Dream Vacation Specialist

View My Main Profile
Kirk Olsen, Travel Agent in Rancho Mirage, CA

Kirk Olsen

Rancho Mirage, CA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Kirk Olsen

Rancho Mirage, CA · 21 Years of Experience

Kirk Olsen, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
4.9
(16)
100% Recommended
Kirk really helped us with our visa and travel insurance questions. Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Australia, Norway, Hawaii, Egypt, Israel

Interests:

Adventure, Small Ship Cruises, River Cruises, Cruises, LGBTQ+ Travel

Suppliers:

Viking, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Avalon Waterways, Globus

About Me

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge

There's a good chance I've been where you want to go, so I offer a nuanced perspective that you won't find in a guidebook. I will help you find a trip that really suits you. Having traveled to every state in the U.S. and set foot on all seven continents, I’m familiar with many bucket-list destinations: Alaska, Antarctica, Europe, Hawaii, South America, Australia/New Zealand, Northern Africa and Eastern Asia. While I love to book places I’ve visited, I’m always eager to research new itineraries and countries, since I probably want to go there next. I genuinely want my clients to find the right fit, and I’m happy to answer lots of questions and talk through the details. I specialize in luxury and premium travel, but everyone has a different definition of luxury and yours is the only one that matters to me. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious small-ship cruise, a pampering beachside resort, a once-in-a-lifetime private European tour, an extravagant African safari, or even going around the world by private jet, you’ve come to the right place. But don’t worry if your definition of luxury is less ambitious, I’m happy to find the perfect fit for you.

My own wanderlust started as a child and whether I’m planning your next trip or welcoming you home, I enjoy hearing your travel memories! Long before I became an agent, I was always the one helping friends and family plan trips. I’m also a big outdoorsman and am certified by the Sierra Club to lead off-trail backpacking trips. Fortunately in 2005 I realized I could turn my expertise into a profession and I opened my travel agency. Coming from a business project management background, I'm comfortable handling a complicated itinerary and juggling different wish lists from a group for their trip. It also means I know how to advocate for clients when working with suppliers. Whatever you need, I’m on it. My favorite trip to book is Alaska, which I’ve visited multiple times. Everyone loves it, so I know it will make my clients happy – if they are up in the air about where to go it’s one of the first places I recommend. If you’re up for an adventure, I highly recommend going to Antarctica. My trips there were exciting & educational, and it’s always fascinating to be surrounded by penguins. I once took a dip in the Antarctic Ocean. It was one of the craziest things I've ever done – and also so much fun! Stop reading about the places you want to see and let’s start planning your dream trip together!

California Seller of Travel

CST 2083884-50 Kirk Olsen Cruises & Adventure Travel

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.9
16 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 16 reviews

Vietnam and Cambodia
Reviewed By The Coach - Lakewood, California | Traveled to Southeast Asia ~ East and Southeast Asia
Kirk really helped us with our visa and travel insurance questions.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Excited to Book Again!
Reviewed By Island Guy - Long Beach, CA | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Kirk knows Maui so well. He listened to what we wanted to do and then asked about activities we hadn't considered. This enabled us to choose the best options for us. What a joy!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Agent made trip to Palm Springs a blast!
Reviewed By Dawn - Cleveland, Ohio | Traveled to Palm Springs ~ California ~ USA
Kirk did a great job setting up our family trip and accommodations on a recent visit to Palm Springs! He really dialed in on what we were interested in seeing and helped us with a fun itinerary.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Really Enjoyed the Trip
Reviewed By Desert Dweller - Palm Springs, California | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
This guy really gets it! I told him what we wanted and he took the time to customize our trip to our liking.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Personalized and Professional
Reviewed By Bethany Wampler - Nokesville, VA | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Kirk is quick to ensure he understands your overall goal for your trip whether it's adventure, leisure or a mixture of the two! He provided personalized recommendations perfect for our honeymoon trip to Maui. The trip was filled with adventures and special moments thanks to Kirk! We're looking forward to our next adventure with his planning expertise this May!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 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 Active & Adventure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Active & Adventure Travel Customer, Destination Knowledge, Active & Adventure Travel Experiences, ATTA Travel Resources, Active & Adventure Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
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.
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.
Globus family of brands Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
UnCruise Certified Adventurist
UnCruise Certified Adventurist
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)

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.
BESbswy