“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.
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.
What Travelers Say About Cindi
Real reviews from Google and Yelp that mention Cindi by name, in the travelers' own words.
Trip of a lifetime and Cindi with Awakens Travels was amazing! The trip was everything I had dreamed it would be and more. She made all the arrangements and each one was perfect. I will definitely be connecting with her for our next adventure! Thank you for making our dreams come true ❤️
Cindi and her team helped make our family vacation so much fun and stressless!
Cindi planned the perfect getaway to Costa Rica for us! Leading up to the trip, she kept us well-informed with weekly emails full of helpful tips - what to pack, what to wear, how to get around, and more. Her familiarity with the destination made a big difference, and her insights on the tours we selected were spot on. Our accommodations were absolutely flawless. As my first international trip, it truly couldn’t have been better. Thank you, Cindi - we can’t wait to plan another adventure with you soon!
I had the absolute pleasure working with Cindi to plan my a trip to Punta Cana. Her communication is second to none!
Cindi was amazing helping us navigate planning our trip To Italy and a Mediterranean cruise. She was very patient helping us navigate the complexities of traveling During Covid and insuring our trip to prevent a major loss in the event any of us get Covid before or on our trip. She is very knowledgeable and was great to work with and help us save money and prevented us from making costly mistakes. You can plan a trip yourself and make unnecessary and costly mistakes or use Cindi and have a great trip with few problems. I always call Cindi first before making big travel arrangements. I recommend you do the same.
My go to for travel plans. Always great customer service and extremely helpful. Thanks for all you do Cindi, you are the best.
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.
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.
160
certifications and specialist designations
Official specialist badges
Carnival Cruise Line Advisor Training: Diamond Level Graduate
Celebrity Learning Scholar
Celestyal Stars: Platinum
Certified Adventurist
Cunard Academy: Commodore
Holland America Line Academy: Platinum
Margaritaville at Sea Certified Travel Advisor
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Specialist
PEARLS Accredited Partner
Princess Academy Commodore
Viking Certified Expert: Rivers, Oceans & Expeditions
Alaska Railroad Travel Expert (ARTE)
The Fives Specialist
Alaska Certified Expert (ACE): Gold Status
Fiji Matai Bronze Specialist
Los Cabos Specialist
Cruise Lines (33)
Atlas Expedition Expert
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Certified 2026
Azamara World Academy: Cruises Expert plus Asia, Alaska & Destination Immersion Specialist
Azamara
Certified 2026
Carnival Cruise Line Advisor Training: Diamond Level Graduate
Carnival Cruise Line
Certified 2026
Celebrity Learning Scholar
Celebrity Cruises
Certified 2026
- Platinum
Celestyal Stars: Platinum
Celestyal
Certified 2026
Certified Adventurist
UnCruise Adventures
Certified 2026
Cunard Academy: Commodore
Cunard
Certified 2026
- Platinum
Holland America Line Academy: Platinum
Holland America Line
Certified 2026
River Cruises, Tours & Vacations (26)
African Travel University
African Travel, Inc.
Certified 2026
Alaska Railroad Travel Expert (ARTE)
Alaska Railroad
Certified 2026
ALGVPro Certified Specialist: Active 2026
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
- AR
AMADEUS Experts Program
AMADEUS River Cruises
Certified 2026
AmaWaterways Certified Advisor
AmaWaterways
Certified 2026
Amstar Education Series Certified Specialist
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
Avanti Certified Expert (ACE)
Avanti Destinations
Certified 2026
Certified Travel Advisor for American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines
Certified 2026
Hotels & Resorts (22)
- AP
Atlantis Ambassador
Atlantis Paradise Island
Certified 2026
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Certified Specialist
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
Confidant Learning 2025-2026
Hyatt Inclusive Collection
Certified 2026
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection Certified Specialist
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
Hoteles Xcaret Certified Specialist
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
Iberostar Certified Specialist
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
Karisma Hotels & Resorts Certified Specialist
ALG Vacations
Certified 2026
- LH
Lopesan Specialist
Lopesan Hotels & Resorts
Certified 2026
Destinations & Tourism Boards (75)
- TN
100% Pure New Zealand Graduate Specialist
Tourism New Zealand
Certified 2026
- Gold
Alaska Certified Expert (ACE): Gold Status
Travel Alaska
Certified 2026
Algarve Portugal Specialist
Visit Algarve Portugal
Certified 2026
AlUla Specialist
Experience AlUla
Certified 2026
Amelia Island Insider
Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Certified 2026
Anchorage Wild Expert (AWE I)
Visit Anchorage
Certified 2026
Antigua and Barbuda Specialist
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Certified 2026
- AO
Arizona Specialist
Arizona Office of Tourism
Certified 2026
Airlines (2)
Air France and KLM Specialist
Air France-KLM
Certified 2026
Air France La Première Specialist
Air France
Certified 2026
Industry Credentials (2)
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.
