FROM DREAM TO JOURNEY

Where Possibilities Unfold

Whether you're a first-time cruiser dreaming of the perfect ocean voyage, a family coordinator planning a multi-generational adventure, or an experienced traveler seeking to explore the world's most remote corners, I'm thrilled to say that all of those dreams and more come to life here through expertly crafted travel experiences designed around what matters most to you.

Endless Research?
Overwhelming Options?

You know you should start planning, but…

Maybe you're scrolling through countless cruise reviews, convinced you'll eventually find the perfect ship—because how hard can it be?

After all, you've spent hours watching YouTube tours. Or perhaps that family vacation idea is still just a browser full of open tabs, gathering digital dust after weeks of trying to coordinate everyone's preferences.

Maybe you've bookmarked dozens of destinations with good intentions of organizing them into a coherent itinerary, but at this point, you're more overwhelmed than when you started.

Take a deep breath—you're in the right place. Experienced travel expert at your service—and I'm here to help.

01.

Professional Travel Planning isn't a "Nice to Have," It's a "Need to Have"

You might think you can handle all the planning yourself because it's "just a vacation," but here's the reality:

While you're spending countless hours comparing options and second-guessing decisions, you could be looking forward to a thoughtfully crafted journey designed by someone who knows exactly how to turn your travel dreams into reality.

02.

“But Travel Planning should be fun, Not Stressful.”

I know, and that’s exactly why I’m here.

That's why I dedicate myself to travel design—so that I, an experienced travel expert who understands the complexities of modern travel, can help you, a busy person with precious vacation time, experience the joy of anticipating your perfect journey without the overwhelming logistics.

03.

A Travel Planning Approach Designed for EVERY JOURNEY

I don't care if you're planning your first cruise or your fifteenth, traveling solo or with three generations in tow—if you're dreaming of extraordinary travel experiences, I'm here to transform those dreams into carefully crafted realities. Whether you're seeking family adventures, romantic getaways, or expedition discoveries, there's a perfect journey waiting to be designed for you.

  • You were an absolute blessing in planning and getting ready for the trip. While traveling with kids and other people is still stressful, you did everything possible to ease that stress and create a memorable experience. Thank you.

    Heather from Missouri

  • Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything! I told Miranda that for every vacation we are going to use you!

    Hunter from Bondurant, IA

  • Donovan helped us make our trip celebrating our baby’s 1st birthday UNFORGETTABLE! Fast solving problems and making sure things were taken care of and that was a great relief to have for sure! We are a military family and life gets pretty hectic. We highly recommend him!

    Stephany from Silverdale, WA

  • Donovan was the best!! He booked our trip without a hitch!! Always answered any questions we had. Was able to give reviews on the cruise we took and destinations we were going to. Helped us with our excursions. I would highly recommend E-L-K Travel Co. We will use them again!!

    Donna from Corpus Christi, TX

  • Donovan did a great job planning our 4 person trip to London and cruising through the Norway fjords. Every step of the way he got the best prices and great seats on our flights. Donovan has a passion for traveling and truly understands how to put together a great trip.

    Taffy from Sulphur Springs, TX

  • Excellent service … great with all reservations!

    Kelli from Midland, TX

  • We found Donovan & ELK Travels this morning when looking for a travel agent to book our cruise vacation package for this fall! Donovan was super thorough and easy to work with and we were able to secure everything we were looking for! We will definitely be using ELK Travels again for future vacations and definitely recommend you do too!!!

    Amber from Brigham City, UT

  • Brianna and Donovan got me and my fiance all booked for our hotel for our Disney trip coming up next month! They were super easy to work with- got my request done within less than an hour! a great deal too! Definitely will be using them for all my travels!

    Amber from Tyler, TX

  • Very helpful, knowledgeable and made planning my first cruise process a breeze!

    Shari from Fort Worth, TX

  • Curated Travel Design

    Picture this: Your dream vacation takes shape effortlessly as we design every detail together.

    Whether you're envisioning an ocean cruise through the Mediterranean, a multi-generational family adventure, or an expedition to Earth's remote corners, you'll have expert guidance every step of the way.

    While you focus on anticipating the excitement of your upcoming journey, I handle all the intricate details—from selecting the perfect cabin or suite to arranging private transfers and designing custom shore excursions.

    With your personal travel expert by your side, experiencing extraordinary travel has never been more effortless.

    START YOUR JOURNEY →
  • Modern building on grassy hill with snow-capped mountains in the background

    Travel Blog & Podcast

    You've probably read countless travel articles and watched endless destination videos—but finding reliable, experience-based guidance is different.

    That's why our travel blog and podcast deliver more than just pretty pictures and generic advice.

    Dive into detailed cruise port guides, discover insider tips for expedition voyages, and gain practical insights for luxury travel experiences.

    Each piece of content is crafted from real expertise and firsthand experience, ensuring you get authentic, actionable travel wisdom that goes beyond the usual tourist trails.

    EXPLORE MORE →
  • Modern wooden house with large window, situated in a mountainous landscape with grassy hills and plants in the foreground.

    Private Travel Community

    Our private Facebook community is more than just another social group—it's a gathering place for curious travelers who understand that extraordinary journeys are worth sharing.

    Connect with fellow adventure seekers, get early access to travel insights, and join engaging discussions about everything from cruise ship selections to expedition planning.

    Plus, as a community member, you'll have direct access to expert travel tips, exclusive destination guides, and a supportive network of like-minded travelers who share your passion for exceptional travel experiences.

    JOIN THE CONVERSATION →

How I Can
Help You

  • You'll embark on your journey with a meticulously crafted travel experience designed specifically for you.

    From selecting the perfect cruise line and cabin category to arranging seamless transfers and memorable shore excursions—every detail is thoughtfully planned to help you say goodbye to travel planning overwhelm and hello to confident, excitement-filled anticipation of your upcoming adventure.

    PERFECT FOR:
    Ideal for travelers seeking expert guidance, whether you're planning a milestone family cruise, a luxury river voyage through Europe, or an expedition to bucket-list destinations. Perfect for those who value their time and want every detail handled with professional care.

  • Dive into our world of travel expertise through our engaging blog, podcast episodes, and exclusive destination guides.

    You'll gain access to insider tips, detailed port guides, and expert insights that transform your travel planning from overwhelming to inspiring.

    Each piece of content is crafted from real-world experience and designed to help you make informed travel decisions.

    PERFECT FOR:
    Perfect for curious travelers who love to research and understand their destinations deeply. Ideal for both first-time cruisers seeking foundational knowledge and experienced travelers looking for expert insights and hidden gems.

  • Join our private Facebook community where you'll connect with fellow travel enthusiasts, gain early access to travel insights, and participate in engaging discussions about destinations, cruise ships, and travel experiences.

    You'll benefit from regular expert Q&As, exclusive travel tips, and a supportive network of like-minded adventurers.

    PERFECT FOR:
    Ideal for social travelers who love sharing experiences and learning from others. Perfect for those who value community insights, whether you're planning your first cruise or your fifteenth adventure.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Have a question that you don't see answered here? Send it on over using the contact form below! I'll be in touch ASAP.


Why should I work with a travel advisor instead of booking directly?

When you work with me, you're getting more than just a booking service—you're gaining a dedicated travel expert who knows the ins and outs of cruise lines, understands the best cabin locations, and can secure exclusive perks and amenities. I handle all the intricate details of your journey, from selecting the perfect itinerary to arranging seamless transfers. Best of all, my services typically come at no additional cost to you, as I'm compensated through my travel industry partnerships.

Do you only work with luxury travelers?

Not at all! While I do specialize in luxury and expedition cruises, I work with a wide range of travelers and budgets. My focus is on creating the right experience for YOU, whether that's a family-friendly Caribbean cruise, a romantic European river voyage, or an expedition to Antarctica. It's about finding the perfect fit for your travel style and preferences.

What happens after I submit my travel inquiry?

Within 24 hours of receiving your inquiry, I'll reach out to schedule your complimentary travel consultation. During this 30-minute call, we'll discuss your travel dreams, preferences, and any specific requirements. From there, I'll begin crafting a personalized travel proposal tailored to your needs. This collaborative process ensures we create the perfect journey together, with every detail aligned with your vision.

How far in advance should I start planning my cruise vacation?

For the best selection of cabins and itineraries, I recommend starting your cruise planning 12-18 months in advance, especially for popular destinations or sailing dates. However, don't worry if you're working with a shorter timeline—I have extensive experience helping clients secure excellent last-minute opportunities as well. The key is beginning the conversation early so we can understand your travel goals and monitor for the perfect opportunity.

What makes your travel planning service different?

My approach goes beyond simply booking your travel arrangements. I create comprehensive journey designs that consider every aspect of your vacation—from pre-cruise stays to shore excursions and special celebrations. I draw upon my extensive destination knowledge, cruise line relationships, and industry expertise to craft seamless experiences. Plus, I remain your dedicated point of contact throughout your journey, ensuring any questions or needs are promptly addressed.