Nora Blum, Travel Agent in Minneapolis, MN

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN · 25+ Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(88)
100% Recommended
Nora has been helping me with my travel arrangements for over 10 years and she is absolutely THE BEST! I can always count on Nora... Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Itineraries
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Costa Rica, Alaska, Machu Picchu, Maui Island, Caribbean

Interests:

Adventure, Couples & Romance, Luxury Cruises, River Cruises, Spa & Fitness

Suppliers:

Abercrombie & Kent, AmaWaterways, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Intrepid Travel, Palmaia

About Me

Small Ship Cruising and Privately Guided Vacations

As a fan of fabulous hotels and luxurious ship staterooms, I have traveled throughout the world enjoying the views, history and local specialties that make each destination unique. Maybe, like me, you also enjoy good food and cultural experiences when you are traveling. I love working with curious travelers who really want advice to maximize their own travel experiences by consulting with me and collaborating on the details of their trip that will make it extraordinary. Whether you are looking for a restorative retreat or a grand adventure, my connections and years of experience will help you create travel memories you’ll remember for years to come.

My Travel Specialties

Customized guided and experiential vacations

Customized guided and experiential vacations
  Luxury Travel Advisor | Private Guided Tours & Small Ship Cruise Specialist With 25+ years crafting worry-free vacations, I specialize in privately guided tours and small ship cruises across Latin America, Europe, and worldwide destinations. My approach is simple:...Read More ▶

Alaska Small Ship Cruise and Adventure Specialist

Alaska Small Ship Cruise and Adventure Specialist
Alaska Travel Expert | Cruise & Land Tour Specialist With four Alaska trips under my belt and more planned, I bring firsthand experience planning Alaska vacations that balance adventure and comfort. Whether you're drawn to Alaska wildlife viewing, glacier tours, the midnig...Read More ▶

Machu Picchu and Peru Vacations

Machu Picchu and Peru Vacations
Machu Picchu is one of those trips of a lifetime you will never forget. I was fortunate enough to make this trip in December 2013 and had the chance to experience Lima, Sacred Valley, Cuzco and Machu Picchu first hand. To make the most of the experience, I was privately guided throughout Peru wit...Read More ▶

Intimate Ocean Experiences

Intimate Ocean Experiences
Luxury Yacht & Small Ship Cruise Specialist Experience cruising reimagined aboard intimate luxury yachts and ultra-premium small ships. I specialize in the world's most exclusive cruise lines—where personalized service, exquisite cuisine, and transformative itineraries re...Read More ▶

Costa Rica Wellness & Adventure

Costa Rica Wellness & Adventure
Costa Rica Travel Specialist | Custom Itineraries for Families, Couples & Solo Travelers Planning a Costa Rica vacation? I specialize in crafting personalized Costa Rica itineraries that combine adventure travel and wellness retreats across this biodiverse paradise. ...Read More ▶

River Cruising and Guided Vacations

River Cruising and Guided Vacations
European River Cruise & Guided Tour Specialist | Custom Itinerary Designer With personal experience on both European river cruises and guided vacations across Europe and Latin America, I match travelers to the perfect tour style for their preferences. Planning a multi-coun...Read More ▶

Spa Trips and Wellness Vacations

Spa Trips and Wellness Vacations
As a self-proclaimed "Spa Junkie", I understand the needs and desires of travelers looking for the stress reduction, pampering and relaxation of a spa vacation. Whether it is a couples retreat, a girlfriend getaway or solo travel, there are many ways to spa and every one of them are fantastic. Sp...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
88 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 88 reviews

NORA IS THE BEST!!
Reviewed By Kimberly - New Brighton, MN | Traveled to Mexico
Nora has been helping me with my travel arrangements for over 10 years and she is absolutely THE BEST! I can always count on Nora to find the perfect destination with great accommodations - and at a price I can afford. Nora is so helpful and knowledgeable - she definitely knows Mexico and the Caribbean - my favorite places to visit! She always goes above and beyond to make sure everything goes well. And, she also asks for feedback after the trip to make sure everything went as planned. I know people who try to plan their own international trips on the internet, but are very disappointed with how it turns out. I don't have to worry about being disappointed...because Nora helps arrange my trips. She's awesome!!
Nora Blum responded
"Thank you for your kind words. It certainly does help that I've been to many of your favorite places, and I do try to make sure everything goes well on all of our trips."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
117 of 203 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Fabulous 15th Anniversary Trip!
Reviewed By Merkster - Lakeville, MN. | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
My husband and I knew we wanted to take a trip of a lifetime for our 15th wedding anniversary and for the first time decided to seek the help of a travel agent. Nora had come recommended and we are so glad we sought her guidance and expertise!

