Family Travel and Featured Trips with Travel Agent Erin Morgenthal

For our final chat with travel guru Erin Morgenthal, we focused on family travel and the incredible featured trips she offers through her work as a travel agent.

Family Travel Tips:

Erin recommended cruises as a fantastic option for families. "Cruises offer built-in entertainment for all ages, which makes them perfect for family travel," she said. She also shared packing tips, money-saving strategies, and advice for traveling with young children.

Traveling with Autistic Kids:

As a Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP), Erin provided invaluable tips for families traveling with autistic children. From sensory-friendly travel strategies to autism-friendly destinations, Erin is dedicated to making travel accessible and enjoyable for every family.

"Preparation is key," Erin emphasized. "Whether it’s requesting special assistance at the airport or finding sensory-friendly activities, there are ways to ensure a smooth travel experience." She gives a lot of tips on how to travel with your autistic child!

Featured Trips for 2025:

Erin also shared some of her featured trips, including an exciting Summer 2025 Greek Isles and Turkey adventure and a Spring Break 2025 getaway.

"These trips are designed with families in mind, offering incredible experiences at great value," she said.

Here’s where to find Erin to connect with her and learn more about planning your next adventure:www.wanderofftravel.com & erinmorgenthal.com, and on instagram at @wanderoffwitherin & @wanderofftravelco

Stay adventurous, Travel Brats!

Comparing & Contrasting Travel Plans with Erin Morgenthal

We’re thrilled to have travel expert Erin Morgenthal with us again to dive into the pros and cons of three popular vacation styles: cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and theme parks.

All-Inclusive Vacations:

In our interview, Erin broke down what’s typically included in all-inclusive packages: meals, drinks, entertainment, activities, airport transfers, and even tips. She shared insights on the dining options, the variety of activities, and potential hidden fees.

"All-inclusives offer great value if you want a hassle-free vacation," Erin said.

Cruising 101:

As a certified cruise specialist, Erin shared why cruising offers a unique way to see multiple destinations with convenience. She books with top cruise lines and highlighted the benefits of doing excursions through the cruise line versus independently.

"Cruises offer something for everyone," Erin noted. "You can find relaxation, adventure, and amazing dining experiences all in one place."

Theme Park Adventures:

When it comes to theme parks, timing is everything. Erin offered tips on visiting during off-peak times, saving money on tickets, and making the most of tools like FastPass or Genie+ at Disney.

"Theme parks can be magical for families, but planning ahead is key," she said.

Comparing the Experiences:

"All-inclusives offer relaxation, cruises offer variety, and theme parks provide excitement. It all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for."

Here’s where to find Erin to connect with her and learn more about planning your next adventure: www.wanderofftravel.com & erinmorgenthal.com, and on instagram at @wanderoffwitherin & @wanderofftravelco

Check out this week’s episode as well as our last episode to get all of the details from Erin Morgenthal!

Hello, Travel Brats! Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a travel expert and vacation planner extraordinaire, Erin Morgenthal. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked beach retreat, a mountain expedition, a cultural immersion in a vibrant city, or a luxurious cruise across the seas, Erin’s got you covered!

Erin owns Wander Off Travel and holds certifications as a travel associate, cruise counselor, and autism travel professional. Whether you are a family, a solo traveler, or any adventure seeker, Erin is all about turning your wanderlust into a reality that fits your travel style.

While chatting with Erin for the podcast, she shared that her love of travel started early. Originally from North Central Indiana, after growing up on a farm, at 18 Erin moved to Chicago and spent 20 years there, and now resides in central Florida, where she helps clients create unforgettable travel experiences.

"Travel has always been a part of who I am," Erin explained. "I love exploring new places and helping others do the same." She was inspired as a child by her Grandmother, who was an intrepid traveler and never stopped going to new and exciting places.

The Story Behind Erin’s business, Wander Off Travel, began in 2018 after she had been helping people plan trips to Disney - starting out more casually and then making the transition to getting paid to plan trips for people! Her approach to travel planning is all about personalization, and she loves working as a luxury travel concierge.

She starts by understanding her clients’ needs. Asking them good and specific questions to get a clear picture of what they want out of the trip. From there, she focuses on creating value and finding the best experiences, whether it’s flights, activities, or accommodations. “In the travel industry there are so many options,” Erin shared. “But what I provide is creating an experience for my clients. It’s curating an itinerary and making sure that they leave their trip, come home, and feel like they got something out of it.”

Erin really wants travel to be accessible to everyone! And when it comes to deals versus value, Erin prioritizes giving her clients the best experience for their budget. "Sometimes the best deal isn’t the cheapest option," she noted. "It’s about finding what brings the most joy and convenience to your trip."

Some of Erin’s favorite destinations with all her travel expertise, include the below:

• Cruises: Erin loves the river cruises in Europe (Ama & Viking, especially!), Royal Caribbean & the newer Carnival ships (family), and Virgin Voyages (adult only)
• Honduras or Costa Rica as a tropical destination
• New York City
• All-Inclusive Resorts: Her top picks include the Hyatt Zilara in the DR, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, and Secrets Resorts for adults
• Theme Parks: Erin is a huge fan of Walt Disney World, as well as Disneyland, but also really loves Universal in Florida
• National Parks: Yellowstone, Denali, Moab, The Grand Canyon

Here’s where to find Erin to connect with her and learn more about planning your next adventure:

www.wanderofftravel.com

& erinmorgenthal.com, and on instagram at @wanderoffwitherin & @wanderofftravelco