Trip Ideas to Start From
Every trip is planned around you. Pick one of these as a starting point and Cindi will make it yours.
The Ultimate Guide to Fiji's Islands
Discover the magic of Fiji's 333 islands, where breathtaking beaches, thrilling adventures, and luxury resorts await.
Read the guide
Ancient Traditions & Future Dreams: A Japan Highlights Tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Tokyo, Hakone (Mt. Fuji), Kyoto
See the sample itinerary
Cape Town, Vineyards & Big Five: A South African Discovery
10 Days / 9 Nights
Cape Town, Franschhoek, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
See the sample itineraryIn the room. On board. On site.
In-Person Training
Certificates are only part of it. A lot of what I know comes from being there: walking a ship before it sails, touring resorts room by room, and asking the cruise lines, resorts and tourism boards my questions face to face. These are the conferences, trainings, ship inspections and resort tours I have attended since 2016.
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in-person industry events since 2016
- 28Conferences & trade shows
- 17Supplier & destination trainings
- 5Ship inspections & sailings
- 6Resort & destination tours
2026
- Alaska Night supplier showcase (ASTA Chattanooga chapter)Chattanooga, TN
- Royal Caribbean advisor training lunchChattanooga, TN
- American Cruise Lines ship inspectionChattanooga, TN
- Travel advisor roundtable dinner (ASTA Chattanooga chapter)Chattanooga, TN
- Ensemble Horizons 2026 travel advisor conferenceLas Vegas, NV
- Downtown Travel and Avantgarde Vacations lunch and learnChattanooga, TN
- Scenic and Emerald Cruises advisor trainingRinggold, GA
- Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady sailing and Couples Tower Isle resort inspectionMiami, FL and Jamaica
2025
- Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville advisor hotel tourAsheville, NC
- ASTA Chattanooga annual travel trade showChattanooga, TN
- New Zealand destination showcaseChattanooga, TN
- Travel advisor roundtable: Real Talk, Real SolutionsRinggold, GA
- TAMS 2025 travel advisor conferenceMurfreesboro, TN
- St. Kitts and Barbados tourism board training lunchChattanooga, TN
- Hyatt Inclusive Collection, ALG Vacations and Amstar training dinnerChattanooga, TN
- ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2025Salt Lake City, UT
- Limitless Live luxury travel advisor conferenceSan Antonio, TX
- Rocky Mountaineer rail journeys training dinnerRinggold, GA
- Travel advisor marketing workshopChattanooga, TN
- Atlanta Travel & Adventure Show, travel advisor programAtlanta, GA
2024
- Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady ship experience sailingFlorida
- Karisma Hotels & Resorts study tour (a group I led for our ASTA chapter)Cancun, Mexico
- Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism ConferenceUnion City, TN
- Travel Leaders Network regional advisor meetingAtlanta, GA
- Discover New Zealand with Air New ZealandChattanooga, TN
- Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas preview sailingFlorida
- KeyTours lunch and learnChattanooga, TN
- ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024Dallas, TX
- ASTA River Cruise Expo 2024 and Emerald Cruises river cruiseAmsterdam, Netherlands
ASTA is the American Society of Travel Advisors. CLIA is Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise industry's trade group.
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 CrewFollow 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.
Cindi is part of our Chattanooga, Tennessee office.