me bring it all together into a proposal with tailored resort/hotel recommendations, a list of tours I’ve done myself or have vetted, and a list of other tips and information about the destination you’re going to.

Send me a message or visit the link in my bio to get started so you can get back to enjoying your evenings!

One thing you should know about working with me?

I’m a hawk when it comes to getting my clients the best value for their money and travel budget.

If I know you’ve got a vacation you’re thinking of taking and I know well in advance, you better believe I’m keeping my eyes peeled for the best offers for you.

Whether it’s ___ $200 resort credit or free 30 minute Swedish massage .

I dive into the travel promotions and keep an eye out for offers that align with my clients’ upcoming trips.

We’re still in the middle of summer, but if you’re thinking of getting away this coming winter, let me know so I can keep an eye on offers that come across my desk!

How do you know when it‘s the right time to call in reinforcements to help with your travel planning?

Let me share with you the straw that broke the camel’s back for many of my current clients.

👉They were overwhelmed with the sheer number of travel options for where to stay and what to do and ended up with decision paralysis.

👉They were frustrated that reading online reviews, articles, and blogs did not actually clarify things for them but added to the noise and confusion.

👉They started trying to book things but realized halfway through that they just didn’t have the time for travel planning to become another full-time job.

If you‘re reading this and thinking, "This all sounds too familiar," then send me a DM, and let me take the overwhelm and drama off your shoulders.

I‘ve been called a lot of things in my life, but I‘ll happily take the title of margarita connoisseur/Beach lounger expert/resort food critic.

It‘s really all in a day‘s work because while it may look like I‘m just sipping drinks, relaxing by the pool, and simply just enjoying the ocean views, I‘m actually observing, learning, and making mental notes for my clients.

In my recent stay at Sea Breeze Beach House for example, I picked up on a few things that I‘ll definitely be passing on to my clients.

Things like:

👉 Which restaurants are great, and which they can skip.

👉 Whether to book the swim-up or go for a room on a higher floor

👉 Whether the rooms in the higher room categories are worth the bigger price tag.

I‘m touring the different rooms, I‘m taste-testing the food and drinks (lucky me!), I‘m checking out all of the pools and taking a walk along the beach.

Having firsthand information is so valuable, it can make all the difference when you‘re staring down resort options and trying to figure out which one is best for you.

I‘ve been to a few resorts in Dominican Republic, Cancun and Curacao and if you‘d like to hear what this margarita connoisseur/Beach lounger expert/resort food critic have to say, don‘t hesitate to get in touch.

Why would someone book a trip with a travel advisor instead of on the internet? Here are a few reasons 👇

Handpicked Accommodations: Without having to scour the internet with browser tabs toggled between multiple hotels, you can’t keep track of endless review sites that don’t actually give you any clarity.

Expert Recommendations: Whether I’m matching you to that lesser-known but amazing local guide or helping you decide which tours and experiences best suit your style, I’m sharing insights from my personal travel experiences and my network of travel experts around the world.

Reclaiming time: I save my clients dozens of hours and weeks, or sometimes even months, of scouring the internet trying to figure out what to book and how to pull a great trip together.

If you haven’t experienced the absolute relief and ease of having an expert take care of your travel plans, friend, I promise you, it is SUCH a good feeling.

Here when you’re ready to travel with ease!

Should you trust hotel reviews you see online?

Here’s my take as a travel advisor:

Yes, you can take reviews into consideration, but its risky to base your whole decision off the perspectives of strangers.

I’ve been to hotels that had bad reviews, but they ended up being perfect for me and my travel style.

On the flip side, I’ve been to hotels with great ratings that just didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Taking the time to understand what you truly want and value from your travel experience is a great place to start so you don’t get confused or swayed when you read reviews.

Here’s how I can help: ​​When I make recommendations on where you should stay and what you should do, I’m taking the time to truly understand your travel preferences, needs, and hotels and resorts you’ve enjoyed in the past.

That way I can give you clarity in the thousands of choices for resorts and hotels out there.

No having to guess or rely on mixed online reviews. Let’s chat! Send me a DM or comment below.

The only thing keeping me at my desk on this gorgeous sunny summer day are these itineraries and proposals for my awesome clients. I’m currently finalizing:

🏨🌊🌴💖A two-week honeymoon to Greece where they’ll island hop between Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini

🌴🏨😎 A much-needed wellness trip to unplug for a client who’s headed for a solo adventure to Body Holiday in Saint Lucia for a week

🌹💖😎🛳️A big milestone 20th anniversary Regent cruise for my long-time clients who I’ve planned over 6 trips so far.

I’m going to finish these off and then hopefully have enough time for a glass of wine on my back deck. Because summer is meant to be enjoyed!

Tell me, which of my client trips would you take?

Can we get you on a vacation where your only concern is how you’d like your coffee?

Or whether you want to be enjoying the infinity pool overlooking the ocean or a lounger on the beach?

Very few things make me feel better than helping my clients kick off their relaxation BEFORE they even leave for the trip.

All of those stressful things that make travel planning complicated, things like:

➡️ Researching and finding trusted sources.

➡️ Picking the right resort when there are so many options that look great.

➡️ Picking tour companies, confirming the booking, etc etc.

The fun and relaxation start when you hand me your wish list items, and I plan it all for you!

And when it’s time for you to leave and enjoy your getaway, I’m on deck to make sure your itinerary details are at the top of your inbox and your arrival goes smoothly.

My specialties include Caribbean Islands such as Cabo, DR and Cancun just to name a few.
Don’t hesitate to send me a DM anytime with your questions.

Life is pretty dang sweet when your summer travels look like this ⬇️

"A friend referred me to use Joyful Travelz to plan and book my summer vacation. I'm very glad that I listened. I was very happy to find out that I could make payments and setup excursions all in one location. I was kept informed of any changes or updates in a timely manner. Great customer service. I will be using this service for my future trips and refer others."

You deserve travels where you don’t need to remember if the car rental is confirmed or stress about whether the resort actually looks like the photos.

Let’s get cracking so you can start counting down, and if you’re on a trip right now and you or your partner did, in fact, forget to confirm the rental car, call me next time!

Send me a DM, or visit the link in my bio to fill out my short and sweet inquiry form to tell me about your trip.

Maldives. Here we come!

Well, not me, but my clients! I’ve been so fully immersed in their itinerary for the past few days that I feel like it’s my trip too.

I’m sitting this one out but will be living vicariously through them.

My clients are taking a rekindling vacation. They really needed time to bond and reconnect because of their demanding jobs.

There are so many great choices, so it took us a minute to narrow it down but they’ll be staying at _Waldorf Astoria which ___ is true first class in every way.

Like I said, I’ll be over here drinking my wine, living vicariously because this trip will be AWESOME.

Have you visited Maldives? Where did you stay?

Why would someone book a trip with a travel advisor instead of on the internet? Here are a few reasons 👇

Handpicked Accommodations: Without having to scour the internet with browser tabs toggled between multiple hotels, you can’t keep track of endless review sites that don’t actually give you any clarity.

Expert Recommendations: Whether I’m matching you to that lesser-known but amazing local guide or helping you decide which tours and experiences best suit your style, I’m sharing insights from my personal travel experiences and my network of travel experts around the world.

Reclaiming time: I save my clients dozens of hours and weeks, or sometimes even months, of scouring the internet trying to figure out what to book and how to pull a great trip together.

If you haven’t experienced the absolute relief and ease of having an expert take care of your travel plans, friend, I promise you, it is SUCH a good feeling.

Here when you’re ready to travel with ease!