The internet is for looking. A travel advisor is for booking with confidence. When you partner with Shumba Travel, you aren’t just getting a reservation, you are inheriting decades of hands-on experience and specialized training. I’ve navigated the ever-shifting logistics of Disney and the technical intricacies of remote bush travel so you don’t have to.

Beyond expertise, you gain a powerful advocate. If a plan shifts or weather interfers, I’ll handle the hurdles while you stay in vacation mode. Furthermore, my professional relationships grant you exclusive perks, like on-board credits, specialty dinning, and VIP amenities, that search engines simply cannot access. You get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your journey is curated by an expert who understands the difference between a trip and a true travel experience.

At Shumba Travel, I believe in a transparent, value-driven approach. I do not charge a separate planning fee for most curated trips. Instead, I am compensated through commissions paid directly by my travel partners (hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators).

Because these commissions are already built into the standard pricing you see online, you receive our expert guidance, advocacy, and exclusive VIP perks at no additional cost to you.

Note: Airlines do not pay commissions, therefore I provide airfare assistance only when booked in conjunction with a commissionable safari, cruise, or land package. I do not offer “flight-only” booking services.

Because I specialize in high-demand experiences like luxury safaris, boutique river cruises, and peak Disney seasons, the “Lion’s Share” of availability goes to those who look ahead. For international expeditions and signature cruises, I generally recommend we start our conversation 12 to 18 months in advance. This ensures I can secure the best cabin locations, specific lodge suites, and your preferred dates before they disappear. However, if the travel itch strikes later, please reach out. I am an expert at navigating late-breaking availability and can often find “hidden gems” for closer departures.

Not at all. Modern ship design has made incredible leaps in stability, but the secret to a comfortable voyage is a strategic choice of vessel and itinerary. I often guide my clients who worry about motion toward River Cruising, where the water is calm and land is always in sight.

If your heart is set on the ocean, I use my training to select ships equipped with advanced stabilizers and, most importantly, I help you choose a mid-ship, lower-deck cabin. This “center of gravity” is where motion is least felt. By combining the right ship with the right cabin placement, I’ve helped many travelers enjoy the beauty of the sea without the worry.

I’ve designed my process to be as seamless as the trips I curate. We begin with a Digital Discovery: you’ll fill out a brief form to share your initial ideas, must-haves, and travel style. Once I have the basics, we’ll schedule a short “Clarification Call” so I can hear more about your vision and ensure we’re a perfect fit.

From there, I get to work crafting a custom proposal for your review. Once the itinerary meets your standards and you’ve given me the green light, I handle all the professional booking and logistics, leaving you with nothing to do but pack your bags.