By Alicia Wanek
Wendy Sandridge: Living the Dream
Wendy Sandridge, also known as “Travel Mom Wendy,” embodies the rare fortune of having a profession that meshes seamlessly with her passion for exploration. As a Luxury Travel Specialist, she delights in crafting unforgettable journeys for her clients while indulging in her own adventures worldwide. It’s no wonder that Wendy found her niche in the travel industry, following in her mother’s footsteps.
A Legacy of Wanderlust
Throughout her childhood, Wendy frequently traveled with her family and learned about the incredible voyages her mother, Barbara, orchestrated for clients at her travel agency in Manhattan Beach, California. Today, Barbara continues to thrive in the industry. Wendy earned her “travel mom” label back in 2004 when she aimed to organize a family cruise for a handful of friends, only to end up coordinating a trip for 385 people. This marked the beginning of her thriving career. Wendy has since collaborated with thousands of clients, arranging trips across the globe and visiting numerous countries herself.
The Joy of Connection
Wendy expresses, “I have a passion for travel because I love to see new things, meet new people, and experience different cultures.” Her enthusiasm for her work is equally inspiring as she plans tailored trips for her clients. “My mission is to make the clients happy… I love it when I see one of my clients posting pictures on social media of their travels; it shows they are having a great time,” she reveals. For Wendy, helping clients create cherished memories is a significant part of her job, and she dedicates herself to ensuring every travel experience has personal touches that make it memorable.
Client Testimonials
Jordan Coleman has been a loyal client of Wendy’s for years. “Wendy is amazing, the travel queen! We work with her for every vacation we plan. She has coordinated trips for my husband and me, my family, girlfriend getaways, and last-minute escapes… Every experience is top-notch and unforgettable. Her extensive industry connections guarantee her clients unique experiences.” Wendy meticulously planned Jordan’s honeymoon in Europe, where each hotel greeted them with welcome gifts and notes from their “Travel Mom Wendy,” enhancing their check-in experiences and contributing to the overall seamlessness of their honeymoon. “Thanks to her, every vacation becomes stress-free, allowing us to relax and relish every moment,” Jordan recalls.
Expertise Through Experience
As an independent affiliate of TravelStore, Wendy embodies their promise: “We’ve been where you want to go.” With her children now grown, Wendy has greater freedom to explore, with a particular fondness for cruising with friends. “Traveling with a group is far more enjoyable,” she insists. Through her professional journey and personal travels, Wendy has cultivated strong ties with hoteliers and suppliers, enabling her to personalize trip experiences—often incorporating special perks and recommendations. For instance, she assisted Lisa Jeffrey in planning a multi-city adventure through Italy with her family. Lisa reflected, “Wendy has forged some remarkable relationships over the years. Her strong connections with hotel managers across Italy made every check-in effortless and secured us several upgrades during our trip, accompanied by outstanding friendly service. Beyond accommodations, Wendy recommended a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast rather than a driving tour to accommodate Dad’s knee limitations. This alternative allowed everyone to be physically comfortable while encouraging new friendships among fellow travelers, just like in our cooking class in Florence with wonderful instructors and a fantastic market tour.”
A Proud Mother
What does her mother Barbara think of Wendy’s success? “I’m incredibly proud of her. It’s heartwarming to see her following my path,” Barbara states, adding, “I believe she is a phenomenal travel advisor and shows tremendous care for all her groups.” With over 65 countries visited in her 43-year travel career, Barbara certainly understands the travel industry’s intricacies. It’s clear that Wendy’s passion is inherited. When she planned her first cruise that launched her career, she could not have imagined that she would later be coordinating honeymoons for clients from that trip. With travel ingrained in her legacy, Wendy is poised to create even more amazing memories.
Contact Information
To connect with Wendy Sandridge for information and exclusive perks on featured locations or any other destinations worldwide, reach out via email at:
travelmomwendy@gmail.com or call 214.769.8177.
