Julia Liess
Federal Way, Washington Travel Agent
Next Phase Travel, a Internova Travel Group Network affiliate agency
Email Me
For Alaska, Riviera Maya and culinary travel
I began my travel career 3 years ago after retiring from the culinary industry as a private chef. While I had thoroughly enjoyed my long culinary career I was ready for the next phase. So I asked myself "What's next?"
And Next Phase Travel was born!
I enjoy working with explorers of all ages, backgrounds that appreciate an authentic experience and being immersed in the destination through the people, the cuisine and shared experiences with their fellow travelers.
My agency focuses on 3 main destinations.
#1 Alaska cruises and cruisetours. I live in Seattle, WA so I know the Seattle and Vancouver cities, the cruise terminals and how to navigate and enjoy them to the max. The glaciers, wildlife, fresh air and kindness of the locals is what brings me back.
#2 Culinary-focused travel aka "epitourism". As a professionally trained chef and food-grubber I am naturally drawn to culinary destinations and the travel options that bring that experience to you. That might be via a cruise line with an exceptional food and beverage program or a river cruise through wine regions of Europe, a visit to Oktoberfest or simply incorporating cooking class or street food tour into your itinerary.
#3 Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas. I love Mexico. All of it. And Cabo and the Riviera Maya are my most popular spots. I love the food, the people, the geography and culture/history. From Holbox to Tulum and San Jose del Cabo to El Arco. This is my favorite resort vacation destination and I am a certified Mexpert.
Which one of these sounds the most like you?
Some of my achievements
Icy Strait (Hoonah, Alaska)
Mexpert Riviera Maya specialist
Certified Celebrity Cruises Specialist
Certified Royal Caribbean Specialist
Certified Norwegian Cruises Specialist
Certified Globus and Cosmos Tour Specialist
Amtrak Vacation Specialist
My Areas of Expertise
DESTINATIONS
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
My Travel Stories
Birthday celebration for my 40 year old twins
Reviewed By Cathy - Virginia | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
We’ve just returned from a wonderful family vacation at the Club Med in Cancun that was organized by Julia Liess.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
I am so glad everything went off without a hitch! I really enjoyed doing it and I hope it created memories that will last and last!
I am so glad everything went off without a hitch! I really enjoyed doing it and I hope it created memories that will last and last!
A very happy birthday cruise for my Mom
Reviewed By Stephaniebens - Monroe, wa | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable. No question was ever a dumb question and she was more than able and capable of addressing our needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you so much Stephanie! I am glad it all went off with out a hitch and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Thank you so much Stephanie! I am glad it all went off with out a hitch and everyone enjoyed themselves.
50th Anniversary trip
Reviewed By Kathy - Federal Way | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
Loved working with her, friendly and very good at what she does!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you Patrick and Kathleen. You made it so easy!
Thank you Patrick and Kathleen. You made it so easy!
Julia never misses!
Reviewed By Rose C - MD | Traveled to Ocho Rios ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
This is my second time using Julia and I am truly locked in! She always assures that I remember everything before my trip . She anticipates my needs and concerns and I seriously feel less stressed once I have her help. I went to sandals Dunns River in Ocho Rios and from booking my room to upgrading my room everything went smoothly ! She also checked in when she knew the time frame I should be there to make sure everything went well . She’s the best! And I enjoyed this trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you Rose! I am more than happy to be of service to you and I hope to plan more successful trips for you!
Thank you Rose! I am more than happy to be of service to you and I hope to plan more successful trips for you!
Julia is Amazing
Reviewed By Karen - Puerto Vallarta, MX | Traveled to Mexico
Julia was an invaluable asset as we planned our cruise to Mexico. My sister and I both wanted to go on a cruise, but since it is both our first, we had no idea where to start. I found Julia by signing up to receive information, and she promptly responded. Throughout the process, she was attentive, friendly, and approachable. She made the experience simple and took out the guesswork out of everything for us. I can't imagine doing this with out her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you so much! That is exactly what I strive for and I am glad I could be of service!
Thank you so much! That is exactly what I strive for and I am glad I could be of service!
Once and a lifetime trip!
Reviewed By Andy and Nancy Harpster - Wooster, Ohio | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
We had a great experience working with Julia as she was very knowledgeable and very responsive to our needs as we have never traveled to Europe before!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you, Andy! I am glad you enjoyed your Europe cruise and I hope we will work together for years to come!
