Happy Travelers Dream Vacations

Dream Vacations Don't Require Dream Budgets. Just a Dream

Expert planning. Any budget. All adventures.
Anything you can Imagine.

"All I had to do was get in my car and go!"

" Made us realize that even though both of us are on social security, travel and fun are achievable"

"Her experience and knowledge helped me to have one of the best experiences"

Stop wasting hours on travel sites that don't know what you actually need.

I plan personalized vacations that match YOUR budget, YOUR interests, and YOUR schedule—without charging you a dime. Yes, really.

Start Planning Your Next Adventure See What's Possible

24/7 Support While You Travel

No Hidden Fees Ever

Certified & Continuously Trained

Colorful coastal village buildings overlook the serene sea under a bright blue sky.

Two people in helmets holding hands on red ATVs, wearing neon vests, enjoy an outdoor adventure under a clear sky.

Colorful waterfront buildings in Willemstad, Curaçao with a view of the sea and a docked boat.

Two people parasailing with harnesses against a cloudy sky, enjoying an adventurous high-flying experience.

Ancient Greek Temple Ruins under Blue Sky with Clouds at Cape Sounion, Greece.

Travel

How I help you travel better.

Expertly designed trips for every traveler's unique journey.

Budget-Conscious Adventures

Whether you're a family, fixed-income travelers, first-time international explorers, or anyone who thinks " I can't afford that", I'm here to help.

See What's Possible

Voluntourism and Purpose Driven Travel

Impact-seekers, cultural exchange enthusiasts, people who want travel to mean something deeper

Travel With Purpose

Mother gorilla with baby on her back in a lush forest setting, highlighting wildlife in their natural habitat.

Affordable and Stress-Free Cruises

Anyone who wants all-inclusive simplicity. Unpack once and see a new country every day.

Cruise With Confidence

Smiling person in front of a large cruise ship by the rocky seaside, under a clear sky.

Stop Wasting Hours on Travel Sites. Let Me Handle It For Free.

You’re spending hours comparing flights, hotels, and activities across a dozen websites and making spreadsheets, and second-guessing every choice. Then you finally book… and worry you paid too much or picked the wrong place. Vacations are only as good as the planning that goes into them.

There’s a better way. The best part? It costs you nothing.

Child packing suitcase with clothes while sitting on floor near bed, preparing for travel adventure.

Working With Happy Traveler

30-minute conversation, then I handle everything

Curated options specifically matched to YOU

Complete transparency—no hidden surprises

Access to deals and rates the public doesn't see

24/7 human support via text or phone call

Expert guidance based on your preferences and budget

Avoid costly mistakes before you make them

Real person who actually cares about your experience

Industry connections and insider knowledge

Excitement and confidence, zero stress

DIY Booking Platforms

10+ hours of research time

Overwhelmed by infinite options

Risk of hidden fees and surprise charges

No idea if you're getting a good deal

Zero support when things go wrong

Generic recommendations that might not fit YOU

Risk of booking the "wrong" option (wrong room, location, timing)

Chatbot customer service at 3am

Miss out on deals and perks you don't know exist

Stress, second-guessing, vacation-planning burnout

Traveler Stories

Real experiences from adventurers like you.

Scenic view of a glacier nestled between mountains under a clear blue sky, with a tranquil lake in the foreground.

We'd never cruised before, so I was nervous about the entire adventure. From first contact, Kelly was there to inform us, make arrangements, and calm my nerves. We just returned home to Kansas and couldn't wait to share what a wonderful time we had on our Alaskan cruise. Serenade of the Seas was the perfect ship—smaller, with fewer people, awesome staff, entertainment, and food. The room exceeded expectations with much more space than anticipated, and being gently rocked to sleep each night was unbeatable. We've caught the cruising bug and would seriously consider another cruise.

Deb, Alaskan Cruise

Family splashing water at beachside pool on sunny day, enjoying fun and laughter together.

Kelly was fantastic. Her communication was great and I always appreciate good communication! She knew how to get the best deals. All I had to do was get in my car and go! She handled the annoying stuff that I don’t want to do! :) She’s planning my next trip for a couple of months from now too!

Brittany, Florida Beach Vacation

Beach chairs with colorful sombreros and blankets by the ocean, drinks on a table. Perfect tropical getaway scene.

Had some flight disruption due to who knows what! Plane delays, weather, whatever it was. Kelly was on top of it and everything was smooth.

Michael, Mexican Riviera

I wanted a vacation that was not all tourist spots. Kelly booked me some great tours off the beaten paths. She understood what I was wanting and totally delivered. I had lots of free time to explore on my own and had several guided tours outside of Florence and Rome. It was the perfect balance.

Pat, Florence, Italy

Two people smiling at Ramla Bay beach, Malta, with a scenic view of the sandy shore and turquoise water in the background.

