Allyson Sicard
Allyson Sicard
Scenic Destinations Specialist
Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming
I grew up in a small town in West Virginia in a valley surrounded by mountains. I remember so vividly the colors of fall, the beauty of fresh-fallen snow, and the simple joys of nature year-round. I didn’t have to go far to find peacefulness on country roads and in rocky streams and waterfalls. I guess that’s where my love for natural beauty started.
Fast forward to my life today. I have been an international exchange student, spending a year with a host family in Venezuela through AFS Intercultural Programs. I have been spent 12 years in the journalism field, writing and editing for both a newspaper and a national trade publication. I was a Spanish teacher for 12 years in my local school district, sharing my experiences in the hopes of inspiring young people. And I have worked to support and help volunteers and families build relationships with students from other countries through the same organization I traveled with years before. When I look back, it is clear to see that travel, intercultural education, and helping others has always been a part of who I am.
I am an empty-nester with my husband and two older daughters, all of whom are more than willing to participate in my travel adventures! Take, for example, in 2016, when we traveled to Grand Tetons National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for a week-long adventure out West. Because of that experience, my youngest and I also spent a week last August exploring Sedona, Ariz., the Grand Canyon, and several of the National Parks in Utah, before finishing up in Las Vegas. We even rode the Grand Canyon Railway!
My oldest daughter and I have traveled through Ireland and much of Europe together and even went on a Lindblad/National Geographic expedition cruise in Costa Rica in late 2019. She and I also traveled to Ireland on an escorted group tour and extended our stay in Dublin to experience all we could.
One of my favorite destinations, however, has always been Western Canada. My husband and I traveled to Vancouver, Banff, and Lake Louise on an anniversary trip in 2010 aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. I think that experience is what has attracted me so much to Alaska, which is also one of my specialties. I have sailed on both Holland America and Princess as well as spent some time in Anchorage.
Since then, I have traveled on most all of the mainstream ocean cruise lines, and seen many Caribbean ports, the Panama Canal, several Sandals properties, and even spent a week in Antigua exploring different resorts. My goal has always been to educate myself so that I can educate my clients!
Learning more about the river cruises in Europe has also become a top priority for me and to that end, I attended the 1st Annual ASTA River Cruise Expo in 2022 in Budapest where I got to see and learn about the different characteristics of each cruise line... what an awesome experience! I have also sailed on both Ama Waterways and Avalon Waterways.
My ideal clients are those leisure travelers who share this same stage in life, looking to go and see, experience something new, and learn more about the places they visit. I love to help with bucket-list destinations that feature spectacular scenery!
In addition to seeing the natural beauty throughout the world, I want my clients to experience something unique and special when they go on a trip that I have planned for them. And I want them to come back home feeling like this vacation was everything they hoped it would be… and more.
I have always been the planner in the family! I strive to find those unique experiences that really make a vacation special. I work hard to get to know my clients because “special” can mean different things to different people. And I’m a firm believer that quality is in the details, and that is something I bring to each trip I plan. I walk through every step of every itinerary in my mind to ensure that my clients experience a smooth and stress-free vacation.
I am a strong believer that education is key to making that happen and, to that end, I have completed training to become an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) as well as a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) from The Travel Institute. I stay current by attending trade shows, have participated in a weekend training on Alaska, and done several familiarization trips.
I partner with companies that I feel confident will deliver the experiences that align with my personal approach to travel.
It is my hope that you will give me the opportunity to show you what I can do! Whether it's a special vacation, a bucket-list destination, or a group getaway, I will provide that personal touch you can't find on the Internet. Areas of specialization include Alaska; Hawaii; Western U.S.; Canada; Ireland; European River Cruises, Land and Rail Tours; and Australia/New Zealand. I am also open to finding the best values on vacation packages and cruises in the Caribbean and other parts of the world.
My Areas of Expertise
English
Great Getaway!
Thanks for letting me help you with your cruise in New England. Loved your pictures and hope to make it up there for the Fall colors one day!
Make the best memories of your life!
It's always so much fun to find that next adventure for you! Thanks for entrusting your travel to me.
The PERFECT Honeymoon in French Polynesia!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I was super excited to help you plan your 3-island hop to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora! Seeing all the incredible pictures and knowing that you will always remember how special your honeymoon was made it an awesome experience for me as well!
An Amazing British/Irish Vacation
Happy to help, Jan! But I couldn't have done it all without your guidance and support with the group as a whole. Love CIE Tours and what they offer in a guided, stress-free vacation in Ireland! Let me know when you're ready to plan that next group adventure.
A bucket list must-see!
I loved travelling out West and seeing this area! There are so many beautiful places right in our own backyard, and I'm so happy that you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for the kind words.
Unforgettable memories for me and my family!
Thanks so much, Susie! I'm so happy that we could get your Belize trip rearranged for you at the last minute so that you all could still go a couple days later.
Avalon Cruise with friends
Thanks for the kudos! It was so nice meeting you and the girls!
Our first trip to Europe was amazing!!
I am SO HAPPY that your first trip to Europe was a success! It was great meeting you on the river cruise and just loved all your pictures of Switzerland! Until the next adventure...
Great trip
Thanks so much for the kind words. It was great meeting you on the river cruise!
It was a great trip. Well planned out.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
A wonderful trip
Thanks so much, Laura! It is a joy to work with you all.
30th Anniversary
Thanks for the kudos, Rider! When clients share those details that are most important to them and what would make their vacation super special, it makes my job easy to find the perfect fit! So, kudos to you, too!
A trip worth waiting for!
Thanks so much! I am so happy that your trip to Japan went smoothly and that you had that special time with your girls!
Trip of a lifetime!
Thanks so much, Linda! I am so glad that you enjoyed your Greek Isles Cruise, and I'm happy it opened the door to Europe for you!
Unforgettable Adventures
Thanks so much, Karen! I knew you would love the Rocky Mountaineer!
Rocky Mountaineer Canadian Trip was Extraordinary!
Thanks, Kathy! It was such a joy working with you, and I'm happy to help with any future travel plans.
A Phenomenal Trip!
It's always fun working with a former teacher friend!! I know we started this process in 2020, reworked in 2021, and then you finally got to enjoy your Viking River and Ocean Cruise this spring. I appreciate your patience and understanding through it all. And to know that it was all worth it in the end made my day!
Amazing adventure!
SO HAPPY that you finally got to go on your Alaska Cruisetour and that you had such an awesome time! That's what makes everything worth it for me!
Thorough Planning and Detail Oriented
Thanks so much for your kind words, Marcia! I always enjoy working with you and loved seeing all the pictures from your Alaska Cruisetour last month!
Fabulous vacation
I had so much fun working with you on this multi-week vacation! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to help you.
It’s all in the details
It was so nice working with you on your recent Alaska Cruisetour, and I really appreciate your detailed review of my services. No question is too small in these times of travel! Happy I could help make for smooth sailing on your vacation.
Excellent customer service
Trip of a lifetime
I'm so happy that you loved your Viking River and Ocean Cruise vacation! I know it was two years in the making, and I appreciate your patience as we worked through all the changes and details.
The best trip of our lives!
I'm super happy that you had such a great time in Alaska... isn't it amazing?! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to help you with this bucket-list adventure.
The best trip we have taken.
It means so much to me that you all had such an awesome vacation. It was a year in the making, and I would do it all again if given the chance! Thanks for letting me help you.