About Me

Meet Your Travel Advisor

About Me Headshot of Dawn Garvey, independent travel advisor who specializes in group travel and small-ship cruises.

I’ve always loved travel, but not just for the sights or the bucket list moments. What hooked me early on were the small, unexpected glimpses into local life. My first international trip was at age 11, and even then, I was more intrigued by the everyday rhythm of a new place than the big-ticket sights. Those early experiences, like navigating the London Underground or staying in a family-run B&B, left a lasting impression and shaped the kind of traveler I’ve become.

Fast forward to now, and I’ve made that love of travel my full-time work. As a travel advisor, I help clients plan experiences that go deeper than the typical tourist path. I gravitate toward small-ship cruising because it’s one of the best ways to slow down and really connect with a destination.

Why I Do What I Do

I’m a planner. Color-coded spreadsheets, packing lists, backup plans for the backup plans. And while that  drives my family a little nuts, it turns out it’s exactly the skillset you want in someone handling your vacation. I don’t just book trips – I help you choose the small-ship cruise that fits your travel style, then take care of the rest, from pre-cruise plans to onboard extras.

Whether you’re curious about your first river cruise, dreaming of Antarctica, or just want someone to sort through all the noise and point you toward the right experience, that’s what I’m here for.

These Days…

My own travel style has shifted. I still love adventure, but I also appreciate a smooth embarkation process and a balcony view. Small-ship cruising has become my preferred way to travel, it lets me explore the world in a more relaxed, immersive way, and it’s what I recommend for most of my clients, whether they’re solo, with a partner, or part of a hosted group.

If you’re craving that same kind of experience, something more personal, more enriching, and a lot less crowded, I’d love to help you plan it.

My Process

Step 1 Travel Discovery Call. This is where we talk about your travel dreams, what you are looking for, what excites you, and how you want your time away to feel. Whether you have a destination in mind or just know you want fewer crowds and more meaningful moments, I'll help shape that vision into something unforgettable.
Step 2 Tailored Planning & Research. While I dig into the details, researching cruise options, fine-tuning itineraries, and building your personalized plan, you can sit back and relax. Whether that means getting back to your day or enjoying some well-earned down time, I'll handle the heavy lifting.
Step 3 Final details & your adventure awaits. Once the plan is just right, I'll take care of the bookings, confirmations, and any last-minute tweaks. You'll receive a clear itinerary, helpful tips, and everything you need for a seamless experience. All that's left? Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Ready to start planning?

Let’s talk about the kind of travel experience that fits you. 

Schedule A Call

Just have a quick question?

No need to schedule anything. Feel free to send me a note anytime.
Email me at: Dawn@DMGTravelEscapes.com

Want to learn more?

I’d love to keep you in the loop with travel tips, updates in the world of small-ship cruising, and first-look access to my upcoming hosted journeys.  My newsletter comes straight to your inbox – quick, helpful, and easy to read.

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