Karen Sale
Holland, Michigan Travel Agent
Always Travel Season, an independent agent with KHM Travel Group, OH, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Travel Agent River Cruise, All Inclusive,Groups
I find joy in planning vacations for both my clients and myself, which enriches my knowledge of the destinations I endorse. My specialization is in the destinations and products I provide, including European river cruises, all-inclusive resorts, escorted tours, and corporate and group travel. My service goes beyond securing the best resort prices; it encompasses saving clients hours of research, offering expert insights into destinations and resort brands, and ensuring peace of mind with on-the-ground professional support should any issues occur. With my services, you are a cherished client, not merely a reservation number on a website.
My Travel Specialties
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
Avanti Certified Expert
Celebrity Learning Certification
Globus Family of Brands University - Avalon Waterways Specialist
Globus Family of Brands University - Cosmos Specialist
NCL University - Associate Degree
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seacademy - Gold Certification
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
Sandals Expert
Avalon Specialist
Marriott Excellence Certification
AMR MasterAgent
Princess Academy Commodore Certification
Avalon Waterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent Course
My Travel Stories
Rhine River Cruise
I escorted a group from Holland Michigan to Europe for their first Rhine River Cruise. We arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, a quick transfer to Lucerne for 2 Nights in a beautiful hotel downtown. The hotel was in an area we could walk all over. Everyone did their own thing during the day. We ... Read more from my Rhine River Cruise story.
Danube River Cruise - Active & Discovery
When I started researching river cruises - the Active and Discovery really interested me.
Everyone travels to see new things, but many travel to do new things as well. With the Active & Discovery river cruises, Avalon offers activities for travelers with varying interests and for all energy and fitness levels. From ... Read more from my Danube River Cruise - Active & Discovery story.
A great way to start my retirement
Reviewed By Stewarts - New Orleans, LA | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I have used Karen several times and she always makes me feel like I am a VIP client with the time she spends with me. Our last vacation was for my retirement. She suggested and booked the perfect vacation for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Karen Sale responded:
You guys are VIP's! I am so happy your retirement vacation went well! I look forward to helping you on your next vacation.
You guys are VIP's! I am so happy your retirement vacation went well! I look forward to helping you on your next vacation.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The Perfect Trip!!
Reviewed By Marla - Zeeland, Michigan | Traveled to Charleston ~ South Carolina ~ USA
Excellent. Karen is very knowledgeable. Wants you to have the best trip possible.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
River Crusing beats any ocean cruise hands down!!
Reviewed By KJT - Grandville, MI | Traveled to Rhine Valley ~ Germany ~ Europe
Delightful experience to work with Karen for our amazing river cruise. Historically we have always booked our vacations on our own, a lot of stress and worry if we got the best vacation for our time. For this trip we reached out to Karen with interest in a Canadian rail tour, and Karen shared that she had this trip planned with others from the local area and suggested we join them. We are so glad we changed to this trip!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
A travel planner who plans the perfect vacations!
Reviewed By Sarah - Hudsonville, MI | Traveled to Europe
Karen knows how to plan a vacation. We travel frequently and she always comes up with new ideas for us and after each vacation follows up asking how it was. She is a true Travel Planner....from beginning to end. She cares for her clients and that is why we continue to use her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Karen Sale responded:
Thank you so much. I love working with your family and look forward to helping you with more vacations in the future.
Thank you so much. I love working with your family and look forward to helping you with more vacations in the future.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Alaska Cruise was perfect
Reviewed By Marlene - Holland, MI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
First time using a travel agent and it was a great experience. Karen was a big help to us as we planned our cruise to Alaska. She suggested a few days on land to see the beautiful country. It was the perfect ending to our vacation. Everything we needed for our trip was sent to us before our cruise so we were ready to go. We were in great hands and I will use Always Travel Season for our next vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best Anniversary Trip
Reviewed By Jenny - Holland MI | Traveled to Playa Del Carmen ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Karen has been a phenomenal asset when planning our travel details. She takes the hassle and stress out of the planning process. She listens to what we want to do and see and has provided wonderful suggestions to visit and explore. I have worked with several other travel agents and I can say without a doubt Karen has been the best I have worked with. I would not plan another trip without. In fact she now assists family and friends with their travel plans.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First trip to Europe and planning two more
Reviewed By Mary - Holland, Michigan | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Karen is the Best!!! She is efficient and quick to respond and is always ready with helpful answers. There are no 'bumps in the road' ever with Karen
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Karen Sale responded:
Love working with the two of you and thank you for the sweet message! I am so excited for your next two trips! Karen Always Travel Season
Love working with the two of you and thank you for the sweet message! I am so excited for your next two trips! Karen Always Travel Season
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A job well done!
