The Unique Traveler is escorting travelers on tours and river cruises around the world. Not only do we have discounted rates for our travelers, Kristi will also be traveling with the group for a seamless stress free vacation
July 17-26, 2025
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube river or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.
November 1-12, 2025
Lively Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” offers a vibrant mix of old and new and provides the perfect start to your incredible journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering a glimpse into another era; one where people still happily honor the timeless traditions passed down through the centuries from their ancestors. Throughout your trip, immerse yourself into the culture and heritage with visits to rural villages, historic pagodas and colorful markets. Be treated to a special blessing by monks in Buddhist monastery, and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies. Experience all this and more on this life-enriching cruise along the Mekong. Conclude your Mekong journey and indulge your inner adventurer in Siem Reap, exploring the grand temples of Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
COUNTRIES: CAMBODIA, VIETNAM
RIVERS: MEKONG
December 6-13, 2025
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
COUNTRIES: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND
RIVERS: RHINE
You can say the travel industry and hospitality is in my blood. I come from a long line of family members who have worked in travel, which started with my Grandfather working with New York Central Railroad. After that came my parents, aunts, uncles and siblings working for airlines, resorts, cruise lines and travel agencies. It was only natural for me to follow in the family business.
I earned a degree in Hospitality Management with an emphasis in Travel & Tourism from San Jose State University. Since then I have worked in many areas of Hospitality over the last 25 years. Including an internship with the Disney College Program.
I am thrilled to now own my agency and pass on my knowledge, expertise and passion for travel to my clients. Thank you for your interest in my services. I look forward to working with you.
I focus on Family and Multi-generational travel, especially those families who are celebrating something special. I believe some of the best, most long-lasting memories you will ever make will be with your family on a vacation, so I also serve on the Family Travel Association Board to make sure I know what great opportunities there are available for family travel.
Whether your next vacation is taking you to an all-inclusive resort, an Alaskan or Caribbean cruise or you are visiting Mickey Mouse or Harry Potter, let me share my love of travel with you. I have had extensive training and also personal knowledge on many destinations that I will use to plan the perfect vacation for you.
I want to be your travel advocate to ensure your next vacation is the one you will always treasure. When you are ready to travel, I am ready to make your travel dreams into travel memories!
First we like to start with a consultation. This will ensure we have all the necessary information to create your vacation proposal. We can do phone or email, whatever method you prefer. We will gather information about those traveling, discuss the type of trip you are looking for, and your approximate budget. Together we'll discuss what is important for you to see and do.
After our consultation, if we are a good match to work together, you are welcome to hire us as your travel advisor. Click below for custom planning & research fees and to schedule a consultation.
• Phone or email consultation
• 25+ Years of experience and travel planning expertise
• Planning a unique and custom itinerary
• Provide a professional trip proposal
• Working with a worldwide network of travel partners
• Review of current travel policies, health protocols and requirements for destinations
• Arranging and coordinating all travel components
• Coordination of group flights, rooms, transfers, tours, and any additional group arrangements
• Travel Protection Plan advice
• Cancellation & Change Support
• Personalized itinerary provided in my custom Trips Plans app
• In travel support via text/phone/email for questions or emergencies that may arise
• Travel Advocate Assistance from today until you return home from your vacation
We got back from our fantastic trip to Turkey . It was a great trip arranged and coordinated very well . We were at ease and not stressed at all . We could see a lot , experience the culture and diversity and history of the country .
Will be recommending your services and prompt professional approach to many of our friends and families planning their future trips .
Appreciate you and your team and will look forward planning our future trips with you as well .
Absolutely incredible service. Kristi planned and managed every facet of my vacation so perfectly, that everything was buttery smooth for me and my family. I cannot recommend her and The Unique Traveler enough. Please hire them for your next vacation! You will not regret it.
There is no one better! Kristi has planned three major trips for our family. One was a trip to Ireland and England for all 13 of us... Grandma and Grandpa, our children, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren (the youngest being 2 years old.) Kristi managed people flying at different times, found perfect places for us to stay, arranged for a bus that stayed with us for 10 days in Ireland, and booked lots of activities. It was a complicated, epic trip of a lifetime and came off without a hitch - thanks to her perfect planning. The second was a trip to Italy, Croatia and Greece. We really gave her a challenge as we met up with family for part of the trip. Again her planning and attention to detail was flawless. The third trip was this past May when we spent 3 weeks in Switzerland. Some personal happenings caused us to have to ask Kristi to change things several times.... all done efficiently and patiently. The bottom line is that I would never consider using anyone else to plan our travels. She is the best!
We will NOT travel without Kristi! We always know we're getting the most value for our dollar when she puts together a vacation plan for us. And if something goes sideways with a vendor or a flight, Kristi knows the solution. She's professional, helpful and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend her enough!
Kristi was wonderful to work with when planning our trip to Italy. She was very familiar with Italy as she has been on more than one occastion. She shared her personal experiences which were very helpful (train system(s), flights, excursions, tours, culture, food). I loved the app she developed for us, so that when we were there, our daily itinerary was available with confirmation numbers, phone numbers, and other useful information. Kristi was also very responsive when I had questions that popped up during the planning process. We even had an issue while in Italy with a train cancellation, and when I sent her a message she reposnded back promptly, guiding us through a somewhat stressful situation. The amount Kristi charges which is VERY reasonable, is worth every penny as it provides peace of mind when traveling to a place you have never been. Thank you Kristi, you will be my forever travel consultant.
Kristi Howard
916-521-2396
Kristi@theuniquetraveler.com
Angie Wheeler
314-409-0425
Angie@theuniquetraveler.com
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