Why I started Shimmer and Shore Travel
Travel has always meant more to me than just vacations.
For me, travel is about connection. It’s about watching your kids experience something for the very first time. It’s about stepping away from the stress of everyday life and making memories that stay with your family forever. It’s about laughter around dinner tables in new places, sunsets on the ocean, beautiful moments you never want to end, and stories you’ll tell for years afterward.
As a mom, I know how quickly life moves. Between schedules, responsibilities, school activities, and the constant busyness of daily life, it can feel almost impossible to slow down and truly enjoy time together.
That love for meaningful travel is what inspired me to create Shimmer and Shore Travel.
I wanted to create a brand that helps families, couples, and travelers feel excited about planning again instead of overwhelmed. A place where clients feel cared for, understood, and supported throughout the entire process.
Planning a vacation should feel joyful, not stressful.
There are so many options online today that trip planning can quickly become exhausting. Endless reviews, confusing pricing, changing travel requirements, and trying to coordinate every detail can take away from the excitement before the trip even begins. I started Shimmer and Shore Travel to help remove that stress and replace it with confidence, guidance, and personalized service.
Whether it’s a family cruise, an all-inclusive getaway, a couples escape, or a bucket-list vacation, my goal is always the same: to help create unforgettable experiences tailored to the people taking them.
The name Shimmer and Shore reflects everything I love most about travel — sparkling ocean views, sunshine, adventure, peaceful escapes, and the excitement of discovering somewhere new. But it also represents something deeper: the memories that shine long after the trip is over.
This business was built from a genuine passion for helping others experience joy through travel. I believe vacations are not luxuries reserved for “someday.” They are opportunities to reconnect, celebrate milestones, rest, explore, and create lasting memories with the people you love most.
I’m so excited to help clients turn their travel dreams into reality and to become part of the memories they’ll treasure forever.
Thank you for being here and supporting this journey. I truly can’t wait to help you plan your next adventure.
-Rachel
Founder of Shimmer and Shore Travel
12 Packing essentials for Cruising with Kids
Packing for a cruise with kids can be daunting. Besides clothes, shoes, and toiletries, here's 12 items you should always have packed before you sail away!
- Collapsible silicone sand toy bucket
Kids can use these lightweight, flat folding toys at the beach, in the splash park area, and even in the pool. Kids of all ages can find creative ways to play with a bucket.
- Water shoes
These shoes protect your kids' little toes from rocks, shells, and hot sand.
- Inflatable beach ball
Kick it. Toss it. Bounce it. Float it. Beach balls are hours of fun for kids of all ages.
- Reusable water bottle
Fill with your child's favorite fluid to stay hydrated. A leak-proof, straw bottle is always a good choice.
- Ziploc bags
These little wonders store snacks from the buffet, wet items, small toys, and little treasures.
- Card games
Small but mighty, cards can keep bigger kids entertained for hours. Cards are especially great for large and multi-generational family groups
- Custom temporary tattoos
These cool tattoos can be customized with a parent's name, cabin number, and contact info to help crew members find you. You can even add a favorite character or theme for a fun, fashionable safety tattoo your kids will actually want to wear.
- OTC medications
Never pay wild port prices for medications. Pack a few doses of some basics like fever reducer, antihistamines, and a handful of bandaids.
- Lanyard
Many cruise ships provide lanyards for ship cards, but your kids will probably enjoy wearing one featuring a favorite character or color much more. If theyre wearing it, they're less likely to lose it!
- Clothespins
Hang wet items on the shower clothesline, attach hats to backpacks, keep outfits together, secure towels to beach chairs, and more with these handy clips.
- Comfort Items
A piece of home is so needed for traveling little ones. A favorite stuffie, toy, or doll can make a big difference in transitions.
- Water coloring book
These dry after use and can be colored again and again. No worries about messy crayons or markers either.
Happy sailing!
-Rachel