Reviewed By Tim - Holland, MI | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Karen is very thorough and organized. She put together a family vacation for my siblings. We had a wonderful time and very appreciative of all her hard work. We like how she checked in with us while we were away. We felt we could contact her at anytime.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Europe
Reviewed By Steve - Zeeland, MI | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Working with Karen on our inaugural European trip was delightful. She crafted an itinerary that balanced a variety of activities with ample time for relaxation and self-paced exploration. I look forward to planning our next vacation with her guidance. I'm grateful for the friend who recommended her services.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Greek Isles Cruise
Reviewed By Sherri - Zeeland, Michigan | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
We went on a group trip Karen planned to Europe. Everything was perfectly planned out and organized so well. We stayed a night in Trieste, Italy before boarding our ship and then stayed in Athens, Greece a night before flying back to the states. Karen organized it all. Very appreciated for all she did to make this a stress-free vacation for all of us that traveled with her. A great group trip to the Greek Isles. Highly recommend her for any type of vacation. She is the best travel agent we have ever used.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Alaska Vacation felt like a dream!
Reviewed By Ingrid - Holland, MI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We have used Karen twice before on other cruises and once again for our Alaska cruise Karen did a fantastic job answer questions , preparing us for our once in a lifetime trip to Alaska. The scenery was lovely and a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for making this trip possible for us!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Best River Cruise in the USA
Reviewed By Barb - Atlanta, Ga | Traveled to Oregon ~ USA
Working with Karen on our anniversary cruise down the Columbia and Snake River perfect. She made us feel so special on our anniversary while onboard the ship. This was a trip we had been wanting to take for a while and wanted to work with a travel agent. Karen was recommended to us and was wonderful was wonderful to work with. She mailed us our travel documents and we were ready to go!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
We didn't want this trip to end!!
Reviewed By Ruth - Holland, MI | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Traveled to Europe with a group from West Michigan. What a fabulous trip Karen planned that included pre and post cruise hotels, transfers, private excursions, restaurant reservations. We had the best time and will be using her for future travels. Very well planned vacation from the best!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Best Anniversary River Cruise
Reviewed By Pat - Minneapolis,MN | Traveled to Switzerland ~ Europe
A friend of a friend recommended we reach out to Karen for her knowledge of river cruising in Europe. We learned about the different rivers and that information helped us to decide to book the Rhine river for our anniversary trip. Karen kept us informed and send us our travel documents a few weeks before we left with all the information. Best experience working with a travel agent! Highly recommend!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Loved our trip to Banff
Reviewed By Brenda - MN | Traveled to Banff ~ Alberta ~ Canada
The trip to beautiful Banff had been on our wishlist for a long time. We connected with Karen through Travel Leaders, and she immediately responded to our inquiry, beginning the planning process that very day. The trip not only met but exceeded our expectations!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Beautiful Beach Vacation
Reviewed By Kathy - Hudsonville, MI | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Cancun was awesome. Thank you Karen for helping us with our Spring Break vacation. We appreciate all of the effort you put into our getaway to make it special for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
High School Group Trip was the wonderful.