Thank you, Andy! I am glad you enjoyed your Europe cruise and I hope we will work together for years to come!
It was very interesting to travel by train.
Reviewed By The Berrys - Rosedale, Maryland | Traveled to Grand Canyon ~ Arizona ~ USA
She always has our preferences in mind when we travel.. that is our likes and dislikes. When the hurricane hit LA, she was able to get our refund very quickly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Great experience!
Reviewed By Lisa V - Sunnyvale, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
She helped us select an Alaskan cruise for me and my daughters. She matched us to the right ship, got us side by side cabins, helped us with excursions and we all had a great trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Family get together
Reviewed By Cathy - Washington DC. | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Julia did a terrific job planning a trip for my family to Club Med in Cancun. We are traveling from three different cities and have very different needs and schedules.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Cruising fun
Reviewed By Margaret B - California | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We have had a great experience with Julia, she has stopped to answer all of our questions and has been very helpful.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Highly Recommend!!
Reviewed By Javi - Tacoma Washington | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Julia was beyond phenomenal to work with she listed to all the details that I wanted and she took her time to make sure she booked me the perfect vacation will definitely be using Julia to book any future vacations
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Alaska Cruise 2023
Reviewed By Jack - Sparks, Nevada | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
She has always been available to answer questions and if she didn't have the answer she would get the answers and get back to me promptly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
ALASKA CRUISE, ISRAEL AND THE MEDITERRANEAN
Reviewed By WT - TACOMA, WASHINGTON | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Julia Liess is an outstanding travel agent who is committed to her client's best interests. She is efficient, patient, caring and has excellent follow-through. Ms. Liess has been extremely helpful and a pleasure to work with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Our 50th Anniversary trip
Reviewed By Patrick and Kathleen - Federal Way, Washington | Traveled to Hawaii Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Wonderful, she got back to us right away when we called about planning our 50th Anniversary trip to Hawaii . She also got us many extra perks we would not have received booking ourselves. She is really efficient, friendly and pays attention to what we wanted.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
cruise
Reviewed By travel - Midway, BC | Traveled to Holland ~ Netherlands ~ Europe
very nice to work with
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
First time travelers!
Reviewed By PEG - Sturgeon Bay, WI | Traveled to Canada
So helpful and a joy to work with. Her attention to detail and giving suggestions to make travel easier. We are excited for our trip in May 2024 to be working with Julia again. Highly recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Highly recommend.
Reviewed By Elaine - Queens, NY | Traveled to Netherlands ~ Europe
Highly recommend. Julia was great, putting together several wonderful & memorable trips for us. She was available at all hours to help out with a few Amtrak Vacation issues we had while traveling and she was able to resolve everything so we could continue our National Park trip without any more issues. We also had a perfect trip to the Netherlands.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia is the Best!
Reviewed By Autumn - Federal Way, WA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We booked our first cruise with Julia and she was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with getting us everything we wanted and needed!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
I had a great trip both on my own and in a group!
Reviewed By Rich - Kent Washington | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
She was very helpful and did her best to get me a wonderful vacation!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Summer 2023
Reviewed By Jo - Huntington Beach, CA | Traveled to Barbados ~ Caribbean
Julia is wonderful to work with. She is patient and answers all of my questions....and I do have quite a few questions about different locations! Julia provides great insight and suggestions. She provides service from initial inquiry to post trip interview. I could not imagine using anybody else!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Where would we be without her
Reviewed By Jessica - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Antigua & Barbuda ~ Caribbean
Julia is absolutely amazing! She responds very quickly to any questions that I have and if she doesn't know an answer to a question, she will find out for you. I wish I had known about her sooner when booking all my past trips. She's amazing at what she does! Highly recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you.
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you.
Best Experience Thanks to Julia
Reviewed By Florence - Tacoma | Traveled to Norwegian Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
From the get go, Julia had been amazing. She was thorough, insightful and communicating with her was very easy. She was able to hone in on the best vacation experience based on my preferences. Julia gave me advise on travel tips and was very patient with me as I contemplated on decisions. We had such a great experience for our vacation, I do give credit to Julia for that! Looking for her to help me on future travel plans!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Julia Liess responded:
Thank you Florence. It was a delight to assist with planning your first cruise! I hope there will be many more to come!
Thank you Florence. It was a delight to assist with planning your first cruise! I hope there will be many more to come!