Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Torres.
Hi Brenda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve spent more than 20 years in the hospitality and travel industry, most recently with Hilton Grand Vacations. In 2020, like many others, I was furloughed due to COVID. It was a moment that could have felt like a setback, but instead it became a turning point.
With travel frozen, I launched my own marketing company to support businesses trying to survive that season. That period allowed me to expand my network and reconnect with people who knew my background — that I had spent years creating vacation packages, designing experiences, and traveling the world myself. As travel restrictions began lifting, friends, colleagues, and even strangers started reaching out for travel advice, itineraries, and help planning their dream trips.
In 2021, a friend in one of my networking groups said, “You should really be doing this professionally — you’d be incredible.” That suggestion changed everything.
I became an independent travel advisor and quickly discovered that not only was there demand — I was thriving in it. Within a short period, I ranked in the top 4% in sales across North America for one of the largest travel brands in the U.S. and Canada. That recognition opened the next door: the opportunity to own my own agency.
Today, I proudly own A Love for Adventures by Dream Vacations, where I specialize in group travel, cruise vacations, and curated, experience-based itineraries. I plan travel the same way I live my life — with intention, joy, and passion. I’ve been to over 30 countries, 49 U.S. states, and more than 60 cruises, and I use that firsthand experience to design unforgettable journeys for my clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Honestly, no — building a business rarely is. Just as the opportunity to own a Dream Vacations franchise came my way, I was facing significant personal health challenges. Over the summer, I was hospitalized four times due to a renal blockage, which led to four separate surgeries. Balancing recovery with building a business was incredibly challenging.
Financially, it was also an adjustment. Owning your own business means insurance and expenses are completely different than when you work under a large corporation. Plus, in the travel industry, commissions are not immediate — you earn them after clients travel. That means the initial months require patience, persistence, and a lot of planning.
These experiences were tough, but they also taught me resilience and gave me a deeper appreciation for building a sustainable, client-focused business. Anyone starting in travel should know it’s not just about selling trips — it’s about building trust, relationships, and a business for the long term.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Love for Adventures by Dream Vacations. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Absolutely — here’s more about our agency and what makes us different.
I am the owner of A Love for Adventures by Dream Vacations, a full-service travel agency specializing in experience-based travel. We plan everything from cruise vacations and all-inclusive resorts to private homes, bespoke itineraries, and both guided and independent tours. If someone wants a glass-dome stay in the mountains, a girl-gang getaway, a multigenerational cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — we make it happen.
What truly sets us apart is that I practice what I preach. I don’t just sell travel — I live it. I’ve been on more than 60 cruises, visited over 30 countries and 49 U.S. states, and I approach every trip with the same curiosity I encourage in my clients. I take adventures seriously — from planning to scouting hidden gems on every itinerary.
I’m also a certified etiquette consultant, which means I place deep importance on respecting cultures and engaging with destinations thoughtfully and responsibly. I don’t book “cookie cutter” trips — I design meaningful experiences.
Brand-wise, I am extremely proud to be part of a company that supports veterans. Dream Vacations is consistently recognized as the #1 travel franchise for veterans, and as a veteran-owned agency, that means a great deal to me.
Another unique advantage is that we also own a marketing and branding agency. That allows us to elevate group travel in a way most travel advisors can’t — we create:
Custom landing pages for groups and reunions
Personalized apparel and lanyards
Branded trip materials and digital communications
And because technology matters, we make travel effortless and organized. Every trip we plan is delivered through a mobile app where clients have access to flights, reservations, daily itineraries, meeting points, and live updates — all on their phone.
Additionally, we are Gold Certified with Virgin Voyages, meaning we are among the most knowledgeable advisors in their brand and products.
In short:
We design travel with expertise, intention, and heart — backed by real experience and elevated by strong branding and technology.
Travel should feel effortless and unforgettable. That’s what we deliver.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, we’re incredibly excited about several big initiatives. One of our most anticipated projects is a book release that combines travel with etiquette, sharing tips on how to immerse respectfully and meaningfully in every destination.
We’re also planning live adventure showcase experiences in collaboration with our travel partners and property management companies, giving travelers a hands-on taste of the experiences we craft.
In 2026, we’re digging deep into Alaska and Switzerland, curating pre-built itineraries that highlight unique adventures, hidden gems, and day-by-day plans for unforgettable trips.
Expansion is another big focus. We’re welcoming a new agent in Puerto Rico and adding more talent to our Central Florida team, strengthening our ability to provide personalized service to more travelers.
All in all, 2026 is shaping up to be epic, filled with innovation, exploration, and extraordinary travel experiences for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/aloveforadventures
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aloveforadventures
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aloveforadventures/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=40je3Cklo7JYc1dLm7JqQQ
Image Credits
They are all my images.