Reviewed By KOW - Grand Haven, MI | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We are thankful for Karen's assistance with our Dominican Republic trip. Several families traveled together during Spring Break, and we thoroughly enjoyed our resort and had a fantastic time. The communication and detailed coordination she provided for all families were greatly valued.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Incredible National Parks & Jackson Hole Vacat
Reviewed By Nicole - Lansing, Michigan | Traveled to Jackson Hole ~ Wyoming ~ USA
Last summer, we spent a couple of weeks exploring national parks. Karen meticulously organized our trip, including flights, resorts, excursions, and provided us with a daily itinerary - the children particularly looked forward to reading it each day. Concluding our journey with a few nights in Jackson Hole was the ideal finale.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A well planned and needed vacation.
Reviewed By HW - Holland, MI | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We will be using Karen for our next vacation. She put together a much-needed vacation for my husband and I. We had the best time. The travel packet she provided was helpful and appreciated. A++
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Vacation with friends
Reviewed By Ashley - Indian | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We booked our trip through Karen after a friend suggested her to us. We are in the process of booking our 2nd trip with her. Excellent Service.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A week in Paradise at the Atlantis Resort
Reviewed By BH - Spring Lake, Michigan | Traveled to Nassau ~ Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Just home from a wonderful trip to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Karen was extremely helpful planning everything for our family, she handled the flights, our dinner reservations, booked the excursions, transfers. Her suggestion on the resort to stay at was perfect for our family too.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A great week in Punta Cana celebrating retirement.
Reviewed By Mark - Holland, MI | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We wanted to celebrate my retirement with an all-inclusive vacation somewhere warm. We always booked vacations ourselves. A friend recommended we contact their travel agent because the price is the same. Karen gave us some trip ideas and knew so much about each resort. Before we left on our vacation, Karen mailed our travel documents to us so we were ready and included some helpful information. We went to a new resort in Punta Cana. It was a great way to celebrate my retirement.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Wonderful Family Trip to Alaska!
Reviewed By GEM - Hudsonville, MI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Alaska Cruise was planned by our travel agent Karen. She helped us with all the travel planning. We loved the cruise and land package she encouraged us to do.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Jamaica Vacation was great!
Reviewed By Kim - Holland, MI | Traveled to Negril ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
We enjoyed working with Karen for our last trip to Jamaica. We travel several times a year and use her service each time. She lets us know about new resorts opening so we can plan to visit them.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Avalon River Cruise
Reviewed By KMG - Saugatuck, Michigan | Traveled to Danube ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Karen helped us plan our first river cruise. She was knowledgeable and very helpful with all of our questions. Delightful experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Hawaii was perfect!
Reviewed By KAB - Holland, Mi | Traveled to Kauai Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
We had a wonderful vacation to Hawaii. Karen helped us with our airfare, car rental, hotel on three islands. Perfect vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Rhine River Cruise
Reviewed By Mike - Holland, Michigan | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Exceptional service is what we received when we contacted Karen about planning a river cruise in Europe for us. We have already had her book our next cruise in 2025.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
River cruise from Paris to Normany was spectacular
Reviewed By SS - Holland | Traveled to Seine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Karen was really helpful when we contacted her for our sibling's family vacation. We wanted to go to Normandy. We had several options to look over and in the end picked a river cruise offering time in Paris and Normandy. This was the best trip we have ever been on. We will be using Karen again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Take me back to the beach!
Reviewed By BH - Holland, Mi | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Karen at Always Travel Season helped us plan our anniversary trip to the Dominican Republic. We had the best time, and the resort was beautiful - great food and drinks! Very happy with her help.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Perfect Trip!
Reviewed By Lisa - Zeeland, MI | Traveled to Banff ~ Alberta ~ Canada
We had a wonderful time on vacation. The details and quick response to our questions really put us at ease as we traveled to Banff Canada for our first time. Karen set up our car rental and planned out our itinerary perfectly. Highly recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A great week in Jamaica.
Reviewed By Heidi - Indianapolis, IN | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Our trip to Jamaica was perfect. Karen took care of everything for us. We had the club Mobay VIP arrival and departure experience that worked really well. Our resort was at Sandals Dunn's River Falls and it was lovely. Karen took care of all of our questions and checked in on us while we were at the resort. Best TA we have worked with!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Best Anniversary Vacation!
Reviewed By David - Holland, MI | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We had a really nice vacation to Punta Cana. We try to go someplace different every year for our anniversary. Karen puts a lot of thought into each vacation we go on.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Three Islands in Hawaii - Perfect Vacation
Reviewed By Pat - Grand Rapids, MI | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
We had the best vacation to the Hawaii Islands. Karen gave us some suggestions on the islands to stay at plus restaurants that we must have dinner at. She even made reservations for us 6 months before we left to ensure we got into the restaurant. Very detailed and we loved all three of the resorts we stayed at. We are using Karen for a river cruise in Europe next.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Fell in love with Sandals Resort
Reviewed By Rein - Grand Haven | Traveled to St Lucia ~ South Africa ~ Africa
We found out about Karen through Travel Leaders. She helped us with our first Sandals resort vacation and was always available to answer questions and checked on us while we were there. Loved using her for our vacation, and it was nice to know she was there if we needed her during our trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Panama Canal Vacation
Reviewed By PK - Holland, Michigan | Traveled to Panama Canal ~ Panama ~ Central America
Karen helped us plan our cruise to the Panama Canal. We have two more trips booked this year using her services again. Very helpful and always available. AAA+ Service
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Wonderful vacation.
Reviewed By Debbie - Zeeland, MI | Traveled to Rhone River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Simply the best! Knowledgeable and helpful planning our river cruise. Paris to Normandy, France. Looking forward to using her services again for our Italy trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Honeymoon River Cruising
Reviewed By Melony - Orange, CA | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Karen made our honeymoon special. I had never flown in an airplane before, and I wasn't sure where to even big planning our honeymoon. A good friend told me about her travel agent. I had the best experience flying, getting my passport and going on our honeymoon. Karen helped me all the way and put me at ease with all of the details. We had the honeymoon of our dreams traveling down the Rhine River in Europe.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Amazing time with friends!
Reviewed By Julie - Corunna, IN | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We had the best time with our friends in the Dominican Republic. This was a trip that we had wanted to take for a very long time. We invited our friends to join us. Karen put all the pieces together for us and gave us some suggestions on resorts. It was amazing. Karen was always available when we had questions and made sure we were ready for our vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
The honeymoon of my dreams!
Reviewed By Alex - Grand Rapids, Michigan | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We heard about Karen from a friend. We cannot thank her enough for making our honeymoon the best vacation ever! We loved our resort and everything she did for us. We know she put a lot of thought into making sure it was special for us and it did not go unnoticed.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Europe River Cruising was simply the best!
Reviewed By Darcy - Holland, MI | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Karen was very helpful when we were trying to figure out the best river cruise to go on. She had great input and suggestions. We loved the Rhine River and look forward to our next river cruise. We were prepared when we left the states and Karen had a person waiting for us at the airport to take us to our boat.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Virgin Voyages Cruise was the best!
Reviewed By SMD - Zeeland, MI | Traveled to Cozumel ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
We booked a long weekend cruise with Karen. We wanted an adult only and she suggested we try the Virgin Voyages cruise. We had the best of time. Excellent food and entertainment. Karen listened to what we wanted and came up with the best plan for us!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Anniversary trip
Reviewed By Lisa - Holland MI | Traveled to Cozumel ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Karen makes sure every detail of your vacation is taken care of.She communicates effectively to make sure you find the perfect vacation spot, hotel & adventures. My husband & I booked our vacation to Cozumel with Karen for our Anniversary. Every detail was taken care of from transportation to/from airport, flowers in our room & rose petals on the bed for our Anniversary??. We enjoyed our romantic vacation & will book our future vacations with Karen & Always Travel Season
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Perfect Vacation
Reviewed By HB - Minneapolis, MN | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
We had a great experience working with Always Travel Season. Karen helped up select a resort that we hadn't been to before and took care of every detail for us! Very easy way to take a vacation knowing we we are always in good hands.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Corporate Incentive Trip a Success!
