Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Expert cruise planning, theme park insider knowledge, and travel experiences crafted for those ready to explore the world on their own terms.
Hi, I'm Stephanie
Hi, I'm Stephanie, a travel advisor, lifelong explorer, and the friend who actually answers when you ask "where should I go?"
I specialize in cruises and Florida theme parks, and I bring every bit of my own travel experience to yours. Whether you've never set foot on a ship or you've lost count of your sailings, I'll help you find the trip that actually fits your life, your budget, your style, and the people coming with you.
This Is Vacation Architecture
I don't just book trips. I design the full experience, from the moment you leave your front door to the moment you return home. Every detail, every day, every moment you might need, planned, prepared, and personalized for you.
CRUISES
From Caribbean escapes to Alaskan adventures, I help you find the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right experience, whether it's your first sailing or your fortieth.
THEME PARKS
Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, all the Disney parks, and beyond. I know theme parks, the passes, the skip-the-line tricks, and how to make a theme park trip feel like a vacation, not a marathon.
💡 Did you know working with a travel advisor is free? I'm paid by the companies, not by you. Whether it's a cruise, hotel or a day at the parks.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Find your perfect cruise match in 2 minutes
Answer 10 quick questions about your travel style
Get matched to the cruise line that fits you best
Find out which ship, vibe, and itinerary is actually yours
Then let's make it happen
What Travelers Are Saying
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
Find Your Perfect Sailing
Whether you've never set foot on a ship or you've lost count of your sailings, I'll help you find the cruise that actually fits your life, your budget, your travel style, and the people coming with you.
How the Booking Process Works
Simple, stress-free, and personalized to you
Access to the world's leading cruise lines and exclusive perks, these are the cruise lines I work with:
Step 1: Start With the Right Line
💡 Did you know you don't have to stay loyal to one cruise line? Most lines will match loyalty perks so you can explore freely without losing your status or benefits.
Not all cruise lines are created equal
Every line has its own personality -- party energy, family focused, luxury refined, adults only, adventure driven• The ship size, dining style, entertainment, and vibe vary dramatically from line to line
• You don't have to stay loyal to one line -- most lines will match loyalty perks so you can explore
• Narrowing to 1-3 lines before you start planning saves time and avoids decision fatigue
• Do you love doing your own research? Great -- bring me what you find and I'll make sure you're not leaving perks on the table
• Have no idea where to start? That's what the quiz is for
Step 2: Before You Plan
💡 Did you know you can do as much or as little research as you want and still get the best deal? Bring me everything you found, or bring me nothing. I'll take it from there.
You don't have to have it all figured out
Whether you've done all the research or none of it, that's okay. Here's what helps me find the right fit faster:• How many people are coming and who they are (adults, kids, mixed group)
• Where in the world you want to go, or even just a vibe (warm, tropical, European)
• Your budget range, even a rough one
• How far out you're thinking, next few months or a year from now
• How much you already know, I work with first-timers and veterans the same way
Step 3: Working With Me
💡 Did you know paying in full too early can work against you? Keeping a balance on your booking gives me room to price match if rates drop before your sail date.
This is where it gets exciting
You've told me what you want. Now I go to work.• I'll reach out within 24-48 hours to confirm details and ask any follow up questions
• I come back with 2-3 curated options that actually fit your budget, travel style, and group
• Together we pick the itinerary, cabin type, dining options, and any add-ons worth considering
• Once you've decided, I'll collect full legal names, birthdays, and passport info for everyone traveling
• We sort out deposit or full payment and set up a payment plan if you're booking far enough out
Step 4: After You Book
💡 Did you know most cruise lines have an app that controls almost everything onboard? Dining reservations, excursions, your daily schedule - all from your phone.
You're booked. Now the fun really starts.
The hard part is behind you. Here's what to expect between now and boarding day:• You'll receive a personalized cruise guide from me with everything you need before you sail, packing tips, what to buy, what to expect and more
• Download your cruise line's app as soon as you book. Every major line has one and it controls more than you think, from dining reservations to your daily schedule
• Check in online as soon as it opens, usually 30 to 45 days before sailing
• Packages like drinks, dining, and WiFi are almost always cheaper before you board than onboard
• Popular excursions sell out early, start browsing sooner than you think you need to
• Your luggage tags and travel documents will arrive closer to sail date
Step 5: On the Ship
💡 Did you know gratuities and tipping are two different things? Gratuities are automatically charged daily to your account. Tipping in cash directly to your steward or favorite bartender is always appreciated but never required.
