Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Mogard.
Hi Kim, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After 20 years in the education field, the pandemic and a close family medical scare became a turning point for me. It forced me to rethink how long I was putting experiences on hold and what I truly wanted from my life and career. I had always loved travel, but that moment shifted my mindset from “someday” to “now.” I wanted to help people stop postponing their travel dreams and turn their bucket lists into real, meaningful experiences. I transitioned into the travel industry seeking a better quality of life and flexibility, and my background in education naturally carried over—guiding, planning, and supporting clients so they can travel with confidence and ease.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The transition from a stable paycheck as an educator to a fully commission-based role in the travel industry was a major adjustment. Travel is a seasonal and cyclical business, and income isn’t immediate—I’m often paid only after clients travel, which can sometimes mean a long wait. While that uncertainty was challenging early on, it forced me to think long-term, stay disciplined, and build a business centered on trust and consistency. With strong personal and professional support, I’ve never regretted the decision. Those challenges ultimately shaped how I operate today and made me a stronger, more reliable advisor for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-service travel advisor specializing in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, land tours, and guided group travel, and I’m best known for my firsthand experience and concierge-level approach. I believe the best travel advice comes from being there—not just reading about it.
As of December 2025, I’ve traveled to 146 destinations across 30 countries, with extensive experience in the U.S., Italy, Greece, and Mexico. My current specialty is Alaska. Between September 2024 and July 2025, I traveled there four times across all seasons, including winter, when I saw the Northern Lights multiple times. That depth of experience allows me to match clients with the right itinerary, season, and cruise or land experience—not just what looks good online.
I’m most proud of continually investing in my own travel so I can better serve my clients. I regularly take advantage of opportunities offered by my travel partners to stay informed, current, and confident in my recommendations. What truly sets me apart is my complimentary, concierge-style service and my passion for helping first-time cruisers and travelers new to international travel. I focus on making travel approachable, well-planned, and stress-free. I always say to remember the three C’s: Complimentary, Concierge, and Cruises—and more.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the travel planning industry continuing to grow as travel becomes more complex and people place a higher value on their time. More clients—across all age groups, including younger travelers—are realizing they don’t want to spend hours researching and coordinating trips when an expert can handle it for them.
Travel advisors are evolving from booking agents into trusted travel designers and advocates, focused on personalization, problem-solving, and stress-free experiences. While some advisors are shifting toward upfront planning fees, others—myself included—offer complimentary planning supported by trusted travel partners. The flexibility of how advisors run their businesses is one of the industry’s strengths.
I’m also seeing increased demand for regional cruising, particularly from ports like Baltimore, New York, and New Jersey, and I expect that trend to continue as travelers look for convenient, high-value vacation options.
Ultimately, as travel options expand, the demand for expert guidance and concierge-level service will only increase.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kimmogardtravels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmogardtravels
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimMogardTravels
- Other: https://share.google/FGEdzJWiQAn5y6A4v
Image Credits
Kourtney Roman, Empire Media Solutions
