Gabrielle Estel, Travel Agent in Cedar Rapids, IA

Gabrielle Estel

Cedar Rapids, IA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Gabrielle Estel

Cedar Rapids, IA · 4 Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(65)
100% Recommended
Working with Gabrielle Estel on our first trip to another continent was an absolute pleasure. She is responsible for making this trip to Egypt the best... Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Itineraries

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Egypt, Australia, China, Japan, Taiwan

Interests:

Adventure, Arts & Culture, Bespoke Travel, Castles & Cathedrals, Culinary & Foodie

Suppliers:

Abercrombie & Kent, CIE Tours, Kensington, AmaWaterways, Europe Express

About Me

Luxury Travel and River Cruise Specialist

I live to travel. I’ve invested over 4 years of my life living abroad. From living with a host family in Spain as young teenager to honeymooning in Italy, travel has always marked my life milestones. I moved abroad to Taiwan and explored Asia. Then, I moved to Egypt and explored the Mediterranean and the Sahara. Now I’m back in my Iowan home state to help others plan their own dream experiences across the globe. Travel is my life. Let me share my life with you. Check out my International Travel Leisure Expert specialty article to learn more!

My Travel Specialties

International Travel Leisure Specialist

International Travel Leisure Specialist
I live to travel. I’ve invested over 4 years of my life living abroad. I lived in Taiwan and explored Asia. Then, I moved to Egypt and explore the Mediterranean and the Sahara. From living with a host family in Spain as young teenager to honeymooning in Italy, travel has a...Read More ▶

Recognized as a TravelPulse 40 Under 40 Honoree

Recognized as a TravelPulse 40 Under 40 Honoree
In 2025, I was honored to be named one of TravelPulse’s 40 Under 40, a national recognition celebrating the rising stars shaping the future of the travel industry. This annual list highlights 20 advisors and 20 supplier representatives who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and an unwavering ded...Read More ▶

Japan Travel Expert

Japan Travel Expert
This spring I was invited to tour Japan with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). I was one of eight advisors chosen from hundreds of applicants. On our trip, I was accompanied by a JNTO leader, logistics head, and professional guide to see the absolute best of Japan and learn a...Read More ▶

Italy Travel Expert

Italy Travel Expert
Italy holds a special place in my heart. My journey began on my honeymoon, and it marked the beginning of an enduring love affair with this captivating country (and my husband). Over time, I've developed a profound appreciation for Italy's rich history, culinary delights, fine wines, and natural ...Read More ▶

Germany Travel Expert

Germany Travel Expert
This holiday season I had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the twinkling lights, festive melodies, and warm gluhwein (mulled wine) of Germany’s Christmas markets. Regensburg: A Medieval Gem Aglow with Christmas Magic My journey began in the medieval ci...Read More ▶

Ireland Travel Expert

Ireland Travel Expert
I’m an avid traveler with an insatiable passion for exploring the captivating land of Ireland. My journey through this enchanting country has been a profound odyssey, driven by a deep connection to my ancestors and a thirst for discovery. Tailored Itineraries: As a travel ...Read More ▶

Greece Travel Expert

Greece Travel Expert
Embarking on a journey to Greece was a dream come true for me, fueled by a lifelong love for "The Odyssey" and a burning desire for the classic Mediterranean summer vacation. As a travel agent, I specialize in curating unforgettable travel experiences, and my own trip to Greece was no exception. ...Read More ▶

Portugal Travel Expert

Portugal Travel Expert
I am a certified travel expert with the Portuguese Tourism Board. I had an incredible adventure through Portugal, and I can't wait to share more about this amazing destination with you! Portuguese Charm I loved wandering Lisbon’s windings alleyways to discover an ic...Read More ▶

Spain Travel Expert

Spain Travel Expert
For Me, Spain is Where It All Began Spain holds a special place in my heart — it was the first European country I ever explored, and the trip that sparked my lifelong love of travel. From that first visit as a teenager, I was drawn in by its richness of history, color, and culture. ...Read More ▶

