If you are planning a trip, our August Mompreneur of the Month is your new best friend. Juli Russ is a Wishes Family Travel concierge (and local mom of two) whose job is basically to make your vacation actually feel like a vacation. No cookie-cutter itineraries here, though -- your trip is customized for you. She explains, "We start by talking about what you're looking for, the dates you'd like, and the kind of vacation you want for your family." What's more awesome is that her services are free. No matter how much work she puts in to planning your vacation, you pay nothing beyond the costs of your trip.
Juli notes that a lot of people aren't aware of concierge services, or aren't sure how to work with a concierge. She tells us, "My job is to help you plan every part of your vacation. Once the particulars are nailed down, I will provide suggestions that best fit your family needs. I will also discuss add-on items such as dining options, shore excursions, show tickets, and special events. Once your trip is booked it’s time to have some fun! We will collaborate to choose dining reservations, then 180 days prior to your arrival what I do is wake up early on that day to make those reservations for you. You’ll get to sleep in, get to work or get the kids off to school while I do all the work. I will also make FastPass reservations for you 60 days prior to your arrival." It doesn't end there. "During the months leading up to your vacation, I will send you tips, suggestions, and information on Disney Parks and/or the ports your Disney Cruise will be visiting. I love getting to know my clients and recommending activities that will make their Disney vacation extra magical like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fireworks Dessert Parties, or a special grown up night out."
Juli loves her work in no small part due to her huge love of Disney. She has personally taken four cruises and more than 15 trips to Disneyland and Disney World, often traveling with Kevin (her husband of 17 years) and their children, Morgan (15) and Kyle (13). Kevin even proposed to Juli right in front of the Magic Kingdom! Being able to stay home to raise her children, knowing she is making client's vacations special at no cost to them, and the opportunity to take her family on Disney vacations at a small discount so she can stay current on what the parks have to offer, make this job a dream one for Juli.
August is a perfect time to think about giving a family vacation as a Christmas gift. For Macaroni Kid readers only (holla!), Juli is offering a special gift to any reader who books a 5 night or longer stay at a Disney Destination, Universal Orlando or a Caribbean vacation. You can reach Juli on Facebook or by email at julir@wishesfamilytravel.com or by phone at (248) 320-4377.
