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Michael Graham
Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Myrtle Beach, SC Travel Agent

MGA Travel

33 Reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Experience Ultimate Luxury with Us

In our transient world, time stands as our most treasured asset. Embodying this sentiment, I lead a team of dedicated Travel Investment Advisors, ensuring every journey returns dividends in experience and perspective.

I am deeply rooted in the conviction that travel binds us. It transcends borders, bridging the gaps between cultures and revealing a shared humanity. Amidst our world's complexities, the act of traveling sows seeds of harmony and understanding, elements the modern world hungers for.

At our agency, we don't just sell travel; we curate time. Authentic experiences, sculpted with insider expertise, ensure our clients immerse themselves wholly without trawling through endless "best of" lists. Their testimonials speak to the unparalleled experiences we offer.

Milestones & Footprints:

As of November 2024, I've explored 100 unique countries and territories, across 481 cities worldwide on all 7 continents including 474 cruise nights on 56 luxury, expedition, and river cruises.  I use the Century Travel Club list for verification.

Beyond guiding fellow adventurers, I've also penned my experiences. Find my book, The River Cruise Bible, available at distinguished bookstores and on Amazon.

Spanning over three and a half decades, my sojourns have taken me through more than half of the world's countries, and on every continent at least twice.  From luxury sailings to river cruises, my modes of exploration are as varied as the places they've taken me to. Beyond my individual expeditions, I have the unique privilege of guiding the Outlander Society in their global odysseys, both terrestrial and marine. My role? To steer our company with unwavering passion and mentor our advisors, ensuring our clients benefit from the combined depth of our experiences.

Gratitude anchors me - to my supportive family, my indomitable team, the benevolence of the Divine, and the lessons from each stumble along the way.

How to work with us:

Set an appointment to share your travel dreams with one of our professional travel investment advisors. During this initial complimentary consultation, we will clearly outline which professional fees will apply before moving to the next step.

Together we transform your ideas into a cherished journey designed for you by investing in trusted travel partners perfectly matched with your priorities.Relax and start looking forward to collecting memories on a no-regrets vacation filled with authentic experiences.  How does that sound to you?

If you join us for one of our Bon Voyage Hot List hosted journeys, there are no fees as these escorted amazing journeys have already been pre planned!

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Tanzania
Japan
Norway, Svalbard

Interests:

Bespoke Travel
Escorted Tours
Luxury
River Cruises
Small Ship Cruises
Expedition Cruises
Safari

Suppliers:

Atlas Ocean Voyages
Explora Journeys
Luxury Gold
Avalon Waterways
Silversea
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Roadtrips Sports Travel

My Travel Specialties

Back to All Specialties
Why I Do Buy Green Bananas: 5 Smart Reasons to Boo

Michael and Kelly and Trevor Delta One to Cairo

Why I Do Buy Green Bananas: 5 Smart Reasons to Boo

<p>We’ve all heard the joke:“I don’t buy green bananas anymore!”</p>
<p>It’s a playful way to say, “I’m not making long-term plans.” And while it may earn a smile, when it comes to travel, this mindset can cost you the experience of a lifetime.At MGA Travel, we believe that planning ahead, even 12, 18, or 24 months in advance, is one of the best ways to travel smart.</p>
<p>Here’s why we *do* buy green bananas:</p>
<p>?? 1. Small Ships Fill Fast And We Can’t Hold Space</p>
<p>Our favorite itineraries feature small, intimate ships with limited cabins. Unlike large cruise liners, these ships don’t have thousands of rooms to choose from. Waiting too long means the most popular categories — like upper decks or midship locations — are gone.These cruise lines simply do not let us hold unsold space. Book early to reserve the exact stateroom you want.</p>
<p>? 2. Travel Insurance Is Made for This</p>
<p>If planning ahead makes you nervous, remember: travel insurance has your back. It protects your investment if unexpected issues arise…and gives you peace of mind so you can plan boldly.We’ll even help you choose the right policy for your needs.</p>
<p>?? 3. More Time = More Value</p>
<p>Booking early means better deals, access to upgrades, and often the ability to spread payments over time. That turns your trip into an investment – not a sudden splurge.??</p>
<p>4. Anticipatory Happiness Is Real</p>
<p>Psychologists call it anticipatory joy: the happiness we feel just knowing something wonderful is coming.When you book in advance, you’re not just buying a vacation. You’re gifting yourself months (or years!) of excitement, inspiration, and planning fun. Dreaming about the journey is half the joy!</p>
<p>?? 5. You’re Prioritizing What Matters</p>
<p>Booking early isn’t just practical- it’s a declaration:“This trip matters to me. My time, joy, and memories are worth planning for.”It’s easy to delay. Life is busy. But waiting often means losing your chance at something unforgettable.</p>
<p>Bonus: Buying early is a way to Protect your Travel</p>
<p>InvestmentMoney that is placed in a future trip can be a hedge against inflation. It’s true, prices increase regularly on travel (usually around 5-9% annually), and on top of that, that money is now protected from something that could be more volatile.</p>
<p>So yes — we do buy green bananas. We believe in tomorrow. And we believe in planning for the stories still waiting to be lived.Join us for our next hosted journey and let’s start the countdown together.</p>
<p>With warm travel wishes,Michael GrahamPresident, MGA Travel</p>
<p> </p>
<p>?? Trevor says: The early bird gets the balcony suite.</p>

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Reviews

33 Reviews
Personalized care from the first hello how can we help you to the welcome home how was your trip. Awesome staff. Michael and Troy are the best.
Jean - Budapest ~ Hungary ~ Europe
We get excellent support all the time. No matter where in the world (literally) I was, I know that Michael are and his team are with me (figuratively). They know all the ends and outs of travel planning.
Elaine - Russia ~ Russia & Northwest Asia
Consistently pro active
Par - Europe

Certifications & Awards

AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
World Azamara Academy
World Azamara Academy

Additional Certifications

  • American Express Pacesetter
  • Circle Of Excellence '22 '23 '24 '25 (COE) Nexion
  • ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA)
  • Nexion Circle Of Excellence
  • Travelers Century Club Member (100+ Countries)
  • CLIA Meetings & Events Certified
  • Luxury Leaders Alliance (Top 1% Internova TLN)

My Places