Watching your kids grow up is a magical thing. From first steps and first words to graduations and weddings, a lifetime of memories can add up quickly. Moments of Magic Travel agent Kristin Smith believes unforgettable moments can exist between the milestones, too. As a mom of two, she has experienced the incredible bonds and lifelong memories that seamless travel can create for families.
“I think the magic comes from the stories,” Smith recalled. “My kids will tell me things from when they were two years old, things I wouldn't think that they could remember. It captured a moment in their brain, but I'm making core memories at the same time. Together, we take our memories and create one larger picture for the family to remember on those trips.”
Dreams about the perfect vacation should not be overwhelmed by the tedious and stressful nature of planning the trip. That is where Smith comes in. By taking the planning off her clients’ plates, she helps to keep those dreams alive. An initial conversation is how she gathers the information to build a vacation to fit each family’s needs. Every detail, from hotel preferences and amenities to excursions and relaxation, is considered within the parameters of a provided budget.
“I know some people love to do it on their own, but even those people could benefit from somebody who is in it day-to-day. There is a lot that we see on the trade side that the public doesn't necessarily see right away. That is a bonus! We can prep our clients for transitions to make the changes easier, so they don't feel it. You have got it taken care of, so it is seamless,” she informed.
One area Smith is exceptionally skilled in navigating is the Walt Disney Company. This includes Adventures by Disney, Disney World, Disneyland (California and abroad) and Disney Cruise Line. A misadventure on her family’s first trip to Disney World is what led Smith to consider a career as a travel planner. She realized that with some research beforehand, it would have been a smoother visit. Now, as someone with access to the right information, she wants every family to experience a Disney adventure the right way.
“I can't even tell you how many Disney trips I've planned. They're all different in some way. That's what keeps it fresh and exciting,” Smith said. “Parents will say, ‘Oh, we love this character, or we love the princesses.’ That's going to tell me to look into Princess Meet and Greets or Princess Dining. A big one right now is Universal Studios that just opened a new park featuring Super Mario Brothers.”
While Disney is a huge draw for many families, what makes Smith an exceptional agent is her ability to guide clients to the best vacation for their family. As part of a network with 130 agents nationwide, she has the contacts in place to provide the best experience for each family member.
"Whether it's Disney, a theme park, cruise or an all-inclusive, all of those skills can be tailored to any location. I've got some neighbors who are very outdoorsy. I told them, ‘I need to get you on a National Geographic trip.’ A lot of people don't even know National Geographic offers tours and guided trips, which I think is a cool experience,” Smith said.
Just like a family doctor or family hairstylist, Smith desires to be a staple in her clients’ lives, a small piece of family memories that can span generations.
"My goal is to start with a family when they're kids,” Smith shared. “Ideally, I would start with them when they're in the younger years and work with them as they get a little bit more adventurous or want to try new things. Then, celebrating graduations, moving into honeymoons, and then planning those multigenerational family trips as well. I'm not just a one-and-done travel agent. I want to be a part of your family. Who wouldn't be ecstatic to have that effect on others!”
Travel tip:
Start the conversation. Smith likes to remind travelers that, many times, booking directly will cost the same as booking through her. Thanks to her knowledge and research, the best deals are always top of mind.
Reach out to schedule a conversation and begin the planning process: ksmith@momentsofmagictravel.com