Nora was extremely helpful and knowledgeable during all phases of planning. She was patient when I couldn't make up my mind on hotels and locations and was a steady and calm force offering thoughtful feedback and pro/con arguments for various choices we had to make. She encouraged us to stick with our original Costa Rica plan when we considered alternative destinations, and I'm so glad she offered her genuine advice. She knew what we were looking for in this vacation and made the best recommendation for us.
She also offered sage advice to not fill up our vacation with excess excursions but enjoy the luxurious amenities of our hotels. All along I felt she was trying to provide us exactly the kind of trip we desired and that's what we got! :)
Nora Blum responded
"I'm thrilled your anniversary trip to Costa Rica was so fantastic and I look forward to working with you again on the next one."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
78 of 129 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Family Trip
Reviewed By Susan - Macon Missouri | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We have worked with Ms. Blum since 2008 . Ms. Blum has helped arrange four trips . Ms. Blum responds to our emails within 24 hours. She has our travel information organized and easy to understand and follow.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
48 of 77 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream vacation to Hawaii
Reviewed By Randy - Mendota Heights, MN | Traveled to Honolulu, Oahu ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I finally were able to have our dream vacation to Hawaii. Nora's experience and attention to details made our trip worry free and very enjoyable. Nora's knowledge of the islands made our decision to visit Honolulu, Kauai, & Maui something we will never forget.! I would highly recommend Nora for anyone planning their vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
46 of 75 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A new adventure in scotland
Reviewed By On the go - Houlton | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Always excellent, plans trips according to her knowledge of site and knowledge of my likes and style
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
55 of 94 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
The Luxury Leaders Alliance is a unique networking environment for a carefully selected group of luxury advisors that have common experience, skills and mindset. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and educational opportunities, these elite advisors are empowered to provide sophisticated, personalized experiences to luxury travelers.
Certified Leisure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several key components including: Sales and Service, Cruise Sales, Destination and Lifestyle Knowledge,  Programs and Preferred Supplier Knowledge. This is a two year study program.
Certified Luxury Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Luxury/Experiential Customer, Destination Knowledge, Luxury Travel Experiences, Luxury Programs, Luxury/Experiential Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
A Honeymoon Wishes Agent provides the only full service honeymoon registry for couples that expect a higher standard for their wedding.
Alaska Travel Expert
Certified Travel Industry Executive
2024 Agency of the Year Award
Certified Luxury Specialist
ASTA Verified Travel Advisor
Travel Leaders Certified Specialist

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

North Shore
View Album
Los Cabos at Le Blanc

My Travel Stories

Aurora Borealis

Northern Lights in Alaska

From Fairbanks, you can take a Small-group tour of Chena Hot Springs Resort and the northern lights from Fairbanks What to expect: Small-group tour of Chena Hot Springs Resort and the northern lights from Fairbanks Explore the resort’s Aurora Ice Museum, home to intricately carved sculptures and an ice bar S...
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Orca viewing

Favorite Wildlife Experience in Alaska

Make the time to enjoy a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward. Your 7.5 hour cruise will include: Visit to active tidewater glaciers See wildlife and scenery like whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles and more. Travel with a National Park Ranger Your kids can enjoy th...
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Humpback Whales

Visiting Juneau on Your Cruise?

If you are visiting Juneau while cruising Alaska, I highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of he Channel Islands State Marine Park.  You'll see lots of wildlife including humpback whales! Here's what to expect: Board a 6-passenger motorboat and travel up the Inside Passage to the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska! As...
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Lake Morraine in Canadian Rockies

Do More in the Canadian Rockies

I work with local tour companies to curate custom vacation packages in different Canadian Rockies destinations, making it easy to continue exploring using Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper or Vancouver as your base.  These are amazing journeys to add on to your Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Here are four great ideas. 1.     Explore mor...
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Floating Mountains of Pandora

Adventure to Another World

I was lucky enough to experience a preview of Disney's Pandora - The World of Avatar.  Even if you haven't seen the movie Avatar, this new land located within Disney's Animal Kingdom allows visitors to imagine they have been transported across space to Pandora and explore the nature and wilderness of this interstellar planet.  It's not only beau...
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Client Testimonials

Exceeded my hopes and expectations
Hi Nora, The trip was perfect. Exceeded all of my hopes and expectations. We had 2 beautiful days in Machu Picchu...pictures and descriptions simply do not fully capture how amazing it all is. We're still mulling over our next trip, but since this trip was so flawlessly planned...I will be calling you when we decide. Can't thank you enough for setting up such an awesome trip for us! Kelly
Kelly H., MN
Always planning a new adventure
Nora, your expertise and diligence has made it possible for your clients to explore the world, knowing that every aspect of their journey has been reviewed and detailed. I sincerely appreciate every ocean voyage and land excursion, together with the journeys that we have coordinated throughout every continent.. The trips have been fulfilling my gallavanting dreams.... Knowledge brings understanding....and I have learned ''volumes"....
Renee B., Richfield, Minnesota
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