Local Advisor Expands Her Passion for Planning
After more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Kim Lyons knows what it takes to deliver exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.
“For the last 13 years, I’ve balanced a successful career owning and operating a Cruise Planners franchise, working part-time to help clients plan their ideal vacations worldwide,” Lyons says.
Cruise Planners is a travel agency franchise network that primarily operates in the United States. Franchise owners, often referred to as travel advisors, can run their businesses from home without needing a physical storefront.
According to Lyons, a travel advisor’s day-to-day work can vary depending on their focus—leisure, corporate or specialty travel—but generally includes client consultations, research and planning, quotes and itineraries, booking and coordination, client support, administrative tasks, marketing and networking, and ongoing education.
Lyons is now preparing to retire from her full-time position and dive wholeheartedly into her passion—turning travel dreams into reality.
“My transition to working full-time in travel marks not just a new chapter in my career, but a continuation of my lifelong commitment to creating memorable experiences for others,” she says.
With decades of expertise and a personal touch that comes from what she refers to as her ability to truly understand people, Lyons is dedicated to crafting journeys that reflect each traveler’s unique interests and style.
“The majority of my clients are based in Indiana, but my professional network and prior work connections have allowed me to build relationships with clients across the country,” she says. “Thanks to the comprehensive tools and resources provided by Cruise Planners, I’m able to assist clients from any location.”
Lyons ensures every client receives personalized attention and a smooth, convenient planning experience, whether through phone, email or video conferencing.
“One of the most memorable trips I’ve planned was a 10-day honeymoon to South Africa,” Lyons says. “It was a customized journey from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, filled with incredible experiences along the way.”
While in Cape Town, Lyons says her clients explored the vibrant wine country, ascended Table Mountain and even went cage diving with sharks.
“They also traveled to Oudtshoorn, where they visited an ostrich farm and a big cat sanctuary,” Lyons adds. “Their next stop was Plettenberg Bay, where they enjoyed an overnight stay and some sightseeing along the stunning coast. The trip concluded in Port Elizabeth, where they took a Mosaic City and Township tour, went on a marine safari to see humpback whales, dolphins, seals and black-footed penguins, and capped it all off with an unforgettable Big Five safari.”
Lyons says that her business is 45% cruising, 42% land packages and 13% a combination of air, hotels, excursions and car rentals. For more information, visit cpimaginationvacation.com or contact Lyons at kim.lyons@cruiseplanners.com.
