Please tell us about your recent trip(s).

We visited El Salvador and Guatemala as part of a Panama cruise itinerary and experienced one of the most memorable excursions of the trip, a Mangrove Cruise paired with a visit to La Cocotera Eco Lodge. What stood out most was how welcoming and comfortable the experience felt. It’s not always what people expect when they hear El Salvador, but throughout the visit we felt safe, well taken care of, and genuinely able to enjoy the destination.

From the moment we arrived, the welcome felt genuine and immersive. Local musicians greeted us as we stepped off the boat, setting the tone for a day that felt both personal and connected to the destination.

The mangrove cruise itself was peaceful and unique, with birdlife all around and a completely different perspective of the coastline. From there, we continued on to a beachfront eco lodge where we were served a freshly prepared lunch featuring local fish, simple, authentic, and incredibly well done.

It was one of those experiences that feels both curated and untouched at the same time. Easily a 10 out of 10.

While our original itinerary included a stop in Costa Rica that didn’t happen due to tides, El Salvador ended up being a highlight of the trip in a way we didn’t expect. Beautiful, welcoming, and full of moments that felt genuinely memorable.

What interested you in exploring PCK Travel?

I have several cruises coming up and I’m always looking for unique travel opportunities and better ways to plan them. I came across PCK Travel and really liked the presentation, especially the photography and overall feel of the experience.

I’m also currently helping organize a short girls’ cruise with my card group, so I’m excited to explore how PCK Travel can support planning trips like that.

What types of travel experiences are most important to you?

Experiences that feel unique, immersive, and thoughtfully curated. I really enjoy trips that combine natural beauty with local culture, whether that’s exploring coastal environments, trying regional food, or finding places that feel a bit off the typical path.

Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

Yes, I have several cruises coming up, including an Alaska and Mexico with Autism on the Seas, which will be our first time using their services.  We also have a Princess cruise circle trip to Hawaii and two Holland America trips including a 13-day in Mexico.

Autism on the Seas provides volunteer support for families traveling with autistic children, which makes cruising more accessible and enjoyable for families like ours. They partner primarily with Royal Caribbean, and we are looking forward to experiencing that for the first time.

What is your dream trip or bucket-list destination?

I’m looking forward to planning more cruises and group trips in the near future, especially experiences I can share with friends and family. A meaningful next step would be planning a cruise with my Aunt Diane, making sure it’s comfortable and accessible so we can enjoy it together.

Are there any travel brands, destinations, or organizations you’d love to see PCK Travel partner with or support?

I’d love to see continued partnerships with organizations like Autism on the Seas, which help make travel more accessible and enjoyable for families with special needs.

Experiences that are inclusive and thoughtfully designed really stand out, and I think there’s an opportunity to highlight more of those.

What makes a travel experience truly memorable for you?

For me, it’s the combination of meaningful experiences, cultural connection, and moments that feel authentic to the destination.

It’s also important that experiences are accessible and easy to navigate, especially when traveling with others. When that’s done well, it makes the entire trip more enjoyable for everyone.

The best trips aren’t just about where you go, they’re about how connected you feel while you’re there.