An Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network
Cruising for the First Time: Why It’s Less Intimidating Than You Think On my recent Virgin Voyages cruise I met a wonderful solo traveler who told me he was late to cruising and wished he had discovered it much earlier. My chat with him led me to write this post.
Sailing Solo on Virgin Voyages: Independence, Community, and No Pressure I’m writing this on day five of a Caribbean sailing aboard Virgin Voyages, currently at sea on the Valiant Lady. As someone who is sailing solo on this voyage, I can say with confidence that Virgin has put considerable thought
Gold Standard: What Virgin Voyages’ Highest Advisor Certification Means for You I’m pleased to share that Tradecraft Travel has been certified by Virgin Voyages as a Gold-level Brand Advisor—the highest certification the cruise line offers. That designation isn’t a badge for the wall. It’s a signal that when you book
What I Learned About Booking Air While Earning My Centrav Air Specialist Certificate When I started Tradecraft Travel and started working toward my Centrav Air Specialist certificate, I assumed airfare would be the least interesting part of travel advising. After all, everyone can search flights online. I considered myself a
Billionaires, Superyachts, and New Year’s Eve: Why St. Barts Becomes the Caribbean’s Most Exclusive Harbor St. Barts Superyacht Order-of-Battle, 31 December 2025 Every December, an unspoken ritual unfolds in the Caribbean. As the calendar approaches New Year’s Eve, the world’s largest and most valuable private yachts quietly converge on the
From Analysis to Itinerary: Why Tradecraft Matters in Travel Advising Before founding Tradecraft Travel, I spent most of my career as an analyst. My job was to provide fair, accurate, and well-sourced information to decision-makers so they could make informed choices in complex environments. The goal was never to push
At Tradecraft Travel, the foundation of every trip begins long before an itinerary is built. It starts with the principles that guide how I listen, plan, and serve. These values reflect both the spirit of exploration and the discipline of experience–shaped by years spent navigating the world with purpose and care. They define how I approach each client relationship and every journey I design, ensuring that travel isn’t just arranged, but thoughtfully crafted with intention.
Every journey begins with confidence in the person planning it. Tradecraft Travel is built on integrity, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right for you--values shaped by decades of public service.
Expertise matters. From firsthand travel experience to deep research and careful analysis, Tradecraft Travel delivers informed information that elevates each itinerary beyond what you can find online.
No two travelers are the same. Every trip is tailored to your interest, comfort level, and style of exploration, ensuring experiences that feel meaningful, not mass-produced.
All clients deserve exceptional care. Tradecraft Travel brings a service-first mindset--responsive support, attention to detail, and a dedication to making every journey smooth, safe, and memorable.
I spent more than three decades in the United States Intelligence Community and retired as a senior officer. I bring my background–my travels, my experience, and my commitment to service–to every itinerary I build. I know trust is earned by showing up for people, listening closely, and taking their safety and satisfaction seriously. I carry that same mindset into this business.