Gina Atkins
Owner & CEO
I created GWA Travel Collective to help people upgrade their travel from ordinary to extraordinary. I create tailor-made itineraries that seamlessly blend opulence, adventure, and cultural immersion. The word elevated means something different to everyone and I’m here to deliver your personalized version of just that. Maybe it’s a private pool in your room, or a chauffeured vehicle taking you to and from the airport, or maybe even a magical, personal hot air balloon ride - you dream it and I provide it.
My wanderlust started at the age of 15 with a school trip to Spain - one word - Alhambra (if you know, you know). I was fascinated by the architecture, the sights and sounds, and the culture. It was at that moment I realized how large the world was. I only lived in a little tiny part of it; I wanted to see more. From Iceland to Australia to London to Mexico I’ve been to over 20+ countries and am still exploring.
I live in Pennsylvania with my husband and dogs and try to explore a new location at least once a month. My goal is to visit all 50 states before I’m 50! Reach out to me today to get started on your dream trip.
Location: Collegeville, PA
Specialization: Mexico, Europe, Elevated Curated Experiences, Group Travel, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons.
Favorite Travel Destination: Mexico - I’ve climbed over 15 ancient ruins in Latin America!
Ultimate Bucket List Destination: The Maldives and Bora Bora.
Breena Silizinoff
Travel Advisor
Location: Fresno, CA
Specialization: Ocean & River Cruises, All-Inclusives in Mexico & Caribbean, Europe, & Hawaii.
Favorite Travel Destination: I love being by the water, Bora Bora is my favorite.
Ultimate Bucket List: Northern Lights & African Safari, including Zanzibar.
I have been traveling for many years and planning and organizing is what I do best. I’ve truly enjoyed planning my travels and it seemed to be a perfect fit to become a travel advisor. I’ve been to over 10+ countries, sailed on many ocean & river cruises and have visited resorts in Mexico, Hawaii & the Caribbean. This has given me an encyclopedia of knowledge to book your travels. I can help advise you on when is the best time to go, where to stay, and what not to miss.
The travel bug bit me 15 years ago on my first international trip to Australia. Ever since then, I have been addicted to traveling. This world has so much to see! I love visiting different countries and immersing myself in their culture, and eating the food! I really enjoy taking cooking classes in each country that I visit. From Australia to Israel to Greece to Mexico and many more, my goal is to continue traveling and see as much as I can.
I am a mom of two amazing grown children; one who lives in Australia. When I’m not traveling or booking travel for others, I love to knit and crochet. Finding yarn in other countries has become a hobby of mine and I would love to help you plan your next travel adventure, reach out to me today!
Katie Wehry
Travel Advisor
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Specialization: Cruises, Western USA and National Parks
Favorite Travel Destination: Arizona - I would move here if I had the chance!
Ultimate Bucket List: Paris
Travel was always something I was interested in. I found myself planning trips for family friends, so it only made sense to make the move and become a travel advisor myself. I have a great passion for travel, I get excited to help my clients experience new destinations and have new experiences. I love building itineraries and giving my clients the opportunity to have the adventure of a lifetime!
I love seeing new places, the thrill of packing up and going somewhere I have only dreamed of is a feeling I continuously crave. I can only imagine how stunning the rest of the world is. I have visited 43 out of the 50 states in the US - seven away from my goal! My travel goals also include visiting every PA State Park and every US National Park.
I am married to my amazing husband, together we fell in love with the world of travel. We have a 100 pound puppy named Tillie; we love to take her along with us on our travels as much as we can. I love to serve God in many aspects of my life, and I find through my travels I am so grateful to be given so many opportunities to do so. Check me and my husband out on YouTube @thewehrywanderers and connect with me on Facebook! I’d love to help you plan your dream cruise or National Park Adventure!
Shauna Allen
Travel Advisor
Location: Western North Carolina
Specialization: Disney, Disney Cruises, Family Travel
Favorite Travel Destination: Disney - I’m an annual passholder and go almost quarterly!
Ultimate Bucket List: Trinidad and Tobago during Carnival Season
I became a travel advisor because I wanted to share the feeling of rejuvenation and joy that I experience whenever I travel. In the three years since I became a travel agent, I have traveled more than I ever have in my adult life. I found a love for some place I never had access to as a child - Disney! I hope to help my clients create magical experiences and get the most out of their trip.
I am proud to call myself a Disney adult and I take my job very seriously! But even more, I recognize traveling as a family is very different from traveling with just adults. I strive to make sure my families have reduced worry and help them have all their bases covered for their trips. It’s important that they actually get to enjoy themselves and each other! I get just as excited and enjoy the research and planning as I do when I actually go on a trip. For me, it’s the feeling of the warm sum, tasty food, and amazing experiences that light up my world. I get especially tickled with Disney World, because every trip is always different and magical.
My goal is to be able to fully cover travel with my mother. I also hope to travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during Carnival Season. My favorite princess is Princess Tiana, and if you’ve seen the movie I am totally her! I have my handsome prince who is a musician, a little princess that calls me mom, and a little furry princess too. In addition, I absolutely love to cook and I’m always working since I’m a full-time entrepreneur with multiple businesses. Whenever I am Disney bound, I always include a Tiana outfit in there as well! I hope to help you plan your dream family vacation - reach out to me today and outsource one thing off your plate!
Rachel Wing
Travel Advisor
Location: Mid Michigan
Specialization: Dark Tourism and Budget-Friendly Travel
Favorite Travel Destination: The Maldives - this was my first destination outside of the country!
Ultimate Bucket List: Bora Bora and Egypt
While I love the relaxing side of travel I prefer the more adventurous side of travel to be honest! I love to go on road trips and have multiple unique stops along the way. I love to seek out the unordinary, like seeing where they filmed Hocus Pocus in Salem or the Beetlejuice filming locations. I can’t wait to go to see the gothic side of Europe and the stunning beaches around the world - so if this sounds like what you are seeking in your next adventure, I would be a great Travel Advisor for you!
I find the unconventional side of traveling to be exciting and fun. I like unusual places and experiencing things out of the norm - while still experiencing gorgeous destinations. I love traveling and going to places that are budget-friendly. I want to share this with others! I want to make sure you are getting the most out of your vacation without having to break the bank. If you are overwhelmed with the idea of planning a trip on a budget - I’m your gal!
One of my travel goals is to visit all 50 states - I’m at #31 and counting! My furbaby Chief is the love of my life - second to travel. I absolutely love to attend concerts and I’m very much into photography. From budget-friendly itineraries to destinations off the beaten path, I help travelers uncover the world’s hidden gems while catering to their financial needs. With my expertise, every journey becomes enlightening and an economically friendly exploration into the darker side of travel. Connect with me on Instagram below and let’s get started on your next epic journey!
Jes Halm
Travel Advisor
Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania (Currently living in Sydney Australia)
Specialization: Solo Travel, Destination Weddings, and Cruises
Favorite Travel Destination: I love Scotland! The countryside is stunning and the history is rich! I’ve been there numerous times and Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world!
Ultimate Bucket List: Multi-country African safari starting with bush camping and ending with an all-inclusive resort in Zanzibar!
I spend my life finding things to marvel at, big or small. I get a buzz from sharing experiences and knowledge with others, whether it’s a stunning landscape or a delicious meal. These experiences woven together create a kaleidoscope of lasting memories. If you resonate with this, then I’m the travel advisor for you! I’ve been to over 30+ countries in my travels and I want to help you see and experience more of the world too!
Traveling is one of my greatest passions. It educates you on a level that is hard to explain. Connecting with people, culture and nature across the globe has enriched my life beyond belief and I want to share that with others. I absolutely love meeting new people in my travels, seeing the beautiful landscapes, and trying local cuisine. I have so many travel goals - top three are to cruise the Fjords of Norway and see the Northern Lights. I’d like to hear the whale songs in Maui in February during mating season, and I’d love to hike Machu Picchu in Peru.
For the better part of a decade, I have had the privilege of traveling to 49 states in the USA and 4 provinces in Canada as a touring Broadway stagehand. During my career, I had the pleasure of bringing musicals to audiences of all types and spending time in cities of all sizes. Most of my travels have been solo - it’s a passion of mine to help other solo travelers feel safe and confident on their own. I can absolutely plan an epic solo trip for you and give you firsthand, personal advice. In addition, I absolutely love to plan Destination Weddings! I myself, had one and I have also been to several as a guest. I met my husband when we were backpacking in Australia. He was a Brit and I was a Yank, stuck together in the Australian Outback. Of course my dog is also a world traveler, he has been to four different countries and over a dozen states! Currently we are all shacking up in Sydney, Australia. I look forward to working with you - reach out to get started with me today!
Edna Francis
Travel Advisor
Location: New York Boroughs
Specialization: All-Inclusives, Mexico & Caribbean, Ocean Cruises
Favorite Travel Destination: Thailand - I lived there for 2 years and enjoyed traveling throughout the country. My favorite was learning how to make authentic Pad Thai.
Ultimate Bucket List: India - I would love to take a Bollywood dance class and see the Taj Mahal.
It all started when my grandmother exposed me to travel at a young age. We took several trips to Barbados, and ever since then, travel has always been a significant part of my life. In 2019 I went to Thailand, which was only supposed to be for a one year stint - of course we all know what happened in March of 2020 - this extended my time living there by an extra year. I learned so much about myself traveling solo through a foreign country - it definitely gave me a new perspective on traveling and myself. When I returned to the states, I knew I wanted to continue the travel theme so becoming a travel advisor was the logical next choice for me.
