Cruise Planners Franchisee, Theresa Curbelo, Recognized for Excellence in Group Travel Planning
Cruise Planners Celebrates Theresa Curbelo’s Recognition for Outstanding Group Booking Effort
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Aug. 12, 2024 – Cruise Planners is proud to celebrate the achievements of one of our dedicated advisors, Theresa Curbelo, who has recently been featured on the front cover of TravelAge West magazine and honored as TravelAge West’s Trendsetter Award Runner-Up for Best Group Booking Effort. This award not only recognizes her professional excellence but also her heartfelt dedication to the first responder community.
“Theresa’s dedication and passion are truly inspiring,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners. “Her efforts highlight the profound impact travel can have, especially for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. We are proud to have her as part of the Cruise Planners family.”
Theresa’s journey in the travel industry is deeply personal. As a retired Firefighter/Paramedic, she knows firsthand the challenges and sacrifices of the profession. She has personally experienced the importance of taking vacations as a means of reconnecting with the beauty of our world. First responders are immersed in the often chaotic and unspoken realities of their day-to-day lives and therefore may overlook the incredible beauty, people, and diverse cultures that exist globally. Recognizing this, she aims to facilitate their connection to these enriching experiences during their leisure and vacation time.
Theresa’s award-winning effort centered around an unforgettable trip for first responders to Dublin, Ireland. Her meticulous planning went beyond the usual tourist attractions. Reflecting on her own desires, she realized that she had always harbored a wish to be in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. Inspired by the thousands of firefighters who annually participate in parades and celebrations across various regions, she decided to extend the opportunity to Ireland. She organized a private tour of the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Facility, creating an emotional and deeply resonant experience for her clients. This thoughtful touch was not just about sightseeing; it was about creating a moment of connection and understanding for those who serve their communities.
The most significant challenge Theresa faced was selecting an event or date that would be convenient for a substantial number of travelers and firefighters. It took several unsuccessful attempts for her to identify what would truly work. Contacting a tour company, she outlined her vision for a private tour, and they collaborated with her to craft a successful plan. This allowed sufficient time in the Dublin area, enabling the group to explore the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Facility—an experience that resonated well with firefighters and others due to its rich history in Irish firefighting.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor,” said Theresa Curbelo. “Being able to provide first responders with memorable and meaningful travel experiences is a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.”
For Theresa, travel is more than just visiting new places—it’s about creating opportunities for growth, reflection, and joy. By focusing on the needs and interests of first responders, she offers them a chance to step away from their demanding roles and experience the world in a way that enriches their lives. Her efforts remind us all of the transformative power of travel.
About Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking, and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as “Best-In-Category” for 2 years.
Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel.