Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Orth.
Hi Alison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t start out with a plan to own a travel business, but travel planning has always been something I genuinely enjoy. I love the research, the details, and the process of turning an idea into a well thought out experience. Over time, I realized that what I enjoyed doing could also help others navigate a travel landscape that has become increasingly overwhelming and time consuming.
Orth Travel Collective was built out of a desire to make travel planning feel easier and more intentional, while also bringing back the value of having a real person to talk to. In a world where so much travel is booked online, I wanted clients to have someone they could actually reach out to, ask questions, and trust to guide them through the process. The business grew with a focus on cruising, all inclusive resorts, and elevated travel experiences, along with a strong emphasis on inclusive and accessible travel. Earning specialized certifications has allowed me to better support travelers who need extra care and consideration when planning.
Today, I work with couples, families, and groups who want customized, seamless travel experiences without the stress of doing everything themselves. I handle the details behind the scenes, advocate for my clients when needed, and make sure they always have a human on their side. I’m proud of the business I’ve built and motivated by continuing to grow it in a way that keeps relationships and trust at the center.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Building a travel business has definitely had its challenges. Travel is an industry that’s constantly changing. One of the biggest struggles has been navigating uncertainty, from global disruptions to constantly changing travel rules and client concerns. It required learning how to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and stay calm even when plans changed at the last minute.
Another challenge has been wearing all the hats. As a small business owner, I’m not just a travel advisor. I’m also managing marketing, systems, client communication, and the behind the scenes details that clients never see. It took time to build confidence in my processes and trust myself as a business owner, not just someone who loves travel planning.
That said, those challenges helped shape how I work today. They pushed me to become more organized, more proactive, and more focused on building real relationships. Each challenge reinforced the importance of knowing someone is looking out for them when trips don’t go according to plan.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Orth Travel Collective exists because travel planning should be fun, not something that sends you into a late night spiral of open tabs and second guessing. I work with clients who are done clicking buttons and hoping for the best and would much rather have one real person handling the details and saying, “I’ve got you!”
I plan cruises, all inclusive resorts, and custom, personalized trips for couples, families, and groups, with a big love for the Caribbean, Alaska, and international destinations. I’m known for being detail obsessed in the best way, calm when plans shift, and surprisingly good at putting out travel fires. My clients aren’t calling an 800 number or starting from scratch with a new person every time. They call me. I know the plan.
I try to sprinkle a little magic into every trip I plan. I love helping people turn travel dreams into real, bookable plans, whether it’s a once in a lifetime trip or a getaway they’ve been dreaming about for years. Thanks to strong relationships across the travel industry, I often have access to extra perks, special offers, and options clients wouldn’t see on their own, but I use those connections thoughtfully, not just to sell something flashy.
I’m a one woman business, which means every client works directly with me. I’ve put a lot of time into training, certifications, and ongoing education, including being a Certified Autism Travel Professional through IBCCES and an active member of CLIA and ASTA. Those credentials matter, but so does how I show up for my clients, especially when travel plans change or questions pop up.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Travel is personal, and it’s an investment of time, money, and excitement. That matters to me. Orth Travel Collective is about care, connection, and creating trips that feel special from the very first conversation to the moment clients get home. And yes, I still get excited when someone says, “This is the trip we’ve always dreamed about.”
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the travel industry over the next five to ten years is going to get a lot more intentional and a lot less chaotic. Travelers are getting smarter about how and why they travel. Fewer rushed, check the box trips and more “this actually matters to us” vacations.
I also see people stepping away from the idea that planning online is easier. Between endless options, mixed reviews, and constantly changing rules, it’s exhausting. Travelers are realizing that having someone who knows what they’re doing and can say “I’ve got this” is kind of magical. Travel advisors are having a moment, and I’m here for it.
Another big shift I see is a stronger focus on flexibility, accessibility, and overall well being while traveling. People are paying closer attention to how travel feels, not just where they’re going. That includes pacing, comfort, accommodations, and support along the way. Inclusive travel isn’t a trend. It’s an expectation.
Technology will keep doing its thing, of course, but it’s not replacing human connection. The future is smart tech behind the scenes and real people up front. Fewer headaches, less hold music, and more time actually enjoying the trip. Honestly, that sounds like a win for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orthtravelcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonorth_dreamvacations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelbyalicruiseresortcustomvacations
