Europe Express

A gift for them, and a little extra for you!

The holidays are the perfect time to help families dream up their next European adventure. Give your clients something to look forward to—and enjoy a little extra for yourself this season!

Get $100 off qualifying Custom & Elevated bookings of $12,000+ PLUS $100 in bonus commission.

Use promo code 100OFFBLACKFRIDAY

📅 Book by December 31, 2026
✈️ Travel by December 31, 2027

Ready to start planning? Reach out to your Europe Specialist or call 800-927-3876 today!

Europe Express Helping Travel Advisors impress with customized European journeys.
🏆 IATA • USTOA • ASTA Member
⤹ Travel Advisor tools, itineraries, & resources
https://www.europeexpress.com/

✨ Travel Advisor Spotlight: Create Great Travel, Travel Agent-Sonja Sabarese Hester✨

This month, we are excited to spotlight Sonja Hester, founder of Create Great Travel. After 10 years in the travel industry, she started her own agency to design custom vacations on her own terms—putting the client’s unique story at the heart of every trip.

Q: What inspired you to become a Travel Advisor, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
A: My passion for travel was born the moment I took my first international flight to Italy to meet family. I quickly realized that travel isn't just about seeing history—it’s about a feeling you can only understand when you’re standing there yourself.

Today, I use my decade of industry expertise to help clients capture that feeling. From romantic Italian escapes to tailored family adventures across Europe and beyond, I handle every detail with care, creativity, and ultimate professionalism. Turning dream destinations into seamless, custom-crafted journeys.

Q: What is one standout Europe itinerary you’ve created for a client with Europe Express?
A: The Elevated itinerary framework, paired with their dedicated client concierge service, introduces a sophisticated new tier of luxury to the modern travel experience. The premium collaboration from Europe Express truly stands alone in the industry. It successfully bridges the gap between independent exploration and total security, allowing clients to travel freely with absolute peace of mind throughout their entire itinerary.

I cannot speak highly enough of this exceptional service, and I believe it is an experience every discerning traveler deserves to have. This past year, Elevated clients had to deal with a train strike. Lakshay was able to secure a private transfer just hours prior to their next excursion in their next location! These clients were very impressed with Lakshay and his ability to accommodate their needs during the entire trip. This trip was stress free and the value of using a concierge was priceless for their peace of mind.

Q: What advice would you give to fellow Travel Advisors looking to grow their Europe business?
A: Align your agency with premium, reliable travel suppliers. Look for supplier programs who only work with travel agents and make FIT seamless and confident for your client’s journey or travel style that seamlessly combine independent, tailored travel frameworks with a dedicated 24/7 client concierge. Partnering with suppliers who provide full on-the-ground security ensures your clients enjoy luxury-tier treatment while giving your business total peace of mind if pre-planning hurdles or mid-trip issues arise.

Also, leverage human connections. Word of mouth remains the highest-converting traffic source for premium travel advisors.

Thank you, Sonja, for your partnership and expertise. We're proud to have you as part of our community! 💙

A look back at our Advisor Appreciation Trip to Portugal! 🇵🇹

From the charming streets of Lisbon to the beautiful landscapes of the Douro Valley, our Advisor Appreciation Trip was a week filled with unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections, and plenty of inspiration for future client adventures!

Our journey began in Lisbon, where we enjoyed a private city tour, an authentic Fado evening, and an excursion to the fairytale palaces of Sintra and the coastal beauty of Cascais. Along the way to Porto, we explored the history of Fátima and Coimbra before discovering Porto’s local flavors on a food tour.

We wrapped up our time together with a 4x4 adventure through the Douro Valley, a vineyard visit and Port w**e tasting, surrounded by Portugal’s stunning scenery. It was the perfect way to celebrate the incredible Travel Advisors who make our work so special.

At Europe Express, we’re grateful for the partnerships we share and the opportunity to create experiences that help our Travel Advisors impress their clients. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special week in Portugal! 💙

Sauna culture in Europe goes far beyond a little rest and relaxation. From Finland’s traditional lakeside saunas to Budapest’s grand thermal bathhouses and the unexpected aufguss performances of the Dolomites, the experience can look very different depending on where travelers go.

Swipe through to discover how sauna traditions vary across Europe, what travelers should know about local etiquette, and why these centuries-old rituals remain an important part of European culture.

Ready to explore more? Read our full blog for regional traditions, sauna etiquette, and what travelers can expect: https://www.europeexpress.com/travel-blog/european-sauna-culture/

✨ Meet the Expert: Thea Marriner, Product Manager ✨

At Europe Express, great travel starts with people who know and love the destinations they represent. This month, we're getting to know Thea Marriner, our Product Manager for the UK and Ireland. Thea works across the business to develop experiences, collaborate with partners, and uncover new opportunities—making every day a little different.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the travel industry and at Europe Express?
A: The people. Whether it's colleagues, suppliers, or customers, there's a shared interest in travel that creates a welcoming and collaborative environment. I think that common passion brings a sense of curiosity and openness that makes the industry enjoyable to be part of, while also giving you the chance to connect with people from different cultures and learn from their experiences.

Q: How do you support Travel Advisors in your role?
A: By ensuring the destinations I manage are as relevant, competitive, and easy to sell as possible. This means working closely with suppliers to build a portfolio of trusted hotels and experiences that cater to different travel styles, interests, and budgets. My goal is to give Travel Advisors complete confidence that when they book with Europe Express, they're recommending products that have been carefully selected to meet their clients' needs and deliver a great experience.

Q: What is one destination, experience, or travel tip you’re especially passionate about right now?
A: Those offered by independent, locally owned, and community-driven partners. I find these experiences often provide a deeper connection to the destination, reflecting local traditions, cultures, and stories that have been directly passed down. My travel tip would be to look beyond the well-known bucket-list attractions. Some of the most memorable moments happen when you explore what’s local and a little less expected.

Thank you, Thea, for your dedication to supporting our Travel Advisor partners and helping create exceptional travel experiences every day!