Janine Dawson

The Valiant Lady is a bold, high-energy take on cruising, blending modern design with a lively, social atmosphere from the moment you step onboard and greet the DJ at the front door. It’s best for cruisers who enjoy being in the mix—in short, an extroverted, experience-driven client who craves a lively, stimulating atmosphere and lots of agency to decide where to dine, lounge, and play. While the cabins are smaller and less design-forward than some competitors, the overall experience shines in its vibrant spaces, expansive dining options, and nonstop energy. For the right traveler, Virgin Voyages delivers a fun, engaging, and refreshingly different cruise experience with a modern twist.

Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa is refined, understated, and delivers true boutique five-star luxury without the flash. Set in the 7th arrondissement, it offers a quiet, residential feel that makes it feel more like a second home than a hotel. The ballerina-inspired design—soft pinks, grays, and delicate details like the Narcisse Blanc insignia—adds a graceful elegance throughout. My take: it’s ideal for couples or well-traveled clients who value calm, privacy, and that personalized, “they know your name and your order” kind of luxury.

What makes Hôtel Adèle & Jules special to me is that it’s authentic—it’s not trying to be overly chic or something it’s not. It gives you comfort, safety, and an amazing location in the 9th arrondissement that is near all the action. It has a perfect balance of quiet when you need it and city energy right outside your door. This is how I like to travel—easy, convenient, and in the middle of it all. It’s the kind of place I’d come back to and feel good recommending to the right client every single time.

Paris is a city for the curious traveler. It invites you to slow down—to admire its architecture, linger at a café without watching the clock, and wander with intention rather than urgency. Here, leisure, culture, history, and exceptional cuisine coexist in a setting that feels effortlessly modern yet beautifully nostalgic. It is also, undeniably, a girly girl’s paradise—where fashion, beauty, art, and indulgence are part of its fabric and daily routine. Like another favorite city of mine, New York, Paris has it all, plus a special energy that is magnetic, layered, and unmistakably alive.

Marriott Village d’Île-de-France was the perfect home base for our 14-person group—spacious enough for everyone to spread out while still feeling connected; similar to being neighbors. The setting was peaceful, pretty, and very French, with a charming townhouse feel. After long days in Paris, it was a quiet place to return to, unwind, laugh and regroup. It offered that sweet spot of togetherness and breathing room that we needed, plus comfort and safety.

Sailing aboard the Celebrity Silhouette is pure pleasure—a perfect blend of modern elegance, vibrant energy, and luxurious comfort. With abundant amenities and serene spaces, it offers the ideal balance of excitement and relaxation.

Opal Sol and Opal Sands perfectly capture the Opal Collection’s signature coastal luxury—where you don’t just feel like you’re staying in the lap of luxury, you truly are. Stunning design, thoughtful décor, and exceptional service create an experience that’s as unforgettable as it is indulgent.

The Gulf Shores have a way of making time stand still—where endless blue skies and sparkling clear waters create the perfect backdrop for a laid-back, carefree escape.

August 2021 was a special time for me as I celebrated my husband Sharif's 50th birthday in the Masa Mara in Kenya, which was his dream vacation. I went all out when travel planning and decided to stay at this 5-star lodge known for its contemporary bungalow tents, outstanding service and quiet atmosphere. The staff made my husband's birthday unforgettable and our time spent here was one of the best vacation experiences we have ever had. We dream of staying at Leopard Hill again and taking our second safari all the time. I recommend this location to my adventurous clients who want an upscale and off-the-grid safari experience with their significant other or family. If you are ready to take your first Safari, reach out - I'd be glad to help you make this bucket list destination a reality!

I attended a FAM tour in January 2025 on the Odyssey of the Seas. It is a perfect choice for large groups, families and sociable solo travelers. This ship sails from Cape Liberty, NJ from October through April to the Caribbean. Which allows budget-conscious travelers to vacation ashore without having to pay for airfare. I enjoyed this ship from start to finish and felt right at home as soon as I stepped onto the ship. I trust your clients will feel the same.

Oh, Charleston - how I love you so! I traveled here with 13 of my "besties" in September for a girls' getaway weekend to celebrate my 50th birthday and fell in love. Not only is Charleston charming, cute, and coastal, but it is chock full of important U.S. history that is worth learning. The spirit of my ancestors is represented everywhere in Charleston, from the architecture to the food to the trees, it feels like home.

A visit here is pretty easy to accomplish. Flights from the East Coast are between two to four hours and the ride from the Charleston Airport to downtown is under an hour. If you prefer to stay on the fringes and do a beach vacation, visit the Isle of Palms (30 minutes) or Kiawah Island (45 minutes) and take a car service into downtown Charleston for a day or two, but if you are a first timer to Charleston, stay in the city so you can walk around and have more time to visit all that it has to offer!

I visited Key West for the first time in August of 2022 and fell in love with this laid-back, sun-soaked town that is reminiscent of the Caribbean. The mix of French, Haitian, Cuban and American cultures shows up particularly in the diverse food scene in Key West, where your palate is completely stimulated with decadent dishes that you will savor. There's no shortage of things to do, whether you want to be a pool bum, moody foodie, sight seer or sail the Keys. And that's not all! This is a person's happy place and one that allows you to truly kick back and relax in the daytime and party on Duval and Mallory Streets at night. Whatever your pleasure, Key West will accommodate!