Travel Advisor

Melissa

4 years planning travel

The best memories are made while away from home. How so? Because jumping off waterfalls on Christmas morning doesn't happen in the backyard, it happens in exotic places like Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. Zooming down Slinky Dog Dash at Walt Disney World while listening to my daughters' belly laugh and squeal with delight - those are the memories that last a lifetime.

Several years ago I decided that our holidays and summers were going to be about experiences, not material items. There isn't a day that goes by that I regret that choice. My daughters are genuinely excited for our next adventure because they know it far surpasses any trendy electronic gadget or designer shoes that they could receive.

Travel planning in MARION, NC

Melissa plans trips for travelers in MARION, NC and beyond, from cruises and all inclusive resorts to Europe, Disney, and group getaways. Most of the planning happens by phone, email, or text, so wherever you are, it fits your schedule. Working with Melissa never costs more than booking on your own, and you'll have a real person in your corner the whole way.

8287560333 CHAT WITH MELISSA

Melissa Strother

Travel is more than just a vacation, it's an education beyond the classroom that helps build the next generation.

MARION, NC

Let’s get started

Request your quote

Pick what feels closest to your dream trip. Melissa will reply within one business day.

WDW

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World magic, thoughtfully planned.

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CRUISE

Cruise

Ocean & river cruises across every line.

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ALL-INCL

All-Inclusive Resort

All-inclusive resorts in the sun.

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UNIVERSAL

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando & Epic Universe.

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GROUP

Group Travel

Family reunions, celebrations, and group sailings.

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EUROPE

European Travel

European adventures, tailored to you.

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ROMANCE

Honeymoon & Romance

Honeymoons, anniversaries, and destination weddings.

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EUROPE

Europe

European adventures, tailored to you.

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TRAVEL

General Inquiry

Not sure yet? Tell us what you're dreaming up.

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Always included

What Melissa includes in every trip

Here’s what’s part of every trip Melissa books. Have a special request? Just ask, Melissa loves to tailor things to your family.

Park strategy & Lightning Lane guidance

Ongoing price monitoring

Day-of trip support

Group / multi-family coordination

Dining strategy & reservations

Ticket & resort recommendations

Pre-trip prep call

Booking changes & advocacy

Celebration planning (birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons)

Custom itinerary planning

My travel story

Places Melissa has loved

Utopia of the Seas
Perfect Day at CocoCay

This is why a BALCONY room is an absolute must!
Margaritaville at Sea

Elephant Encounter gives a behind-the-scenes look.
Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Chasing the sunrise on an early morning African safari
Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

Chapman's Peak Drive
Cape Peninsula, South Africa

Southern most point of the African continent
Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

Trips I love to plan

Melissa’s favorite itineraries

Family Escape to Hawaii

This itinerary is the perfectly paced tour for families to see and do a little bit of everything Oahu has to offer.

11 Night Mediterranean Cruise with Rome and Barcelona Extension

This truly is the dream itinerary: Rome, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Pompeii, Pisa, Cannes, Barcelona, and more!

A Taste of Ireland

Eat, drink, dance, and be merry with a tour through the Emerald Isle.

Extended Family Walt Disney World

Grandparents, adult kids, spouses, cousins, and grand kids were so much fun to plan for. From finding the perfect resort to fit everyone's needs, to booking dining and Lightning Lanes, strollers, airfare, and ground transportation, I take care of all the details so that your vacation is seamless and stress-free.

8 NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN & PERFECT DAY CRUISE

Combined family vacation onboard a Royal Caribbean ship with a loaded itinerary

12 NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE

Anniversary cruise with a bucket list itinerary.

Training & credentials

Melissa’s certifications

College of Disney Knowledge Graduate for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney and Aulani Resort

Master of Adventure for Royal Caribbean & Certified Royal Weddings Professional

ALGV Pro Certificate of Graduation and Achievement in Fraud Protection

Virgin Voyages Seacademy tier Gold

Celebrity Cruises Learning Program

Costa Rica Destination Specialist

Certified Sandals & Beaches Specialist and Elite Advisor Online Training Course

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa Specialist

United Parks & Resorts Certified (SeaWorld, Sesame Place, Aquatica, and Water Country USA)

Discovery Cove Specialist

National Geographic Expeditions Certificate of Completion

World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection Certificate of Achievement for Alua Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, and Zilara & Ziva All-Inclusive Resorts

Norwegian Cruise Line Associate Degree

Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Certificate of Completion

Playa Hotels & Resorts Certificate of Completion

Carnival Learn & Earn Training Program

RIU Certificate of Achievement

Jewel Grande & Jewel Paradise Cove Certificates of Completion

Dominican Republic Certified

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood Specialist

Uplift Certificate of Course Completion

Prefer to chat?

Chat with Melissa’s assistant

Let’s talk it through!

Same questions as the quote form, just easier. Answer a few things about your dream trip and Melissa will pick it up from there.

Where I love to send people

Favorite corners of the world

Walt Disney WorldSouth AfricaChinaFranceMexicoDominican RepublicBahamasBelizeHondurasCaliforniaLas VegasU.S. National ParksFloridaJamaicaNiagara FallsWashington D.C.U.S. Virgin IslandsBritish Virgin Islands

How we’ll work together

Three easy steps

Share Your Vision

Tell Melissa who's traveling, when, and what makes a vacation feel magical for your family.

Get a Custom Plan

Receive personalized resort, cruise, or destination options curated to fit your style and budget.

Travel Worry-Free

From booking to boarding pass, you'll have an expert in your corner the entire journey.

Frequently asked

Good to know

curated getaways including cruises, all-inclusive resorts, European escapes, honeymoons, and group travel.

Let’s plan yours.

Tell Melissa who’s traveling, roughly when, and what a great trip looks like for you. You’ll hear back within one business day.