Jody Richardson
Kalamazoo, Michigan Travel Agent
Just Travel with Jody, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Grand Ledge, MI
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Europe, Asia, Africa, Hawaii and Group Travel
Discovering Pompeii in 2008
With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, I’ve been fortunate to explore the world’s wonders, from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel in Italy to savoring authentic Chinese cuisine and its Great Wall. My passion lies in creating unforgettable memories for my clients, friends, and family. While I understand the appeal of booking your own travel online, what you miss out on is the expertise and personal touch that I provide. You don’t get a do over if you forget something such as selecting the seats for your flights, or knowing what tours to book on your Alaska cruise and when you should book them.As a Certified Leisure Travel Specialist with Travel Leaders, I’ve expanded my horizons not only through education but also getting out from behind the desk and journeying to extraordinary destinations. I firmly believe that there’s no better way to understand a place than by immersing yourself in its culture and connecting with the locals. In recent years, I’ve added Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands and all of the Scandinavian Countries to my repertoire, leading groups on enriching experiences like Avalon River Cruises and Mediterranean adventures. I have explored all of the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska for both personal and educational purposes. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating and cultivating relationships with my clients and travel industry leaders. While I have yet to travel to every corner of the globe, I’ve personally organized trips to all of the continents, including the remote and awe-inspiring Antarctica.My love for travel has always resonated with the sentiment from the book “Eat, Pray, Love” that, despite any cost or sacrifice, exploring the world is the greatest true love in life. Let’s embark on your next adventure together and just go!
Testimonial
I have worked with Jody for over six years encompassing 8 trips to Europe. She is without a doubt the travel agents TRAVEL AGENT; Jody defines the words “true grit” Jim Osburn Grand Ledge MI
My Areas of Expertise
Awesome family vacation!
Reviewed By GrandmaG - Boca Raton, FL | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Jody was beyond generous with her time and help in planning every detail of our multigeneration trip to Italy.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 51 people found this review helpful
Scottish Highlands
Reviewed By Teresa - Charlotte | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Jody has worked with me on several trips. She has been great in letting me know what to expect when we arrive with arrangements to hotels.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 46 people found this review helpful
jody has been stellar, fantastic and fun !
Reviewed By rusty - Portland | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
jody has been a wealth of knowlege on any travel question ever, she will find the answer and get back with you if she dont have it right then and there. she is very concerned that you know all you can beford you go on your trip to her best ability, she will always give you her phone number incase you have any problems while on the trip or before, she wants you to get thde most out of your travels !!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
24 of 40 people found this review helpful
Exceptional traveling experiences
Reviewed By Mindy - Charlotte Mi | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
She has a lot of great advice on traveling. She follows through with what you ask for.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
30 of 52 people found this review helpful
best trip
Reviewed By cleve - florence,s.c. | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
jody is a true professional.she is always eager to please and always responds in a timely manner to your questions and concerns.she is easy to talk with and is always willing to share her travel experiences.jody has arranged three trips for us in the past two years and i will continue to contact her with all my travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
27 of 46 people found this review helpful
Best trip ever!
Reviewed By Becky - Lansing | Traveled to Egypt ~ Africa
Jody is personable, professional and a gem at finding and coordinating trips. She has set up both an independent trip and a tour company trip for me. Both were the best without flaws.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
22 of 37 people found this review helpful
Up to Jody's usual standards.
Reviewed By Bob & Jane - DEWITT, MI | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Jody's expertise proved invaluable for suggestions for destinations well as side adventures. She kept tabs on us and was able to re-book a cancelled international flight that we didn't yet know about.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
23 of 41 people found this review helpful
Happy Sailors!
Reviewed By Jo - Lansing | Traveled to Caribbean
Jody has been a pleasure to work with. We have booked 5 cruises through her, 2 of which were back to back, and have never been disappointed. She is always available to discuss the details, make changes, etc. Jody is wonderful at keeping on top of the process and reminding us when something is due, needs to be signed, payment needs processed. She makes the whole planning process stress free. We are very happy with the excellent service we receive from her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
33 of 62 people found this review helpful
Best family ttips ever. So organized and fun!
Reviewed By Tammy T. - Norton Shores | Traveled to Disneyland ~ California ~ USA
Jody is professional, knowledgeable, kind, friendly and honest. We would not book with anyone else.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
19 of 35 people found this review helpful
We have had some wonderful trips as couple.
