About Me

A person in a floral dress sits on a white bench beneath a neon sign that reads Every day is a sun d

Hi, I'm Annette Holland, an independent certified luxury travel advisor affiliated with Dreams Travel Consulting, based in Boston, Massachusetts and serving clients nationwide. I’m not just your go-to travel advisor, I’m also a passionate explorer at heart. When I’m not helping others plan their dream getaways, you’ll find me adventuring with my two beagles and my partner in crime, Hank. From hidden gems to bucket-list escapes, I live to discover new places and share them with fellow wanderers like you. As a New England resident who spends winters exploring tropical paradises, I understand the art of balancing adventure with luxury.

I specialize in three main areas: Virgin Voyages adults-only cruising, AmaWaterways river cruises, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruising. If you're an empty nester, milestone celebrant, or sophisticated traveler looking for an experience that's genuinely designed for adults, not a compromise, you're in the right place.

Why I Do This

I came to travel advising the long way around. For more than 20 years, I have been a corporate project manager (still am), coordinating complex projects, managing details, and making sure nothing fell through the cracks. I am the person everyone trusts to get things done right. When my kids left home, I finally had the freedom to travel the way I'd always wanted: without family-friendly compromises, without the exhausting logistics of coordinating around everyone else's needs. And I discovered that making that transition — from family travel to travel that's truly yours — is harder than it looks. I became a travel advisor in May 2024 because I was ready to consider my second act amid all of the turmoil of working in tech. I wanted to be the one who brought real planning expertise, genuine firsthand experience, and a service philosophy built around getting it right — not just getting it booked. That's what I built Dream Travel with Annette to be.

My Specialties

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is my primary specialty and the cruise line I recommend most often for empty nesters, couples, and milestone travelers. I sailed aboard Brilliant Lady in November 2025 (Caribbean) and am sailing again in July 2026 (Alaska inaugural season) and August 2026 (Mediterranean, Barcelona to Rome) — so my recommendations come from real, recent, firsthand experience.

Virgin Voyages ships are adults-only (18+), all-inclusive for dining across 20+ restaurants, and designed around a modern, relaxed cruise experience with no formal nights, no buffets, and no family-cruise energy. I am a certified Virgin Voyages First Mate.

AmaWaterways: River Cruising

For travelers who want to experience Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, or Africa at a slower, more immersive pace, AmaWaterways river cruises are my top recommendation. Waking up in a new city every morning, exploring on your own schedule, and returning to a ship that feels like a floating boutique hotel, it's a fundamentally different experience from ocean cruising. I am a AmaWaterways Certified Advisor.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

For travelers who want to go somewhere truly extraordinary — Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, Alaska's wilderness — Lindblad Expeditions in partnership with National Geographic offers small-ship expedition cruising with onboard scientists, naturalists, and photographers. I hold the Lindblad 360 Expedition Expert certification, the highest level of specialist training Lindblad offers to travel advisors.

HOW I WORK — THE CONCIERGE CARE APPROACH

I work differently from most travel advisors, and I want to be upfront about that. I charge a non-refundable Concierge Care planning fee before we begin working together. This fee reflects the time, expertise, and research that goes into building your itinerary, whether or not you ultimately book. It ensures I can give every client the focused, unhurried attention their trip deserves.

What you get in return: a strategic travel partner who has sailed the ships, researched the destinations, and done the work to understand your specific needs before making a single recommendation.

I bring the same project management discipline to your vacation that I bring to million-dollar corporate projects — which means details don't get missed and surprises stay the pleasant kind.

Your next remarkable journey begins with a conversation - let's connect and start planning your perfect getaway.

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Certified Gold tier First Mate with Virgin Voyages badge

Certified Virgin Voyages First Mate - Gold Tier

An Authorized Disney Vacation planner

A certificate of achievement awarded to Annette Holland for completing the Travel Advisor Expedition

Certified LEXpert with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Gold graduation cap with a tassel and decorative pattern above the text AmaAcademy in matching gold

AmaWaterways Certified Advisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at annette@dreamstravelconsulting.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you charge a fee to work with you?

Yes. I charge a non-refundable Concierge Care planning fee before we begin. This fee is separate from your travel costs and is not applied as a booking credit. It's compensation for my expertise and time.

What cruise lines do you specialize in?

My three core specialties are Virgin Voyages (adults-only luxury cruising), AmaWaterways (river cruises), and Lindblad/National Geographic (expedition cruising). I also work with speciallty partners for land-based luxury travel and Adventures by Disney for multi-generational trips.

Do you only serve clients in Boston?

I serve clients nationwide. While I'm based in the Boston, Massachusetts area, the majority of my clients are located across the United States. All planning is done remotely via phone, video, and email.

Have you personally sailed on the ships you recommend?

For my primary specialty — Virgin Voyages — yes. I sailed aboard Brilliant Lady in November 2025 and have two more sailings booked in 2026. I hold expert-level certifications from Lindblad and AmaWaterways and complete ongoing specialist training with all suppliers I recommend.

How far in advance should I start planning?

For Virgin Voyages, 6–12 months is ideal for best cabin selection. For expedition cruising (Antarctica, Galápagos, Arctic), 12–18 months is common — these itineraries sell out early. River cruises book 6–12 months out for peak seasons (spring tulip season, fall foliage). The earlier we talk, the more options you'll have.

What makes you different from booking directly with the cruise line?

A few things. First, my fee is offset by supplier benefits — I can often secure amenities, onboard credits, or priority access that aren't available when booking direct. Second, I've done the research you'd otherwise spend hours doing yourself. Third, if something goes wrong before or during your trip, you have an advocate in your corner — not a call center.