Jillian Gibas formed her travel business during an RV trip around the country in 2020—and she hasn’t looked back since.
A self-described independent traveler who doesn’t particularly enjoy tour groups or packaged itineraries, she aims to offer clients something different: perfectly customized travel plans tailored to their tastes and travel goals.
By partnering with destination specialists native to locations around the globe, Gibas provides highly specific recommendations for any activity clients can imagine—whether dining, shopping, sightseeing, or unique local experiences.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway to the Caribbean or an immersive two-week journey through Europe, Gibas can help make the travel planning process seamless and stress-free. Here are some of her best tips for planning the perfect vacation you’ve been dreaming of.
Start with a goal, not just a destination. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, think about the overall purpose of your trip. Defining that goal early can make a big difference, especially when you’re traveling with a larger group. It helps narrow down destination options and shapes the kinds of experiences you’ll plan along the way.
Accommodations matter. Ideally, you’ll want to stay somewhere centrally located so you’re not constantly relying on taxis or navigating public transportation just to get around. It can make a big difference in how much you’re able to see and do during your trip.
Leave space for breathing room.
Don’t try to do it all. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you have to see and experience everything a city has to offer. If that’s the kind of trip you enjoy, that’s perfectly fine—but remember that travel doesn’t have to mean constantly rushing from place to place.
Start planning earlier than you think.
“The travel industry has never been busier,” says Gibas. Booking early helps ensure you’re able to secure the accommodations, tours, and experiences you want, and it takes much of the stress out of planning. Gibas recommends booking at least six months in advance for spring break trips and six to nine months ahead for travel during the busy holiday season.
Stay organized. Keep all of your confirmation emails in one place in your inbox so they’re easy to find when you need them. Gibas provides her clients with a digital travel itinerary that keeps all of their plans in one convenient place.
Outsource your planning. Of course, there’s also the option to outsource your planning to a travel designer like Gibas. She helps clients plan every detail of their trip—from choosing a destination and booking flights to arranging lodging, tickets, restaurant reservations, and transportation. However, she’s only as involved as her clients want her to be.
“The beautiful thing about working with a travel planner is that you don’t lose control in the process,” Gibas says. “We collaborate step by step to create the trip together.”
For more information, visit JLJ-travel.com or @jljtravel on Instagram.
"The beautiful thing about working with a travel planner is that you don’t lose control. We collaborate step by step to create the trip together."