Reviewed By End - Arizona Casa Grande | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
She is just awesome everything about her I love.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 39 people found this review helpful
Another excellent trip booked with Jody!!
Reviewed By Bill - East Lansing, MI | Traveled to Mediterranean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Jody was hands on from the beginning to end of our trip planning process. Her experience is extensive and she provides excellent information about how to get the most out of any trip. She is readily available when any trip changes are required or requested. She is excellent to work with and has booked several trips for us.We will use her again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ireland, Italy, Greece, Peru . . . to name a few
Reviewed By Argo3 - Grand Ledge, Michigan | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
We have worked with Jody for several years and have never been disappointed with her direction and support.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
20 of 39 people found this review helpful
Excellent, Personalized Service
Reviewed By Alissa and Dave B - Augusta, GA | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
We have had the pleasure of working with Jody for many years. During that time, she has set up numerous, sometimes complex trips for us. This has included working with many international hotels, and negotiating with the airlines over the use of frequent flyer miles for International travel involving multiple destinations. Jody is always great to talk to, and very available. She is extremely knowledgeable about the travel industry.
Based on our recommendation, our daughters and their husbands have used Jody's services as well, with complete satisfaction.
There is true "value added" to what Jody does, and we give her an unqualified recommendation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 55 people found this review helpful
An amazing national parks vacation!
Reviewed By 5horsemen12345 - Charlotte, MI | Traveled to Utah ~ USA
I thoroughly love working with Jody. A friend of mine referred me to Jody about 5 years ago and I wouldn't use anybody else. My husband and I traveled with our friends on a national parks tour with Trafalgar and it was amazing. The next trip was to Boston, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod with my mother on Globus. That was an equally amazing trip. Next year we are heading to Alaska and are booking through Jody.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 64 people found this review helpful
The Best of the best!
Reviewed By Joyce and Bob - St. Petersburg florida | Traveled to Brasilia ~ Brazil ~ South America
A wonderful and the best travel agent we have ever worked with. Jody has worked with us,our family and friends for 10-15 years. She is professional in every way,always goes the extra mile,loves her job and her clients,doublechecks everything,and makes you know all is under control. She always quickly respons and answers your questions. Jody is a gold medalist winner. When you want the best ask for Jody Carpenter
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
23 of 49 people found this review helpful
Italy
Reviewed By The Oakleys - Grand Ledge MI | Traveled to Rome ~ Italy ~ Europe
Jody has been a life saver for us when unexpected events occurred, looking for alternative methods of completing a trip without cancellation, and helping us cancel a trip due to a family situation mandating that we stay home. She is excellent to work with in setting up multiple destinations and tips on activities and transportation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
19 of 42 people found this review helpful
Jody to the rescue
Reviewed By Travel lover - Grand Ledge | Traveled to Canada
Jody is always willing to help even if you are looking for something that is not the norm and takes more effort on her part. She has helped my husband and I plan several trips and we even went on one together that she had set up. When there is a problem, she always puts it right. We enjoy working with her. Recently when she started to put together an trip for us, including a tour or two and extra time for us to explore, we had a family emergency and our plans changed. We needed to fly out of the county to help one of our children and decided we needed to can our other plans and just go with something plain and simple at a later date. She got everything set up for both trips and everything was great.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
22 of 48 people found this review helpful
Best trip of our lives.
Reviewed By SAW - East Lansing, MI | Traveled to Iceland ~ Europe
Very easy to work with and meets expectations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
16 of 37 people found this review helpful
Family Cruise
Reviewed By Mary K. - Lansing, Michigan | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Jodi booked out first cruise. We chose Alaska and spread the word. It was the best cruise ever. 22 family and friends cruised together and Jodi took care of all of us from across the country. We are on our third cruise through Jodi and could not be more pleased.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 67 people found this review helpful
Our travel has consisted of cruises, so it is dif
Reviewed By Sam - Lansing, Michigan | Traveled to Caribbean
My wife, family and friends have worked with Jody for several years. She has always been willing to help, and has quickly answered our questions, or concerns . Jody has given us her cell phone number, and has provided valuable information, when she has been away from the office.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
20 of 49 people found this review helpful