Pictured above: Wendy with her family on an Alaskan cruise on the Celebrity Solstice celebrating her mom’s 80th birthday. L to R: Josh Carter, Stefani Carter, Barbara Matles (mom), Hal Matles, Wendy, John Sandridge, Pierce Martin, Grant Martin, Brittany Martin, Sherri Fisher, Gabby Fisher, Steve Fisher.
The travel industry is booming again, so book that dream vacation NOW
By Alicia Wanek
Wendy Sandridge holds the title of Luxury Travel Specialist at TravelStore, but through conversation, it’s evident that she believes the heart of her work lies in building relationships and creating lasting memories. Travel is the means through which couples bond, families enjoy quality time, and friends celebrate significant occasions—ideally set against stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures, and gourmet meals. Sandridge finds fulfillment in being the one to make these experiences come to life. She encourages a focus on gathering memories rather than merely accumulating material possessions.
“You don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring. What better way to celebrate life than to see the world?”
– Wendy Sandridge
Wendy, known as “Travel Mom Wendy,” is back in action, doing what she loves after the travel industry faced substantial challenges during Covid. However, she acknowledges that much of the sector is still on its path to recovery. “Now more than ever travel is so dynamic,” says Wendy. “The rules of travel have changed.” Ongoing flight cancellations, understaffed services, varying restrictions, and a constantly evolving set of documentation and vaccination requirements have made the role of a knowledgeable travel expert like Wendy more crucial than ever. “We can navigate all of that,” she reassures. “We do everything we can to create the best experiences for our clients.”
Regardless of what a client envisions for their ideal vacation, Wendy is dedicated to making it a reality. Her aim is to ensure everything is “seamless from start to finish, whether clients desire adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.” She has organized unique trips to familiar destinations like Costa Rica that blend thrilling activities such as zip-lining through jungles and snorkeling with relaxing sunset cruises and poolside cabanas. Furthermore, she has put together itineraries that transition from treetops to sandy beaches. Additionally, Wendy often secures extra perks at hotels, arranges special meals, or coordinates excursions at prime locations. “It’s always fun and exciting whether I’m collaborating with someone new or someone I’ve known for decades. I enthusiastically support what they’re planning and where they’re headed.”
“Wendy has planned so many vacations for us that I just wouldn’t travel any other way!
She thinks of EVERYTHING!”
– Julie Rinker
Wendy’s extensive knowledge of numerous destinations enables her to customize experiences for each client. It’s all about the relationships she cultivates with her clients, combined with the connections she has established with travel partners in various locations worldwide. “I’m always trying to connect with travel partners and reach out to colleagues to immerse myself in the properties,” she explains. If Wendy hasn’t visited a location herself, she can reach out to colleagues who specialize in each country. TravelStore’s motto of “We’ve been where you want to go” reflects the experience Wendy utilizes to create tailored itineraries.
“I recently took a fabulous trip to French Polynesia with my friend Kim,” she shares. Wendy and Kim flew from DFW to San Francisco en route to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, where they spent a night at Hilton Hotel Tahiti before starting their yachting journey. “We sailed through all the islands on Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit, which is a fantastic way to travel and appreciate the culture. I have incredible memories from our luxurious beach and spa day in Bora Bora at the St. Regis,” she reflects.
“Wendy is the best because she travels the same trips and knows every detail, even the best cabins on the ship and the best rooms in a hotel.”
– Katia Gordon
Wendy visits the destinations she recommends, giving her valuable insights when planning your adventures. Here she is experiencing life on a private island in French Polynesia.
Don’t let negative travel news deter you from planning your trips. The essential thing is to have a single point of contact for your entire itinerary. Erica Ramos, part of Wendy’s team, emphasizes, “If we handle everything, we can adjust and ensure a smooth experience for the traveler.” Due to increased delays and cancellations, or sometimes illness, Wendy strongly suggests travel insurance. Protecting your trip is more critical than ever, and as long as her team manages all arrangements, they can adapt the entire journey to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. For example, when a couple’s flight delay threatened their timely arrival for a yacht departure, Wendy orchestrated communication with the ship while monitoring flight statuses to ensure everyone could set sail together.
