Eight advisors. One shared belief: travel is better when someone who's actually been there is in your corner.
We chose each other for a reason. Every advisor on this page has been somewhere most people only read about, has built a career around a particular kind of trip, and has, without exception , been the calm voice on the other end of the phone when something didn't go as planned. This is the team.
Co-Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor
Based in Dade City, FL
I'm Sarah Riley, co-founder of Travel Squad Vacations. I've been planning travel professionally since 2021, and I've been the family trip planner for as long as I can remember. I'm the advisor clients call when the trip simply has to be perfect.
Co-Founder · Luxury Travel Advisor
Based in Tampa, FL
Melissa Eck, Co-Founder and Travel Advisor, serves families, couples, and groups seeking elevated, intentional travel experiences. Her passions include destination-focused luxury cruising, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and extraordinary bucket list journeys across the globe. She is especially drawn to destinations rich in culture, natural beauty, immersive experiences, and unforgettable cuisine. Europe holds a special place in her heart, where each city tells a completely different story, but her expertise also extends far beyond Europe to once in a lifetime adventures such as African safaris, Antarctica expeditions, and iconic journeys to places like Machu Picchu.
Travel Advisor, Nonprofits, Corporate & Group Travel, Expedition Cruises
Based in Florida
Travel has been part of my family's story for years, and I officially stepped into planning travel professionally by helping my wife, Sarah Riley, serve her Travel Squad Vacations clients across the United States. What started as helping behind the scenes quickly grew into a passion for designing trips that create real impact—especially for organizations and teams that want their travel to do more than just check a destination off the list.
Travel Advisor
Kevin Eck is our Business Development Manager at Travel Squad Vacations, where he focuses on building relationships with businesses, organizations, and community groups to create new travel opportunities.
Travel Advisor
Based in Arkansas
Cana Gardner, Travel Advisor, serves families, couples, multigenerational travelers, seasoned explorers, and group travelers with thoughtfully curated journeys. Specializing in the Xcaret Hotel collection and Riviera Maya logistics, she pairs deep on-the-ground knowledge of Mexico's most-talked-about all-inclusives with seamless planning for Antigua escapes, Caribbean cruises, and personalized tropical itineraries.
Adventure Specialist
Based in Missouri
Lauren, Travel Advisor, serves adventurous families, couples, and travelers who crave meaningful experiences and time well spent together. An adventure mom to three energetic boys and wife to an adventure-loving husband, Lauren feels most at home outdoors—whether it's chasing powder days out West, embracing mountain life in winter, or soaking up coastal summers in New England.
Travel Agent
Based in Alton, IL
I officially began planning travel professionally in 2026, but I've been planning trips for family and friends for years. As a teacher, I love researching destinations, organizing details, and creating memorable experiences. Travel planning became a natural extension of something I've always enjoyed—helping others create unforgettable experiences and make the most of their time together.
Travel Advisor, Family, Romance & Bucket-List Travel
Kristin Katzer — but most people call her Krissy — found her way into travel the way most good things happen: a combination of passion, purpose, and a whole lot of wanderlust.