You made it. You're actually on the ship.
This is the moment everything was planned for. A few things to know so you can focus on having the best time:• Pool towels are provided onboard but are tracked to your cabin.
• Check your onboard account nightly through the app so nothing surprises you on the last day
• Use the app to message your travel group onboard for free instead of using your phone plan
• Book shows and specialty restaurant reservations as early as possible, popular ones fill up fast
• Your sea day is not a lazy day unless you want it to be - check the daily schedule in the app every morning
Step 6: After the Trip
💡 Did you know crew members rely heavily on post-cruise surveys for their performance reviews and job security? A few kind words can genuinely change someone's situation.
Welcome home. Now let's wrap it up right.
The trip is over but a few things will make a difference for your next one and for the crew that made it special:• Check your final onboard statement for any charges you don't recognize. It's easier to dispute before too much time passes
• Fill out your post-cruise survey from the cruise line. It takes 5 minutes and directly impacts the crew's performance ratings and livelihood. It matters more than you think
• Share your photos! Tag me on socials, I love seeing the trips come to life
• Leave a review or testimonial below. It helps other travelers find me and I genuinely appreciate every single one
• Already thinking about the next trip? Good. Let's start planning 😄
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
More Fun. Less Chaos.
Theme parks are incredible, and overwhelming if you don't know the tricks. I'm based in Florida and I know these parks well. Let me help you plan a visit that's actually enjoyable.
Why Work With a Theme Park Expert?
Theme parks are my specialty. I'll help you avoid common mistakes
and create magical memories.
Parks I Specialize In
Florida is my home and my specialty. These are the parks I know inside and out.
Let's Make Your Park Day Unforgettable
Skip the stress and the guesswork. I'll build a plan around your group, your budget, and the experiences that matter most to you.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
The Most Magical Place on Earth Deserves the Right Plan
I know the parks, the resorts, the tricks, and the traps. I'll build a plan around your family, your pace, and the moments that matter most.
Walt Disney World Florida
Four parks. Endless magic. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Magic Kingdom
The heart of Disney World. Classic rides, fairy tale castles, parades, and fireworks. Perfect for first-timers and families with little ones.
Animal Kingdom
More than a zoo — it's a full day of adventure. Avatar, safari rides, live entertainment, and some of Disney's most underrated dining.
Epcot
Part world showcase, part innovation experience. Amazing food, international cultures, and festivals year-round. A must for foodies and adults.
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars, Toy Story, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The most thrill-packed park in the resort.
Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's largest water park. Massive wave pool, lazy river, and water slides for every age. Best visited early morning before the crowds hit.
Blizzard Beach
A ski resort that melted — that's the theme and it works. Summit Plummit is one of the fastest water slides in the world. Not for the faint of heart.
Disney Springs
No park ticket needed. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and some of the best restaurants on Disney property. A great first night or rest day option.
Disney Planning Essentials
Let's Make Your Park Day Unforgettable
Skip the stress and the guesswork. I'll build a plan around your group, your budget, and the experiences that matter most to you.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
Thrills, Worlds, and Magic Around Every Corner
From the Wizarding World to the brand new Epic Universe, Universal Orlando keeps getting bigger. Let me help you plan it right.
Universal Studios Orlando Parks
Universal Orlando has three theme parks, a water park, and a City Walk.
Universal Studios
The original Universal park. Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley, Despicable Me, and some of the most immersive theming you'll find anywhere. A must for Harry Potter fans.
Islands of Adventure
Where the thrills live. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the Jurassic World ride, and Dr. Doom's Fearfall. This is the park for serious ride lovers and Potter fans who want Hogsmeade.
Epic Universe
Brand new in 2025 and already redefining theme parks. Five immersive worlds including the Wizarding World, Monster-verse, How to Train Your Dragon, and more. This is the one everyone is talking about right now.
