Huntsville native Monique Fleming has always had a passion for travel. This passion shows in her adventures and the trips she plans for others as a travel advisor.

She initially pursued a degree in fashion design at the University of North Alabama, but plans changed when she found an opportunity with Four Seasons Travel in 1991. Today, Monique is a Huntsville real estate agent and co-owner of Cruise Planners/Southern Girls Travel, where she helps clients create unforgettable travel experiences.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

I developed my passion for traveling at an early age when my family and I traveled multiple times overseas and throughout the U.S. During my high school years, my older sister went to work with her friend Melanie Buford, co-owner of Four Seasons Travel. I saw the excitement that she had in helping others plan their vacations and learning about our wonderful world and places that she had not yet discovered. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a travel advisor to combine my expertise with my passion for travel.

What do you enjoy most about helping people plan and book travel experiences?

I enjoy the planning process from start to finish. Helping people plan their trips means contributing to experiences that can create lasting memories and joy. Travel opens the doors to new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Assisting someone in their journey is very fulfilling. Planning trips for clients often leads to rapport and trust between myself and my customer, adding a personal touch to the process. I look forward to my clients’ return and learning about their trip. Travel enthusiasts enjoy sharing tips, hidden gems, and insights that can enhance someone’s experience. In essence, it’s about enriching lives through the joy and discovery that travel brings.

What are some of your favorite places to travel and why?

I love all travel, and it is hard to narrow down, but one of my favorite trips was the Christmas Market River Cruise on the Rhine beginning in Amsterdam and ending in Basel, Switzerland. The Europeans go all out decorating the storefronts, the streets and public spaces near the cathedrals. The markets are set up and decorated so nicely. You can purchase one-of-a-kind gifts. The sights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and Glühwein remind me of Christmas memories and put me in the holiday spirit.

My next favorite places are Greece and Turkey. I traveled with a group of 38 people, most of them being my closest friends and family. We started in Athens, Greece, touring the Acropolis and Parthenon. Getting to experience the ancient ruins of Ephesus and diving into the history of Christianity was something that we will all remember forever. Not to mention the Greek Isles are something to behold.

What’s your best travel tip?

Make sure if you’re planning a trip a year in advance to always check your passport. Your passport must be valid six months past your return date. I recommend renewing your passport six to eight months before it expires.

Also, pack your patience nowadays because everybody is traveling. Be kind and realize everyone is in the same boat as you.

Connect with Monique
www.southerngirlstravel.com
monique.fleming@cruiseplanners.com