By Alicia Wanek
Some individuals are fortunate to have a profession that aligns with their passion. Luxury Travel Specialist Wendy Sandridge falls into this category. Known as “Travel Mom Wendy,” she not only enjoys crafting unforgettable experiences for her clients but also cherishes her own journeys to various global destinations. It’s fitting that both her career and her personal passion revolve around travel, a path she follows from her mother.
Wendy’s childhood was filled with family trips, but she was also inspired by her mother Barbara, who ran her own travel agency in Manhattan Beach, California, planning incredible vacations for her clients. Barbara remains active in the industry to this day. Wendy earned her “travel mom” moniker in 2004, while her children were still young. What began as a simple idea to organize a cruise for a few friends escalated into planning a journey for 385 participants. That was just the start. Since then, Wendy has successfully managed trips for countless clients, exploring numerous countries herself along the way.
“My love for travel stems from my desire to discover new places, meet diverse people, and experience different cultures,” Wendy explains. Her enthusiasm for client travel planning is apparent. “My goal is to bring joy to my clients… It’s truly fulfilling to see them sharing their adventures on social media, knowing they’re having a wonderful time,” she adds. Wendy feels she plays an integral role in crafting memorable experiences, diligently adding personal touches to make each journey stand out.
Jordan Coleman has turned to Wendy for assistance over the years. “Wendy is fantastic—the travel queen! We rely on her for every vacation we organize. From trips with just my husband to family gatherings and even last-minute escapes, every experience is exceptional and unforgettable. Her extensive industry connections guarantee her clients always receive a unique experience.” Wendy meticulously arranged every aspect of Jordan’s honeymoon across Europe. She recalls, “Each hotel greeted us with a welcome note and gift from our Travel Mom Wendy, a delightful touch that made checking in particularly special. Thanks to her efforts, our honeymoon felt seamless and effortless, allowing us to relax and soak in every moment without stress.”
Wendy is an independent affiliate of TravelStore, which prides itself on saying, “We’ve been where you want to go,” and that rings true for her. Now that her children have grown, Wendy has even more opportunities to travel, with her personal favorites being cruises, particularly when shared with friends. “Traveling with a group is much more enjoyable,” she asserts. Over her career and travels, she’s cultivated personal relationships with hotel staff and suppliers, enabling her to offer unique experiences often accompanied by special perks or recommendations. For instance, Wendy assisted Lisa Jeffrey in organizing a multi-city adventure in Italy with her family. Lisa shares, “Wendy has developed remarkable relationships throughout her career; her connections with hotel managers across Italy made every check-in effortless and resulted in numerous upgrades, along with outstanding hospitality. Beyond the accommodations, Wendy suggested a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast instead of a driving tour, which was a better fit for my dad’s needs after his knee replacement. Our boat trip was an excellent choice, keeping everyone comfortable while also allowing my parents to connect with fellow travelers. Our cooking class in Florence was equally enjoyable—with fantastic instructors, an insightful market tour, and new friendships forming.” This exemplifies the power of established connections.
What does Barbara think about her daughter’s journey? She expresses, “I’m immensely proud of her. It warms my heart to see her continue the legacy I started.” Barbara further remarks, “I believe she’s an outstanding advisor, and she treats all her groups exceptionally well.” After all, Barbara has been in the industry for 43 years and visited over 65 countries herself. It’s clear where Wendy’s enthusiasm originates. When she planned that initial cruise that launched her travel career, she couldn’t have predicted that she’d one day be planning honeymoons for the kids from that trip. With travel ingrained in her family’s DNA, Wendy has countless memories yet to create.
Editor’s Note: For more information and exclusive perks on featured locations from the 2020 Travel Planner, or any other destinations worldwide, email travelmomwendy@gmail.com or contact 214.769.8177.
