Welcome to Taking Vacations. We're Natalie and Robert Blaich your certified Travelmation Agents.

Welcome to Taking Vacations. We're Natalie and Robert Blaich your certified Travelmation Agents.

Custom travel planning for thoughtfully curated vacations


At Taking Vacations, we plan travel for people who want their trip to feel intentional, well-paced, and genuinely enjoyable.

Every itinerary is built using real destination knowledge, trusted supplier relationships, and the backing of Travelmation, an award winning agency that is nationally recognized as an industry leader.

We plan travel through:

  • First-hand destination experience after traveling across the US and 24 countries
  • Ongoing supplier and destination training
  • Established relationships with resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators
  • The support of Travelmation, one of the most respected host agencies in the travel industry

That combination gives you insight, access, and advocacy that algorithms can’t replicate.

Anyone can book flights and hotels.
Very few can plan a vacation that feels seamless from start to finish.

Why use a travel advisor?

We specialize in custom vacations that feel seamless, elevated, and personal — because they’re designed for you, not generic itineraries.

We help clients:

  • Choose destinations and properties that align with their pace and priorities
  • Create itineraries that feel balanced instead of rushed
  • Avoid mismatched resorts and “looked good online” surprises
  • Enjoy exceptional planning services so you begin relaxing before your vacation even begins
  • By providing ongoing support from “maybe we should go somewhere” to arrival home

From international trips as a couple to family vacations with young kids, we handle the planning so you can focus on the experience and memories.

Trips built around how you want to travel

WHAT WE SPECIALIZE IN

certified travelmation agents

We work best with couples and families who:

  • Want their vacation planned with care, not guesswork
  • Don’t want to spend weeks researching and second-guessing decisions
  • Are ready to have someone else handle changes, cancellations, and rebooking
  • Prefer to stay focused on the experience while logistics are handled behind the scenes

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

Who this is for

WHO WE WORK WITH

With today’s tools, booking travel is accessible. Flights, hotels, and excursions are only a few clicks away.

However, booking isn’t the finish line and let’s face it, the information online isn’t always accurate.

A travel advisor doesn’t just secure reservations.

The difference isn’t theoretical — it’s practical.
DIY travelers manage issues themselves.
Our clients keep traveling while we handle the logistics.

  • Design trips that flow in real life
  • Anticipate friction before it shows up
  • Step in when flights cancel, weather disrupts plans, or suppliers change terms
  • Leverage our personal travel experiences to better serve our clients
  • Utilize our relationships within the travel industry
  • Continuously expanding knowledge through trainings with suppliers

“Couldn’t I just book this myself?”

You probably could!

What we do

During a major weather disruption, one of our clients was scheduled to travel with their family.

Before they ever needed to reach out, we were already monitoring the situation, adjusting flights, and coordinating with their resort.

They stayed focused on their vacation plans.

We handled the logistics behind the scenes.

That’s the value of having someone actively managing your trip — not just booking it.

When planning meets real life

Whether you book on your own or with a travel advisor, the cost of your trip already includes a built-in commission.
When you don’t work with an advisor, that commission stays with the resort, cruise line, or hotel.

When you work with Taking Vacations:

Same trip cost.
More guidance, more support, and better execution.

  • The supplier pays our commission
  • You receive our expert planning and personalized recommendations
  • You have support before, during, and after your trip

Does working with a travel advisor cost more?

In most cases, NO!

  • Travelers who want expert guidance instead of trial-and-error
  • Couples and families who are ready to turn those travel dreams into memories
  • People who value having support if plans change

We are perfect for...

This isn’t a “top 10” pulled from Google. It’s a curated shortlist built from real client favorites, firsthand stays, and insider experience — so you can skip the second-guessing and get straight to the good part.

Cancun Resort List

Wish someone would just tell you what to pack? This isn’t a “bring it all” checklist. It’s a simple, strategic guide to packing what you’ll actually use — and nothing you won’t.

Packing List Guide

Free resources you can grab right now

Here's some things to help you navigate

OUR RESOURCES

Let’s plan a trip that
feels right for you

We’ll talk through your goals, your travel style, and whether working together makes sense.