Cindi Sanden - Owner & Luxury Travel Advisor | Awaken Travels
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Cindi Sanden

Owner & Luxury Travel Advisor

Gold Tier Advisor
“My passion is combining my love for exploration with a dedication to serving others - helping you discover what you truly want from a journey and then bringing it to life.”

How My Journey Began

I didn't grow up traveling much, but I did move often - and that sparked a love for being in new places, meeting new people, and experiencing fresh surroundings. When I turned 30 and met my husband, we started traveling together, and I quickly caught the travel bug. I wanted to see the whole world! After a career in social services, helping people in meaningful ways, becoming a travel advisor felt like the perfect fit - it combined my passion for exploration with my dedication to serving others.

Cindi traveling

My Approach to Travel Design

I specialize in off-the-beaten-path and bespoke FIT (Fully Independent Traveler) journeys that require in-depth research and thoughtful design. I love crafting complex itineraries that balance must-see sights with hidden gems, ensuring the trip flows at just the right pace - not rushed, but never stagnant. It's part travel planning, part travel coaching.

Personalized Planning

Whether it's blending two travelers' different interests into one perfect plan or finding the best value for their vision, I dig deep to create experiences that feel personal, seamless, and unforgettable.

Dedicated Service

I'm known for my quick communication, hands-on approach, and dedication to ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

First-Hand Expertise

With travels to nearly 40 countries and 45 U.S. states, my own frequent journeys give me practical, first-hand insights to pair with destination expertise.

An Unforgettable "Yes"

One of my most unforgettable travel memories was on my second trip to Fiji, staying at the incredible Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. We were offered an introductory scuba diving course, and although I'm extremely claustrophobic, I said yes - because I try to always say yes to new experiences. The moment I went under, panic set in. But then I told myself, "No, you're going to do this." Hand over hand, I pulled myself down the rope until I reached the coral. Suddenly, I was surrounded by vibrant fish and breathtaking reefs, and all the fear melted away. It was pure magic - and one of the proudest moments of my life.

Fiji underwater experience

Trained. Tested. Certified.

Certifications & Specialist Designations

I never stop learning. Every credential here was earned through the official advisor training of the cruise line, tour company, resort brand, or tourism board itself, so the advice you get from me is grounded in current, first-hand expertise.

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certifications and specialist designations

Official specialist badges

  • Certified Adventurist

    Certified Adventurist

  • Holland America Line Academy: Platinum

    Holland America Line Academy: Platinum

  • National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Specialist

    National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Specialist

  • PEARLS Accredited Partner

    PEARLS Accredited Partner

  • Princess Academy Commodore

    Princess Academy Commodore

  • Viking Certified Expert: Rivers, Oceans & Expeditions

    Viking Certified Expert: Rivers, Oceans & Expeditions

  • The Fives Specialist

    The Fives Specialist

  • Alaska Certified Expert (ACE): Gold Status

    Alaska Certified Expert (ACE): Gold Status

  • Fiji Matai Bronze Specialist

    Fiji Matai Bronze Specialist

  • Los Cabos Specialist

    Los Cabos Specialist

Cruise Lines (26)

  • Atlas Ocean Voyages logo

    Atlas Expedition Expert

    Atlas Ocean Voyages

    Certified 2026

  • Azamara logo

    Azamara World Academy: Cruises Expert plus Asia, Alaska & Destination Immersion Specialist

    Azamara

    Certified 2026

  • Carnival Cruise Line logoGold

    Carnival Cruise Line Advisor Training: Gold Level

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Certified 2026

  • CBronze

    Celestyal Stars: Bronze

    Celestyal

    Certified 2026

  • UnCruise Adventures logo

    Certified Adventurist

    UnCruise Adventures

    Certified 2026

  • Cunard logo

    Cunard Academy: Staff Captain

    Cunard

    Certified 2026

  • Holland America Line logoPlatinum

    Holland America Line Academy: Platinum

    Holland America Line

    Certified 2026

  • Hurtigruten logo

    Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Course

    Hurtigruten

    Certified 2026

River Cruises, Tours & Vacations (19)

  • ALG Vacations logo

    ALGVPro Certified Specialist: Active 2026

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • AmaWaterways logo

    AmaWaterways Certified Advisor

    AmaWaterways

    Certified 2026

  • ALG Vacations logo

    Amstar Education Series Certified Specialist

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • Avanti Destinations logo

    Avanti Certified Expert (ACE)

    Avanti Destinations

    Certified 2026

  • American Cruise Lines logo

    Certified Travel Advisor for American Cruise Lines

    American Cruise Lines

    Certified 2026

  • Disney logo

    College of Disney Knowledge: All Six Courses

    Disney

    Certified 2026

  • Collette logo

    Collette University: Advisor Learning 101

    Collette

    Certified 2026

  • Emerald Cruises & Tours logo

    Emerald Cruises Agent Academy: River & Yacht Cruising

    Emerald Cruises & Tours

    Certified 2026

Hotels & Resorts (20)

  • AP

    Atlantis Ambassador

    Atlantis Paradise Island

    Certified 2026

  • ALG Vacations logo

    Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Certified Specialist

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • Hyatt Inclusive Collection logo

    Confidant Learning 2025-2026

    Hyatt Inclusive Collection

    Certified 2026

  • ALG Vacations logo

    Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection Certified Specialist

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • ALG Vacations logo

    Hoteles Xcaret Certified Specialist

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • ALG Vacations logo

    Iberostar Certified Specialist

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • ALG Vacations logo

    Karisma Hotels & Resorts Certified Specialist

    ALG Vacations

    Certified 2026

  • LH

    Lopesan Specialist

    Lopesan Hotels & Resorts

    Certified 2026

Destinations & Tourism Boards (62)

  • Travel Alaska logoGold

    Alaska Certified Expert (ACE): Gold Status

    Travel Alaska

    Certified 2026

  • Visit Algarve Portugal logo

    Algarve Portugal Specialist

    Visit Algarve Portugal

    Certified 2026

  • Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau logo

    Amelia Island Insider

    Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

    Certified 2026

  • Visit Anchorage logo

    Anchorage Wild Expert (AWE I)

    Visit Anchorage

    Certified 2026

  • Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority logo

    Antigua and Barbuda Specialist

    Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

    Certified 2026

  • AO

    Arizona Specialist

    Arizona Office of Tourism

    Certified 2026

  • AT

    Aruba Certified Expert (ACE)

    Aruba Tourism Authority

    Certified 2026

  • AT

    Aruba Romance, ACE Program

    Aruba Tourism Authority

    Certified 2026

Airlines (2)

  • Air France-KLM logo

    Air France and KLM Specialist

    Air France-KLM

    Certified 2026

  • Air France logo

    Air France La Première Specialist

    Air France

    Certified 2026

Industry Credentials (2)

  • Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) logo

    CLIA EMBARC: The Essentials of Cruise and Travel

    Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

    Certified 2026

  • TA

    Travel Technology Specialist

    Travel Agent Academy

    Certified 2026

The Little Things

My Perfect Travel Day

Somewhere warm and sunny like Costa Rica or Fiji. I'd spend the day exploring nature and then indulge in an incredible meal to end the night.

Favorite Destination

Fiji has completely stolen my heart. The stunning natural beauty is matched only by the warmth of its people.

Top of My Bucket List

An African safari. I've been glued to wildlife documentaries my whole life and dream of seeing those incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

My Carry-On Must-Have

Gum! It's essential for takeoff and landing so my ears don't pop.

Join Cindi's Travel Crew

Connect with fellow travel enthusiasts in my private Facebook group! Share travel stories, get insider tips, and be the first to hear about exclusive group trips and special offers.

Join the Travel Crew

Follow My Journeys

Schedule a Consultation

I offer several ways for us to connect, from virtual consultations to in-person meetings. Select the option that works best for you and schedule a time on my calendar.

Let's Plan Your Next Unforgettable Journey

Ready to turn your travel dreams into a perfectly designed reality? I'd love to hear about the adventure you have in mind.