Hello, Travel Brats! Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a travel expert and vacation planner extraordinaire, Erin Morgenthal. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked beach retreat, a mountain expedition, a cultural immersion in a vibrant city, or a luxurious cruise across the seas, Erin’s got you covered!
Erin owns Wander Off Travel and holds certifications as a travel associate, cruise counselor, and autism travel professional. Whether you are a family, a solo traveler, or any adventure seeker, Erin is all about turning your wanderlust into a reality that fits your travel style.
While chatting with Erin for the podcast, she shared that her love of travel started early. Originally from North Central Indiana, after growing up on a farm, at 18 Erin moved to Chicago and spent 20 years there, and now resides in central Florida, where she helps clients create unforgettable travel experiences.
“Travel has always been a part of who I am,” Erin explained. “I love exploring new places and helping others do the same.” She was inspired as a child by her Grandmother, who was an intrepid traveler and never stopped going to new and exciting places.
Erin’s Grandmother
The Story Behind Erin’s business, Wander Off Travel, began in 2018 after she had been helping people plan trips to Disney – starting out more casually and then making the transition to getting paid to plan trips for people! Her approach to travel planning is all about personalization, and she loves working as a luxury travel concierge.
She starts by understanding her clients’ needs. Asking them good and specific questions to get a clear picture of what they want out of the trip. From there, she focuses on creating value and finding the best experiences, whether it’s flights, activities, or accommodations. “In the travel industry there are so many options,” Erin shared. “But what I provide is creating an experience for my clients. It’s curating an itinerary and making sure that they leave their trip, come home, and feel like they got something out of it.”
Erin really wants travel to be accessible to everyone! And when it comes to deals versus value, Erin prioritizes giving her clients the best experience for their budget. “Sometimes the best deal isn’t the cheapest option,” she noted. “It’s about finding what brings the most joy and convenience to your trip.”
Some of Erin’s favorite destinations with all her travel expertise, include the below:
- Cruises: Erin loves the river cruises in Europe (Ama & Viking, especially!), Royal Caribbean & the newer Carnival ships (family), and Virgin Voyages (adult only)
- Honduras or Costa Rica as a tropical destination
- New York City
- All-Inclusive Resorts: Her top picks include the Hyatt Zilara in the DR, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, and Secrets Resorts for adults
- Theme Parks: Erin is a huge fan of Walt Disney World, as well as Disneyland, but also really loves Universal in Florida
- National Parks: Yellowstone, Denali, Moab, The Grand Canyon
Erin’s son and daughter love traveling just as much as their mom!
Here’s where to find Erin to connect with her and learn more about planning your next adventure: www.wanderofftravel.com & erinmorgenthal.com, and on instagram at @wanderoffwitherin & @wanderofftravelco
Check out our Episode Introducing Wander Off Travel with Erin Morgenthal