Volcano Bay
Universal's water park built around a massive volcano. Slides, lazy river, wave pool, and the TapuTapu wristband that lets you virtual queue rides from anywhere in the park.
City Walk
No park ticket needed. Restaurants, bars, shopping, and entertainment right at the resort entrance. A great spot for your first night or a late evening after the parks close.
Universal Planning Essentials
Let's Make Your Park Day Unforgettable
Skip the stress and the guesswork. I'll build a plan around your group, your budget, and the experiences that matter most to you.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
Thrills, Animals, and Adventures the Whole Family Will Talk About
United Parks has something no other resort can offer — world-class thrills AND genuine animal experiences. Let me show you what you're missing.
United Parks & Resorts
SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove in Orlando and Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa.
SeaWorld Orlando
Thrilling coasters, up-close animal encounters, and world-class shows all in one park. Mako, Ice Breaker, and Pipeline are some of the best rides in Florida. Don't sleep on the animal experiences — they're genuinely unforgettable.
Aquatica
SeaWorld's water park right across the street from the main park. Fast slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and unique animal elements you won't find at any other water park. A great add-on day for families.
Discovery Cove
The hidden gem of Florida theme parks. A reservations-only, all-inclusive day resort where you swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and fish, and relax on white sand beaches. Limited daily guests means no crowds. Worth every penny for a special occasion.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Florida's thrill capital. Cheetah Hunt, Montu, Tigris, and Iron Gwazi — one of the best coaster lineups in the entire Southeast. Animal encounters woven throughout make it unlike any other thrill park.
Adventure Island
Busch Gardens' water park next door in Tampa. A full day of slides, a wave pool, and lazy river. Best combined with a Busch Gardens visit for a two-day Tampa trip.
United Parks Planning Essentials
Let's Make Your Park Day Unforgettable
Skip the stress and the guesswork. I'll build a plan around your group, your budget, and the experiences that matter most to you.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
How Was Your Trip?
Your experience matters and so does your feedback. A few minutes of your time helps me grow, helps future travelers find me, and gives the crew the recognition they deserve. I can't wait to hear all about it.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
Find Your Perfect Cruise Match!
Royal Caribbean? Virgin Voyages? MSC? Princess? There are so many options and not all of them are right for everyone. Take this quick quiz and find out exactly where you belong, then let's make it happen.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
Let's Start Planning.
Tell me a little about your dream trip and I'll be in touch to start putting it together — completely free.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.
About Stephanie
I've Always Been the One Planning the Trip.
Florida-based travel advisor specializing in cruises, theme parks, and the kind of trip you actually come home talking about.
My Story
For as long as I can remember, travel has been my happy place. The research, the anticipation, the moment someone sees something for the first time and lights up — that's what gets me. Friends and family have always come to me with their travel questions, and I've always loved helping them find the right trip, the right deal, the experience that fits their life.I finally made it official. I became a travel advisor with Cornerstone Collective and launched Empower Your Journey Travel — and what I thought I knew about travel turned out to be just the beginning.I'm a Florida-based advisor specializing in cruises and theme parks, with a particular focus on women's travel, inclusive experiences for adults with special needs, and helping Canadians navigate US destinations. I've sailed with Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more — with Alaska, MSC, and others on the horizon. I hold certifications from multiple cruise lines and theme park suppliers, and I keep learning because this industry rewards the curious.I work with families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. I'm patient with first-timers and I don't judge a budget. What I care about is that you come home having had the trip you actually wanted.If you've ever felt like travel is too complicated, too expensive, or not for someone like you — that's exactly who I'm here for.
Credentials & Memberships
Trained, Certified & Constantly Learning
I hold certifications from multiple cruise lines and theme park suppliers, and I keep learning because this industry rewards the curious.
"I don't just book trips. I help you figure out which trip is actually yours."
Ready to Start Planning?
There's no obligation and no pressure — just a conversation about where you want to go. I'd love to help you get there.
Travel with Confidence.
Explore with Purpose.
Come Back Changed.
QUICK LINKS
© 2025 Empower Your Journey Travel. All rights reserved.
Seller of Travel registrations held by Cornerstone Collective.