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Rachel Erdman
Rachel Erdman

Rachel Erdman

Afton, MN Travel Agent

Travel Leaders

73 Reviews
99% Recommended
24 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Experience Fiji, the South Pacific & More!

As a passionate travel expert, I specialize in creating personalized, once-in-a-lifetime journeys and unforgettable multi-generational trips that bring families closer to their roots. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in diverse cultures for a few weeks, indulge in the romance of train travel, or unwind along Europe's scenic waterways, I’ve got you covered. From river and ocean cruises to expertly crafted itineraries, I ensure you experience rich, culturally diverse regions and try to make it as seamless as possible for you!

Are you a fan of the Minecraft Universe? Would you love to explore the filming locations on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand? Be sure to check out Te Puia, a geothermal wonderland full of geysers, Maori culture, and crafts. Also, don't miss the Waitomo Glowworm Caves—you can go tubing through them or take a boat tour—I’ve done both! The movie sites are breathtaking, and New Zealand has so much more to offer, including Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the TranzAlpine train, jet boating around Queenstown or Huka Falls on the North Island, zorbing, bungee jumping, kayaking, biking, and hiking.It’s one of my favorite countries to explore. The scenery, food, and wine are all incredible, and the Kiwis are fantastic hosts, especially when it comes to accommodating dietary restrictions. I’ve visited twice since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and I never had to worry about finding safe, delicious meals with a little planning ahead!

Europe, with its rich history and undeniable charm, offers endless possibilities. I recently attended the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna, where I had the chance to board various river cruise ships and explore their offerings, I made a stop in Amsterdam on my way home, a bit too early for the tulips this time but I was able to explore The Anne Frank Huis. Having lived in England, I’ve explored Europe both on my own, through guided experiences and also by river cruise. Each way offers a unique perspective, and I’ll help you choose the one that aligns with your interests.

Whether you prefer to explore independently, join a guided tour, embark on a river cruise, or combine different experiences, your journey will be unforgettable. With nearly 25 years in the travel industry, I’ve gained extensive knowledge to help you design your perfect trip. My travel journey began in Northern England during college, where I explored Europe as a student traveler and have since returned many times. Beyond Europe, I’ve explored the South Pacific, including Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia. My love for travel keeps me constantly exploring, and I share these insights with my clients.

In recent years, I’ve revisited beloved destinations like Scotland, England, and New Zealand, staying updated on new changes and uncovering hidden gems along the way. I’ve also had the privilege of exploring new places such as St. Lucia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and experiencing the magic of a honeymoon in Bavaria, Austria, and Switzerland with Insight Vacations. A recent highlight was revisiting Ireland with Insight Vacations Luxury Gold, where I stayed at the stunning Ashford Castle and was able to walk with their Harris Hawks!

More recently, I enjoyed a journey through England with Trafalgar Tours and fun-filled Disney Cruise Line experiences during their Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime holiday sailings. To better serve my clients, I’ve earned my Accredited Cruise Counselor certification, which involved extensive coursework, ship inspections, and personal cruise experiences. This summer I am heading back to Ireland and bringing my family along to explore both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland! 

Additionally, I hold the Certified Travel Associate designation from the Travel Institute and have completed the Travel Leaders Leisure Travel Specialist course. The ever-evolving nature of the travel industry keeps me engaged, and I’m always excited to share new insights and experiences as we plan your next unforgettable adventure! 

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

New Zealand
Ireland
Scotland
French Polynesia, Tahiti
Switzerland
Fiji
New Zealand, Auckland
Sweden
New Zealand, Queenstown
Hawaii, Maui Island
Germany
Hawaii
New Zealand, Napier
Hawaii, Kauai Island

Interests:

Adult Only
Couples & Romance
River Cruises
Escorted Tours
European Culture
Family Vacations
Cruises
Honeymoons
All Inclusive
Luxury
Luxury Cruises
Luxury Hotels

Suppliers:

Pleasant Holidays
Travel Answers
Viking
Avanti Destinations
Globus
Insight Vacations
Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruises®
Avalon Waterways
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
UnCruise Adventures
AmaWaterways
Delta Vacations
Regent Seven Seas Cruises

My Travel Specialties

South Pacific Honeymoons - Hawaii, Tahiti & Fiji

South Pacific Honeymoons - Hawaii, Tahiti & Fiji

I think everyone has something different in mind when they think of their honeymoon. Some couples would like an intimate...

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Your Kiwi Adventure Planner, mate!

Your Kiwi Adventure Planner, mate!

New Zealand is a destination of three stunning islands, each offering a unique experience in one unforgettable trip! Wit...

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Experience Europe in a Variety of Ways!

Experience Europe in a Variety of Ways!

Having experienced a river cruise, a guided motor coach vacation and travelled on my own throughout Europe when I lived ...

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Personalized Travel Specialist

Personalized Travel Specialist

As a passionate travel expert, I specialize in creating personalized, once-in-a-lifetime journeys and unforgettable mul...

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Cruising America's Rivers

Cruising America's Rivers

The Viking Mississippi riverboat, launched in 2022, offers a luxurious and immersive way to explore the heart of America...

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Reviews

73 Reviews
Rachel does excellent work in understanding your traveling wants and is very knowledgeable travel destinations. You just explain to Rachel where your thinking of traveling, activities you like and when you want to go. After a destination is chosen, she send you, she 'll send you 4-5 recommendations and you make a pick. Then Rachel takes care of flights,reservations and any other of your requests.Rachel has made my travel plans worry free.
jimbo - Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
From the first contact with Rachel through the planning and scheduling Rachel provided excellent service. She always kept in contact and answered any and all of my many questions. My husband and I had not traveled by air lately and never outside of the US so I had a lot of questions. Along with answering my questions Rachel also provided some extra information that helped make the trip easier and a great experience. Our flight to Cancun and back was flawless and everything went very well. In Cancun the hotel was so beautiful and provided a great experience for both my husband and I. We were there for our son's wedding and the wedding was also great. We could not have asked for a better trip and I am already ready to go back. We look forward to dealing with Rachel in the future because we already have some other places we want to visit as well as, I am sure now, going back to Cancun.
Sher - Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Rachel has always been great to work with. She is well versed with areas to travel to, advising us when the best time to travel to a destination is. She answers our many, many questions quickly and advises as to what tour companies to take to get the greatest value and best experience. She has selected well as to which airlines to take, the best time to fly for the most convenient flight experience, and any upgrades available for our flights. Rachel recently set up another great looking tour for us for this fall to Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. We are excited and ready to go!
The Cul de sacers - Europe

Certifications & Awards

Additional Certifications

  • Kiwi Specialist
  • Tahiti Specialist * Fiji Matai Specialist
  • Tahiti, Fiji, Australia & New Zealand Specialist
  • Viking River Cruise Specialist
  • Aussie Specialist * New Zealand Specialist
  • Disney Genius
  • Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialist
  • South Pacific Destination Specialist
  • Leisure Travel Specialist
  • Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC)
  • Certified Travel Associate (CTA)

My Places