Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Bracken.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
25 Years of Travel: From Family Cruises to Global Adventures
When I started my travel company 25 years ago, the internet was still in its infancy. Expedia had just launched, but most people were hesitant to book anything online, especially something as personal and important as a family vacation. Cruise lines didn’t have the robust online booking engines they do now—if you wanted to plan a cruise, you needed someone you could trust. That’s where I came in.
At the time, I was a mom to three young daughters. Traveling with kids wasn’t just something I recommended—it was something I lived. I understood the chaos of packing, the need for kid-friendly dining options, and how important it was to balance fun for the kids with relaxation for the parents. I knew what families wanted from a vacation, because I was planning those same getaways for my own.
I quickly found a natural fit with Disney Cruise Line. Their commitment to family-friendly cruising matched perfectly with my client base, and thanks to my deep understanding of what families needed and my hands-on service, I became their top producer for five consecutive years. I offered personalized planning, exclusive discounts, and onboard credits that made dream vacations not just magical—but also affordable.
As my business grew, so did my clients. The families I once helped with their first cruise began to return for new adventures—anniversaries, multi-generational trips, and escapes beyond the Caribbean. That’s when I began to expand my expertise to other cruise lines, land tours, and specialty travel.
Today, my specialty is group travel, escorted tours, and river cruises. I work with couples, groups of friends, retirees, and yes—still plenty of families—to plan unforgettable journeys across Europe, Asia, and beyond. River cruising has become one of my most in-demand services, offering a more intimate and immersive way to explore the world.
A lot has changed in 25 years. The internet is everywhere, and cruise bookings can be made in just a few clicks. But what hasn’t changed is the value of a trusted advisor—someone who knows the difference between a good vacation and a truly unforgettable one.
I built my business on trust, expertise, and personal experience. And after 25 years, I’m just as passionate about travel—and helping others discover it—as I was when I started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like every journey, mine came with its fair share of challenges. As technology evolved, online booking engines improved dramatically. Suddenly, people had the option to book directly without ever speaking to a travel advisor. There were moments when I worried whether personal travel planning would still have a place in this new, digital-first world. But I learned to adapt. I focused on what online platforms couldn’t offer: personalized expertise, firsthand experience, and a human connection. I leaned into relationships, not transactions—and that made all the difference.
Then came COVID.
Overnight, the travel industry came to a halt. Cruises were canceled. Tours were suspended. Clients were anxious and unsure—and I was, too. It was one of the most challenging periods I’ve faced professionally and personally. There were endless rebookings, refunds, and hours spent staying up to date with ever-changing protocols. But through it all, I remained committed to my clients. I saw my role not just as a travel planner, but as a steady hand in uncertain times.
When travel slowly returned, something beautiful happened. People came back—not just because they missed traveling, but because they now understood the value of having someone by their side who could navigate the unexpected. That trust, built over years, deepened during the pandemic.
Today, my business has evolved far beyond where it started. I still help families, of course, but my specialties now include group travel, river cruises, and escorted tours around the world. I work with couples, retirees, and multi-generational groups looking for deeper, richer travel experiences.
It’s been 25 years of change, growth, and resilience. I’ve seen the highs and the lows. I’ve watched my daughters grow up and take their own journeys. And I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of clients explore the world, one trip at a time.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud—not just of how far my business has come, but of how it’s weathered every storm. And I’m excited for what’s still ahead. Because travel isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cruise Planners / Travel Pro Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
More Than a Booking – A Full-Service Travel Experience
Over the past 25 years, my travel business has grown far beyond what I ever imagined when I started with just a phone, a notepad, and a deep passion for helping families create lasting memories. Today, we are a full-service travel company known not just for planning trips—but for being a true partner in your travel experience from beginning to end.
From the moment a client reaches out, we’re by their side every step of the way. It starts with listening—really listening—to what kind of experience they’re looking for. Then comes the research: carefully matching destinations, cruise lines, resorts, or tours to their needs. We handle the booking process, coordinate airline reservations, secure travel insurance, and provide expert advice on everything from visa requirements to what to pack for a safari in South Africa or a Danube river cruise in winter.
Our clients travel to all corners of the globe—many for the first time. They trust us because we remove the guesswork and bring peace of mind. That’s especially important when visiting unfamiliar countries, trying out new travel styles like river cruising, or planning multi-stop itineraries with a mix of tours, transfers, and flights.
We are best known for two things: adventure and luxury travel. And when we say “luxury,” we’re not just talking about five-star resorts or first-class flights—though we certainly book those. We believe real luxury is having a knowledgeable advocate on your side. Someone who knows your preferences, who answers your call when you need help abroad, and who makes sure the details are handled so you can focus on enjoying the journey. That’s a level of service the internet simply can’t offer.
What truly sets us apart is our exceptional team of travel advisors. We are a close-knit group of four professionals, each bringing unique strengths, insights, and regional expertise. Our team is based in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Florida—and I couldn’t be more proud of the group we’ve built.
Each advisor shares the same commitment to exceptional service, integrity, and building genuine relationships with our clients. We are travelers ourselves, constantly learning, exploring, and seeking out new experiences to pass along to those we serve.
This business has never just been about bookings—it’s about people. It’s about the honeymooners starting their life together in Santorini, the families reconnecting on an Alaskan cruise, the retirees finally taking that dream trip to the Galápagos. It’s about being a trusted voice, a helping hand, and a true partner in one of life’s most joyful pursuits: exploring the world.
As we look to the future, I remain deeply committed to growing with intention, always keeping our clients at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re planning your very first trip or your fiftieth, we’re honored to be your guide.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The Role of Luck in My Life and Business
Luck has absolutely played a role in my life and in building my travel business—but I’ve come to realize that luck alone doesn’t build something that lasts. It’s what you do with those moments of luck—good or bad—that really defines the outcome.
When I started my agency 25 years ago, I didn’t know I was stepping into a golden window of opportunity. Back then, cruise lines were still building their online presence, and many people didn’t trust the internet with something as personal as travel. That timing—being early enough to build deep client relationships before the digital shift—was, in many ways, good luck. But I matched that luck with hard work, long nights, and a relentless commitment to my clients.
Having three young daughters at the time, I found myself naturally attracting other families who were looking for travel guidance. That, too, was a kind of luck—being able to relate so closely to my ideal client. But turning that shared experience into five straight years as a top producer for Disney Cruise Line? That was the result of dedication, listening, and always going the extra mile.
Of course, not all luck is good.
COVID-19 was the kind of bad luck no one could have prepared for. It shook the entire travel industry to its core. Trips were canceled, borders closed, and uncertainty ruled every conversation. But even in that incredibly challenging time, I saw the power of showing up—for my clients and for my team. It tested everything I had built, and I’m proud to say we came through it stronger, more resilient, and more deeply connected to the why behind what we do.
I’ve also had the good luck of working with an incredible team of advisors from Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Florida—people who care as deeply about our clients as I do. That kind of team chemistry is rare, and I don’t take it for granted for a second.
At the end of the day, I believe luck opens doors—but it’s your preparation, your passion, and your perseverance that determine whether you walk through them successfully. So yes, I’ve had some lucky breaks—but I’ve also learned to create my own luck by showing up, working hard, adapting to change, and staying grounded in service.
And in the travel business—where so much is out of your control—learning to roll with the punches and trust your instincts might just be the best luck of all.
Pricing:
- We offer incentives for every booking we make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.travelprostudio.com
- Instagram: @travelprostudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelProStudioLLC and https://www.facebook.com/carol.bracken7777/
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jameskentbracken (co-owner)
Image Credits
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