Reviewed By Kim - Grand Rapids, MI | Traveled to Nassau ~ Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Professional and thorough for our corporate incentive trip. We worked together for over a year planning 5 vacations for our top salespersons. Karen was very helpful and made sure each vacation went great. She made things easy for me by taking care of every detail.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Ritz Carlton Yacht - Best Way to Cruise
Reviewed By Sam - Greensboro, GA | Traveled to San Jose del Cabo ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
We booked a cruise on the Ritz Carlton Collection Yacht the Evrima after talking to Karen about different yachting options. We had a great time!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Honeymoon in Punta Cana
Reviewed By Pat - Holland, MI | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We really enjoyed going to Punta Cana for the first time. Karen helped us plan the best vacation and made sure we were comfortable going out of the country for the first time. It was a everything we hoped for celebrating our honeymoon!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Best River Cruise Vacation!
Reviewed By JT - Holland, Michigan | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
First time to Europe and Karen set everything up to make it so easy for us. She planned the perfect river cruise and we extended our trip a couple days in Lucerne, Switzerland. Everything went smooth. Definitely using her for more trips in the future.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Wonderful trip!
Reviewed By Mel - Lutz, FL | Traveled to Rhine Valley ~ Germany ~ Europe
Karen was always proactive and make our preferences her priority!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Honeymoon in Cabo!!
Reviewed By JD - Holland, MI | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
Honeymoon in Cabo was wonderful. We heard about Karen from friends of ours that used her for their honeymoon. She helped us figure out the best place for us to stay by the things that were important to us. Such a fun week away and thankful to have used Always Travel Season for this trip. She went the extra mile for us!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Best travel experience ever!
Reviewed By Captain Ron - Zeeland Michigan | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Karen planned two vacations for us. Dominican Republican first week of February 2021 and Playa Del Carmen, MX January 2022..Karen is true to her Moto “ Its Always Travel Season”.
Her passion is to fulfill every wish the clients desires, even if they don’t know all their options.
She was our “behind the scenes” Manager when check-in wasn’t going as it should.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Honeymoon!
Reviewed By AC - Grand Rapids, MI | Traveled to Curacao ~ Netherlands Antilles ~ Caribbean
Karen did a fantastic job planning our Honeymoon in Curacao. Karen leveraged her travel experience and got to know what we were looking for to recommend the perfect destination. Karen did much more than just plan our experience as she went above and beyond to add personalized touches along the way. Karen also stepped in to help us with a last minute room change to a different part of the resort after we arrived. We will absolutely be using Always Travel Season for our future vacations!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Relax, Sip, Laugh, Repeat!
Reviewed By Sherri - Zeeland, Michigan | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Karen's knowledge of various all-inclusives in Punta Cana is outstanding. She was able to fit our requirements with the perfect place for us to spend a fabulous week where we could relax and enjoy.She helped us every step of the way; from chosing the best resort for us, booking airfare, transfers, excursions, and everything we could possibly need. She does the work for you so you so you can enjoy a worry-free vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Very helpful and fun to work with!
Reviewed By Happy traveler - Grand Rapids, MI | Traveled to Charleston ~ South Carolina ~ USA
Karen was amazing to work with. She was great at listening to what I wanted and partnered with me every step of the way to make my trip what I hoped for.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A Worry-Free Vacation
Reviewed By PTP - Holland, Michigan | Traveled to Hawaii Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
We gave Karen the islands we wanted to visit and she put the entire trip together for us. We enjoy being active on our vacations and she came up with excellent excursions as well. Our entire trip was put into an app so we had access to our air, hotel, dinner reservations and excursions all in one place. It was very much a worry-free vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Group Trip to Punta Cana a Success!
We heard about Karen from a friend who said she had the best travel agent. A group of friends wanted to do a trip together. We reached out to Karen to help us come up with a resort and destination. She handled all of the details and reminded us with our final payments were due. She mailed emailed and mailed our travel documents to us plus helpful tips and suggestions. She gave us information to help us with the immigration process and it was really helpful. The transfer was waiting for us with our names on signs. We had a great time in Punta Cana and loved our resort. We loved the butler service our resort offered to each of us. Our group is planning to do this again next year and looking forward to seeing what Karen comes up with for us. Best Trip Ever!
Provided by JulieT, Fort Wayne, IN