Where Women Lead, Travel Follows: Three Women Travel Advisors to Love and Follow
When it comes to travel, women have always been at the helm, whether organizing getaways for themselves and their families or crafting remarkable experiences for others. Today, they influence about 82% of travel decisions, determining not just where we go, but also how we engage with the world around us.
Women not only make the key decisions but also manage all the intricate details that bring expeditions to life. Now more than ever, they are harnessing that innate instinct to create businesses, generate income, and define success on their own terms.
At Cruise Planners, the women aren't just part of the travel industry; they're leading the charge as entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, and trusted experts, turning their passion for travel into a powerful force.
This Women's History Month, we proudly introduce three advisors who embody this spirit in action by showcasing incredible strength, resilience, and a boldness that continues to break barriers and redefine what leadership means in the world of travel.
Jamie Zand's journey is a reflection of what persistence and belief can build over time, with a defining moment in her Cruise Planners career coming when she reached and sustained Millionaire status. The milestone affirmed years of dedication and growth. "With determination and the right support system, big goals really are achievable," says Zand.
For Jamie, success extends far beyond financial milestones. As a dedicated member of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and several community organizations, she is known for building meaningful connections, fostering camaraderie, and creating unforgettable experiences for clients she acquires through her philanthropy and family -- such as a long-awaited trip to Paris with her daughter. "Being able to experience such a beautiful and iconic destination together makes it incredibly special and empowering," she adds.
Surrounded by strong women both personally and professionally, Jamie has built a business rooted in upliftment. "We support one another, lift each other up, and celebrate each other’s successes both in business and in life."
After a successful career in consulting and brand management for Coca-Cola, Maureen made a bold decision in 2020 to leave her corporate role and build a business that combines her professional expertise with her passion for travel. "I quit my full-time job with a salary and benefits and never looked back," she says.
 With a strong business foundation and commitment to growth, her thriving travel agency is rooted in confidence, curiosity, and resilience. In just three years, her dedication earned her an invitation to the Elite Summit, a recognition of both her performance and potential.
Her path, much like her favorite destination, has not been linear. "If my entrepreneurial journey were a destination, it would be England," she shares. "There were a lot of windy roads. Sometimes you had to slow down, sometimes you could go fast, but it always led somewhere worth visiting." She credits the Cruise Planners community of women for supporting her along the way. "Their hard work, professionalism, and desire to keep learning truly inspire me."
For Maureen, a recent Windstar sailing to Iceland became a moment of reflection, strength, and gratitude for the journey she's carved for herself. "I won’t stop until I have to stop," she says, a testament to the determination that defines her.
As she looks at Women's History Month, her message is simple and proud: "Who runs the world? Girls."
After nearly a decade working aboard Carnival Cruise Line and almost 20 years in insurance and financial services, Juanita knew she was ready for something different. The corporate world, as she puts it, felt "very beige khaki" when she was craving vibrancy as bright as she is. When the travel bug called her back to return to the seven sails, she answered, which led to a defining moment on January 1, 2019, when she opened her own Cruise Planners franchise. "I wept knowing that the name over the door was mine," she shares.
For Juanita, travel is both passion and purpose. Based in Seattle, she has made Alaska her signature destination, leading groups each season and sharing her firsthand expertise with clients. "I love when I can offer valuable insight about their journey," she says.
Juanita has built a loyal client base organically, prioritizing personal relationships in a digital world. "I believe in doing business belly to belly," she says. "Sharing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, that's how you build loyalty." With a strong background in sales, Juanita's self-assurance is grounded in direct, empowering advice. "Don't be afraid to ask for the business," she says. "You must be service-oriented. You must bring value to the table. Just help them with the vision. The rest will take care of itself."
She also credits Cruise Planners founder Michelle Fee as a guiding force in her journey. "She's our compass, our northern star. She’s fearless, and kindness always wins." And when it comes to Women's History Month, her message is clear and unapologetic. "No longer. I make my own hours, I see the world with my clients, and I write my own story."
Her entrepreneurial journey may have just started, but Juanita already knows where it leads. "My heart beats for Italy and the Amalfi Coast," she says. “Ciao-ciao!”