I absolutely love all of the nuances in planning travel - planning for others was an easy next step. I value experiences, so I will make sure yours is one to remember. I’m here to help you narrow down all of the choices you have when traveling - and you never know where you might end up next! I never thought I would be into cruising, ever! But here we are, three cruises in two years and I love it, and can help you navigate which cruise option is best for you. In addition, I’m an expert at All-Inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean.
I am currently engaged to my beautiful fiancée and we will be tying the knot next year - Destination Wedding of course! We love to travel together and any opportunity I get to sing and dance I will take it, especially when I’m on vacation. So connect with me on Instagram and let me help you sing and dance your way across the world. I look forward to helping you plan your next trip.
Cassandra Ritchey
Travel Advisor
Location: Lancaster, PA Area
Specialization: Mystery Travel, Honeymoons, All-Inclusives in the Caribbean, USA & Europe
Favorite Travel Destination: Iceland - I recently found out I have Icelandic ancestry
Ultimate Bucket List: Norway & Engalnd
I love meeting new people and learning about their travel passions. I love exploring new places and planning meticulous itineraries. When you put those together, it’s the perfect recipe for being a passionate Travel Advisor.
Travel is amazing because you forget the real world for a while. Visiting places you've never been to before can open your eyes to new experiences and adventures, new people and friendships, history, culture, and learning. You come back from traveling feeling not only refreshed but worlds richer. There isn't anything like it!
Your trip is my trip - I am deeply committed to crafting unforgettable travel experiences, pouring my heart and soul into every aspect of the planning process. I thrive on discovering the unique charms of your destination, delving into its hidden gems, and uncovering the activities and sights that will resonate most with you. My goal is to tailor every trip to reflect your personal interests and passions, ensuring that your adventure is not just a trip but a truly extraordinary experience.
My husband and I have been together for almost 14 years. We have two beautiful little girls that bring me so much joy. We have a full household that includes two dogs and one cat. I love to read, and if I’m not spending time with my family or planning travel, you’ll find me with a Kindle in hand. Connect with me on Instagram, and when you’re ready, reach out to get started planning your dream trip!
Chelsea Cole
Travel Advisor
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Specialization: Cruises, All-Inclusives, Caribbean, Europe
Favorite Travel Destination: Anywhere a cruise is sailing, I’m on it! I go on at least three cruises a year. Fun fact - they have jails on the ship!
Ultimate Bucket List: Dubai and Bali
I love planning vacations for family and friends. I was doing it for five years “pro bono” before becoming a travel advisor. I was so excited to be able to earn money from something I am so passionate about. Cruising is where it is at! I love learning about the cruise ships and the destinations, sharing the information, and enjoying a great experience away from home.
I want more people to experience a vacation by being prepared, educated, and excited about where they are going. That is where I come in. I take the stress out of planning your vacations! I make sure you are prepared with every last detail like transfers, tours, immigration compliance, safety information, etc. I enjoy building relationships with my clients, understanding what their needs are, and executing the trip of a lifetime. I love hopping on a plane to experience new places, people, and culture and I want that for my clients as well.
A travel goal of mine is to visit every country in the world, even if it’s just for one day. I’m currently planning my own destination wedding with my fiancé of 5 years. Currently I am busy expanding my Virtual Assistance business - The Virtual Collab by Chelsea Yvanda - where I help entrepreneurs with virtual resources, and of course that includes travel planning services. When I’m not working or traveling, you can find me binge watching home content on YouTube or trying out new restaraunts in NYC. Life is short, make it sweet with travel. Connect with me on socials today!
Kara citarella
Travel Advisor
Location: DMV - Greater Washington D.C. Area
Specialization: Adventure Travel - Off the beaten path and nature
Favorite Travel Destination: Scottish Highlands - best single malt scotch I’ve ever tasted!
Ultimate Bucket List: Cruise to Antarctica and Climb Mt. Olympus in Greece
At some point, I realized that I not only love to travel, but I love planning trips for myself and others. It’s my happy place. So becoming a travel advisor is an extension of my ultimate happy place! If adventure is in your blood and that wild side calls to you, I’m the travel advisor for you! I will help you find that curated, once-in-a-lifetime type of adventure that you’ll be telling stories about for years to come.
I was always bitten by wanderlust, mostly from books I read growing up. I’ve been to many states within the U.S., but I have only been able to travel abroad within the last decade. Since then, my philosophy has been ‘carpe diem’ (seize the day), and I've never looked back! My travel goals consist of hiking gorgeous mountains in every country I visit. If not a mountain, then seeking that breathtaking view that might be difficult to get to, but is totally worth the effort.
When I’m not traveling or planning a trip, I’m hiking and exploring locally, taking a hot yoga class, enjoying time with friends and family, or reading a new thriller novel. Reach out to me today to help you find your next adventure!
If you’re interested in joining the team, click here to get started.