In the post-pandemic world, many of us have developed a greater appreciation for life than before, and Wendy advises, “You don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring.” She encourages, “What better way to celebrate life than to explore the world?” Through a consultation, she can help you identify the ideal vacation for you and your companions. The possibilities are truly endless. Wendy’s favorite saying is, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read one page.” Where will your next chapter take you?
Here are some comments from Wendy’s clients about recent vacations she has organized for them:
“Wendy has planned so many vacations for us that I just wouldn’t travel any other way! She thinks of EVERYTHING! One trip she planned was to Italy with my daughter, who was studying abroad. Due to our limited time, she created a beautiful and seamless trip. I had never been to Europe before, and she had every airline and train ticket prepared, so we didn’t have to worry about anything. We traveled from the Amalfi coast to the stunning Cinque Terre, staying at a unique hotel atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, accessible via a special small car! We also attended a private cooking class in a family-owned restaurant that we still reminisce about! Then we journeyed to Florence for a few days before my daughter started school. We visited the Uffizi Museum with “skip the line” passes, along with several delightful restaurants and attractions that Wendy recommended.
Other trips she has coordinated include Italy with my college friends for our 60th birthdays, Spain with our other daughter, and Hawaii for our second honeymoon.”
“Wendy is so personable, has great connections around the world, and truly is a great friend and travel planner!”
– Julie Rinker
Rick Hubbard says, “Our trip to Tuscany, arranged by Wendy for wine tasting, was a wonderful experience that allowed us to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful wine regions. We enjoyed the breathtaking views of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves while tasting some of the finest wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The key factor is the experiences Wendy offers. She knows the locations and people firsthand because she has visited many times and can leverage that experience.”
“Wendy has booked my last four cruises, and I can’t imagine traveling without her. Wendy supports you 100 percent throughout the trip, while other travel agents I’ve used in the past merely made the bookings and disappeared afterward. She is exceptional because she travels the same trips and is aware of every detail, from the best cabins on the ship to the finest hotel rooms.”
– Katia Gordon
“Mark and I celebrated his retirement with an amazing Caribbean vacation aboard SeaDream 2. Huge thanks to #TravelMomWendy for organizing everything! Traveling with her and 20 new friends (in our group) made it an unforgettable experience! We visited St. Martin, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barths, and more, reaching a new island each day—seven ports in seven days… with outstanding food and service! Looking forward to Wendy’s next recommendation!”
– DeeDee Wise
“We were blessed to celebrate Charles’ 60th birthday at The Montague in Kapalua Bay. We dined in the Cliff House over the water, enjoying stunning views, live music, and a private chef. We danced with our grandchildren and created lasting memories,” shares Elizabeth Daigle. “Traveling with our family is always filled with love, adventures, and surprises.” Shown here at Kapalua Bay are: Emerson Daigle, Chase Daigle, Victoria Daigle, Harrison Daigle, Nick Daigle, Charles Daigle, Elizabeth Daigle, Jordan Coleman, Carson Coleman, Blake Coleman, Charlie Coleman, Olivia Daigle, Chloe Daigle, and Alex Daigle.
“We appreciate Wendy’s hard work ensuring all details were executed perfectly.”
– Elizabeth Daigle
“Traveling with our family is always filled with love, adventures, and the unexpected,” says Elizabeth Daigle. Shown here in the Montage at Kapalua Bay are: Emerson Daigle, Chase Daigle, Victoria Daigle, Harrison Daigle, Nick Daigle, Charles Daigle, Elizabeth Daigle, Jordan Coleman, Carson Coleman, Blake Coleman, Charlie Coleman, Olivia Daigle, Chloe Daigle, and Alex Daigle.
Wendy travels to the locations she endorses, giving her a unique advantage in planning your adventures. Here she is with a recent group trip on Sea Dream Yacht Club during their port stop in Antigua.
Editor’s Note: If you are ready to turn your vacation dreams into reality, contact Wendy Sandridge, Independent Affiliate Agent for TravelStore, at 972-491-1560 or via email at travelmomwendy@gmail.com.