Kelly Gilbert has expertly planned several trips for me, most recently a Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Barcelona. She secured cost-effective flights, a 4-star hotel facing the Acropolis, and arranged wheelchair assistance for smooth boarding. For each port, Kelly hired vetted, bilingual local guides tailored to my interests—including a retired teacher-turned-driver in Naples who took us to an unforgettable pizzeria, and a student guide through the Vatican's highlights in Rome. Kelly handled every detail of this amazing trip with efficiency and a smile. I heartily recommend her to anyone planning a cruise or trip.

Sarah Jean, Mediterranean Cruise

Your Path to Unforgettable Memories.

I make travel planning smooth and straightforward.

Start Dreaming

Tell Me Your Dreams

A quick call, video chat, or email where I learn about:

Where you want to go (or where you’re open to discovering)
Your realistic budget
Your travel style and must-haves
Any concerns or special needs

I Do All the Research

I tap into industry connections, insider knowledge, and years of experience to:

Find options you’d never discover on Google
Avoid tourist traps and overpriced disappointments
Get you deals the public doesn’t see
Curate personalized recommendations

We'll Fine-Tune Together

I present your custom options with honest pros/cons, then we adjust until it feels perfect. No pressure. No commission-chasing. Just genuine guidance.

Plus, I’ve got your back after booking—I monitor prices on your vacation, whether it’s all-inclusive, a cruise, or flights. If prices drop, I rebook at the lower rate so you’re always getting the best deal.

I Handle Everything Else

Once you’re happy, I will:

Book everything
Handle all logistics
Keep you updated on travel requirements
Stay available 24/7 during your trip for ANY issues

Hi, I'm Kelly.

I started Happy Traveler Dream Vacations because I believe everyone deserves expert travel planning—not just people with unlimited budgets.

For years, I planned vacations for family and friends. I loved the look on their faces when they realized their "impossible" dream trip was actually doable.

When my mother-in-law suggested I become a professional travel agent, something clicked.

Professionally trained in travel planning & logistics

Member of American Society of Travel Advisors

Member of Cruise Line International Association

Specialized certifications in cruising, adventure travel, and voluntourism

Continuous education on destinations, safety, and travel trends

Member of Travel Leaders Network

Trusted partnerships with major suppliers and tour operators

100% booking success rate

Awards and Certifications

Avoya University Graduate
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Master’s Certification
Norwegian Cruise Line Master’s Certification
Carnival Cruise Line Master’s Certification
Cayman Islands Specialist
Fort Lauderdale Loyalist
Uplift Advisor Certification
Traveling Europe By Land Specialist
Africa and Safari Specialist

Woman smiling in a charming outdoor cafe with scenic hillside view in Positano, Italy, on a sunny day.

Your 2025 Vacation Days are Disappearing

Let's use them wisely.

Here’s a hard truth: The average American leaves 6.5 vacation days unused every year. Six and a half days. That’s nearly a week and a half of experiences, memories, and adventures… just gone. Why? Because planning feels overwhelming. So people procrastinate. And then it’s December and those days evaporated. Don’t let that be you in 2025

Book a Free Consultation

Questions You're Probably Wondering

Do you really not charge any fees?
Really truly. Zero planning fees, ever. I earn commission from suppliers—the same commission that booking websites collect—but unlike them, I actually care about your experience. My service is free to you because I’m building a business on repeat clients and referrals, not one-time transactions.
What if I need to make changes or cancel?
I handle all of that. Changes happen—life happens. I work with you to modify plans or process cancellations according to supplier policies. And unlike a website, I actually CARE about finding solutions that work for you.
Do you only book expensive trips?
Absolutely not! This is my superpower. I specialize in making travel accessible on ANY budget. Some luxury agents require $10,000 minimums. I don’t. Whether you have $800 or $8,000, I’ll create something amazing. I’ve planned incredible trips starting at $500/person.
What if something goes wrong during my trip?
Text me. Call me. I’m available 24/7 while you’re traveling. Flight cancelled? Hotel issue? Need a recommendation? I’m a real human who picks up the phone—not a chatbot or automated system. This is one of the biggest reasons to work with a travel agent.
How long does the planning process take?
First conversation: 30 minutes. I come back with options within 5-7 days. We fine-tune over a few emails or calls. Most clients have everything booked within 1-2 weeks. Rush planning? I can work faster when needed.
Do you book flights, or just hotels and activities?
Everything (Well, Almost) Accommodations, transfers, activities, travel insurance, dining reservations—I handle it all. For flights, I do the research and find you the best options, then guide you to book directly so you get the lowest price without markup.

Celebrating a special occasion on your trip? Let me know and there will be a nice surprise waiting for you when you arrive!
What destinations do you specialize in?
All of them! I’m constantly learning and have access to expert resources for any destination. That said, my specialties include cruises all over the world—some client favorites are the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Voluntourism opportunities are available in 15 different countries, including the USA. I also specialize in budget-friendly Europe and family-friendly beach destinations. If it’s not my expertise, I tap into my network of specialized agents to make sure you get the best guidance.
How do I get started?
Click the button below to book a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll chat about where you want to go, what your budget looks like, and what you value in a vacation. No pressure, no commitment. Just a friendly conversation about making your travel dreams real.