My name is Karen Walton and I’m from Central Kentucky, where my family owns a large show goat, cow/calf, and hay operation. When I’m not in the barn, I’m either on vacation or planning the next.
My husband and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in 2020 and have two children, Courtney and Dakota. Courtney is all about her horse and her dogs and Dakota is all about farming. You can definitely tell they have both spent many hours in 4H and FFA.
Why I became a Travel Agent
I absolutely love telling this story. Back in January of 2005, I was working in a high-stress CPA office. Literally, I was at my wit’s end doing one tax return after another. I needed something in my life to look forward to so that I could make it to April 15th. Then, it hit me…we had a 3-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter and they had never been to Walt Disney World before. So, I booked it. Right there on January 1st. All that was left was to hash out the details.
All Spring long, I spent every extra second I had scouring the internet and books for planning strategies. I obsessed about every single moment of what this trip should look like.
Finally, the day came and we arrived at Disney’s All-Star Movies resort with our two wonderful kids in tow. We were sitting in the food court when I looked over at my husband and said to him, “I know enough to help other families. I know enough to save them time from not having to put in the hours that I had studying strategies and I was relatively certain I knew how to save them money”.
It was at that very moment, that my “Disney backpack” was born. For months, I spent time traveling from house to house planning vacations for friends and family. Now I have the pleasure of planning for many families and I can help plan adventures to many amazing destinations.
One of the best decisions I ever made was becoming a travel planner. Not only do I get to help people which is my true calling in life, but I get to help them achieve their vacation goals. It is truly rewarding to see families make priceless memories.
Some of My Favorite Places to Travel
My absolute favorite vacation was our trip to Alaska. I cannot put into words what that corner of our world looks like that would do it any justice at all.
My husband, son, and I spent a few days before and after in Vancouver. Vancouver is an AMAZING city with so much to offer. From seeing the float planes to having wine from a barrel to having breakfast with the bears on Grouse Mountain and of course, exploring Gas Town, it was definitely a place that we will return to in the future.
While in Alaska, I had made myself a list of everything that I thought to be “quintessential for a bucket list trip to Alaska”. It included seeing wildlife, panning for gold, salmon bakes, touching an iceberg, seeing a glacier, a lumberjack show, trying local fare, learning about sled dogs with a ride of course, and a ride on a boat that was used in the show, Deadliest Catch. We did it all and loved every minute of it.
My biggest takeaway from Alaska is that it’s not a bucket list trip. Once you’ve been, you just have to go back.
Knowledge and Certifications
Sandals/Beaches Certification
Universal Orlando Resort Specialist
Disney College of Knowledge Certification
Princess Cruise Line Certification – Commodore
Princess Alaska Expert
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Certification
Carnival Cruise Line Certification
Norwegian Cruise Line Certification
Virgin Cruise Line Certification
You know what they say… Adventure is out there… call me when you are ready to plan it.
Testimonials
“…the more I travel, the more I realize how amazing you are at your job. I think it constantly. I say that because, I remember asking for this “all-inclusive destination” the first time we ever talked traveling and YOU said, “I think you would love a cruise even more” and you were right on the money.”
“We had a blast on our Disney/beach vacation the last 11 days. It wouldn’t have been possible without our travel agent Karen Walton. She’s amazing!!”
“She is top-notch and has a true passion for what she does. Thanks to Karen for all your hard work to make our Disney dreams come true! We so appreciate you!!!”
“Karen was great!! She helped us from beginning to end! I could ask her a ton of questions and she always responded with kindness. I would highly recommend her and would definitely use her again!!”
“Karen has been so wonderful to work with!!! Not only does she listen to our exact wants and needs, her experience offers so many suggestions and options that I wouldn’t think of if I was booking a trip myself!!”
Plan Your Adventure