Egypt Travel Expert

Egypt Travel Expert
I drove by the Giza Pyramids on my way to work every morning for two years. Yet, everyday they always made me pause to appreciate their majesty.  Egypt is a place where everyone “has a guy” or “knows a guy.” Having connections with the right people makes a huge difference. I have th...Read More ▶

China Travel Expert

China Travel Expert
I was one of the first travel industry specialists to be invited to China by the tourism board post-pandemic. I have more stamps in my passport from China than any other country because of my time living in Taiwan. I brought my debate students to all the major cities of China for competiti...Read More ▶

United Kingdom Travel Expert

United Kingdom Travel Expert
There’s nothing like escaping the drizzle in a homey UK pub. It seems they’re made for those little moments of pause, chat, and sip. I love a Pimms and lemonade, and my husband always chooses a random local brew. I've been lucky enough to visit the United Kingdom multiple times. Every time I have...Read More ▶

Tahiti Luxury Travel Expert

Tahiti Luxury Travel Expert
I am a certified Tahiti Travel Specialist with the Tahiti Tourism Board. I recently had the amazing opportunity to travel the islands and attend the Tahiti Travel Exchange.  Overwater Bungalow Bliss I had the incredible opportunity to inspect and stay in multiple ov...Read More ▶

Australia Travel Expert

Australia Travel Expert
There are destinations you visit, and then there are destinations that completely shift your sense of wonder. Australia is firmly the latter. After my journey to Australia, I can confidently say this is one of the most dynamic, surprising, and fun destinations I’ve experienced. And ...Read More ▶

Vietnam Travel Expert

Vietnam Travel Expert
I’m thrilled to announce I was invited by Kensington Tours to be a Brand Ambassador and explore Vietnam with them this spring. On our trip, I was accompanied by Kensington’s Midwest Business Development Manager, Asia Destination Lead, and a variety of professional guides to taste the best of all ...Read More ▶

Taiwan Travel Expert

Taiwan Travel Expert
I will always miss calling Taiwan home. When people ask where of all the places I've traveled I'd return, Taiwan is always my answer. Taiwan is an island of gorgeous mountains that drop into ocean waves. It makes you stop, buy a bubble tea, and smell the Yellow Plumeria flowers. Plus, the ...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
65 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.
Search reviews:

Showing 65 reviews

The best experience and best planned trip ever!!
Reviewed By William - 1376 Hanover Street Yorktown Heights NY 10598 | Traveled to Cairo ~ Egypt ~ Africa
Working with Gabrielle Estel on our first trip to another continent was an absolute pleasure. She is responsible for making this trip to Egypt the best trip my family has ever taken. She was super patient, knowledgeable and kind throughout the planning process. Gabrielle was always there to take my calls before our departure on this elaborate trip. We were a little nervous that everything would work out as planned. The trip was flawless, and Gabrielle made that possible. I called her often during planning and she was always there to answer her phone and she did so cheerfully. My wife and two children had a wonderful time. The resort in Cairo and Luxor were beautiful. The private tour guides were prompt, very accommodating and knowledgeable. The private tour was the best decision we made. Next time we plan a trip, we will be calling Gabrielle for sure!
Gabrielle Estel responded
"Thank you so much for taking time to write this review, William! I had a great time getting to know your family as we planned your perfect trip to Egypt. I look forward to helping your family create many amazing memories during your future travels!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Food and Family Fun in Italy and Greece!
Reviewed By Melinda - Iowa City, Iowa | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Gabrielle-

We had a great trip. All hotels were perfect. The tours were great and the transportation worked great. I was impressed that even with flight delays they were waiting for us. Greece had an added benefit that both in Athens and Mykonos we were met by a travel representative and driver. The rep gave us a personal number if we needed anything and they were fast to respond. The cooking classes were prefect. It was hot the whole time we were there, but we completed almost everything.

Thanks so much for your hard work!
Gabrielle Estel responded
"Thank you for your review, Melinda! I loved getting to know your family as we planned your amazing Italy and Greece trip to Rome, Athens, and Mykonos. I hope your daughter has a great experience studying in Greece later this year."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Business travel plus R&R!
Reviewed By Iowa Mark - Iowa City, IA | Traveled to Vietnam ~ East and Southeast Asia
Gabrielle is focused on meeting your needs, including budget! What sets her apart are her attention to detail and engaging personality.
Gabrielle Estel responded
"Thank you for your review, Mark. I had a wonderful time finding the best relaxing spot in Vietnam for you to unwind and explore after your work trip. I look forward to adding personal value to more of your future work trips."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great trip
Reviewed By Mike - Washington Iowa | Traveled to Nuremberg ~ Germany ~ Europe
We were very happy with the service and planning that Gabrielle provided. Th e trip went smoothly and the one small problem was resolved promptly I would use her services again
Gabrielle Estel responded
"Mike, Thank you for your review! I had a great time hearing about what you learned from the excellent guides in Nuremberg, Prague, and Vienna. I look forward to helping you explore another part of the world soon! Best, Gabrielle"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Perfect Options!
Reviewed By Curtis - Palo, Iowa | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Thank you so much for helping with my winter vacation. I was at a real loss on where to go and stay. I really appreciate you finding a wonderful location and given me some options for personal preferences. Your help with lodging, flights, transportation and excursions were on point and made this vacation the best. I will be contacting you again for my next vacation.
Gabrielle Estel responded
"I appreciate your time for this review! I had a wonderful time getting to know your family and what makes a vacation perfect for you. I look forward to booking many amazing trips with you in the future!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 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.
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.
Trusted Travel Advisor: A Trusted Travel Advisor credentials, resources and global connections translates to today’s consumer in respectful interactions, confidentiality, knowledge, and client advocacy of travel services provided in parallel with building long lasting client relationships that builds with each interaction.  A Trusted Travel Advisor knows their client better than the client may know themselves and puts those polishing touches on each travel collaboration.
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Spain Travel Expert
Tahiti Travel Specialist
Taiwan Travel Expert
Australia Travel Specialist
40 Under 40 TravelPulse Honoree
Advance Masters Japan Specialist
Egypt Travel Specialist
Greece Travel Specialist
Ireland Travel Specialist
Italy Travel Specialist
Certified Sandals Specialist
China Travel Specialist
Portugal Travel Specialist
CIE Tours' Shamrock (Ireland) Certification
Nile River Cruise Specialist
Avanti Customized Travel Specialist
Amalfi Coast (Italy) Travel Specialist
Avanti Certified Specialist
Aussie Specialist
Sicily (Italy) Travel Specialist
Thailand 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

Australia
View Album

My Travel Stories

High Tea with Views of Chatsworth House

Northern England and Wales

My recent journey through Northern England and Wales was one of those trips that felt personal from start to finish. Not just because of what I saw, but because of how often it connected back to the things I love most: books, countryside, and those small meaningful details that make a place feel alive. I was honored to be chosen by the Vi...
Read more

Wandering Athens: A Day of Ruins and Restaurants

After a day of exploring the famous Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, I decided to save one day to wander Athens and stop whenever somewhere piqued my curiosity without any plan at all. Wandering around the slopes of the Acropolis, I found myself in the historic district of Plaka, a charming neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets, col...
Read more

Dun Aonghasa

Exploring the Aran Islands: A Journey Through Time

I'll never forget the first time I set foot on the Aran Islands, a remote archipelago off the western coast of Ireland. It was a blustery morning, and the ferry ride had been an adventure in itself, with waves crashing against the bow and seagulls soaring overhead. My love for exploration and my fascination with remote places had brought me to t...
Read more

We visited Rabbit Rock for Easter!

What People Overlook in Egypt: The Sahara

From my apartment balcony, I saw the city spread before my eyes. The Nile: a slash of silver through Cairo’s green.  Beyond the green: the unending gold of the Sahara. The Sahara was my escape from the hustle and bustle of Cairo, aptly called the “Mother City of the World.” It’s as mysterious and beautiful as Egypt...
Read more

BESbswy