We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jackie Higgins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

We own Dream Vacations by Jacqueline & James Higgins. We are a Veteran Owned a travel agency built on precision, resilience, and heart.
Today, I design customized, concierge-level travel experiences — from contemporary, luxury and river cruises to safaris, expedition voyages, rail journeys, and carefully curated shore experiences around the world. I work with premium cruise lines, boutique operators, and trusted global partners to create intentional travel for clients who value excellence.
I specialize in veteran families, female veteran groups navigating PTSD, and travelers who want more than just a vacation — they want transformation, connection, and peace of mind. I’m certified in special needs travel. I handle emergency travel when families need to move quickly. I customize every detail because no two travelers are alike.
But this business didn’t happen by accident.
It was built on decades of reinvention.
For 25 years, I was a Corporate Paralegal — trusted with contracts, negotiations, compliance, and high-level business matters where accuracy was everything. I learned how to protect clients, mitigate risk, and think strategically.
Then I transitioned into healthcare and spent 15 years as a Medical Coder, earning advanced certifications and mastering systems that required discipline, discretion, and meticulous detail.
And in between all of that — I am married to an Army serviceman.
Military life requires trust.
It requires independence.
It requires strength you don’t always realize you have.
And it comes with constant “what if’s.”
What if orders change?
What if deployment comes again?
What if plans shift overnight?
So, we travel.
We travel to reconnect.
We travel to breathe.
We travel to escape the uncertainty — even if just for a few days.
Travel became our reset button. Our way of reclaiming control in a life that often felt unpredictable.
That’s when I realized something powerful:
Travel isn’t a luxury.
It’s therapy.
It’s restoration.
It’s reconnection.
Opening my own agency wasn’t a leap of faith — it was a strategic evolution. I combined corporate discipline, medical precision, military resilience, and lifelong hospitality experience into one purpose-driven business.
I’m no stranger to reinventing myself.
And now, I help others do the same — one journey at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We eliminate overwhelm, uncertainty, and costly mistakes.
Today’s traveler is overloaded with options, conflicting reviews, shifting policies, and pricing that changes constantly. Clients don’t have the time to research endlessly — and military families, veterans, caregivers, and busy professionals need a trusted expert who can step in with clarity and confidence. We act as the filter, the strategist, and the protector of your investment.
Through partnerships with brands with cruise lines, all-inclusive family and adult only resorts, rail journeys and global tour operators we secure preferred amenities, insider access, and strategic value. We fully customize land and sea itinerary, we make complex travel feel effortless.
What truly sets us apart is not just access — it’s advocacy.
With Jackie’s 25-year background as a Corporate Paralegal and 15 years in medical compliance, and James’s leadership experience through military service, we are trained to think in contingencies, strategy, documentation, and accountability. We do not simply book travel — we anticipate disruption. We evaluate terms and conditions. We protect our clients from the fine print they may never see. And when plans shift due to weather, cancellations, medical emergencies, or military orders, our clients are never left navigating call centers alone.
We want potential clients, partners, and followers to know this:
We value integrity over transactions.
We value long-term relationships over one-time bookings.
We value intentional travel over impulse travel.
Dream Vacations is not about volume — it is about meaningful journeys designed with precision and purpose and value.
Whether we are coordinating accessible travel for a special needs client, planning emergency travel during a family crisis, designing a luxury cruise experience, or leading a transformational group journey, we operate as a team — blending corporate precision, military resilience, and concierge-level service.
In a world where travel has become automated and transactional, our brand remains personal, strategic, and deeply human.
And that is what sets us apart.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Simple. I show up.

I don’t hide behind 1-800 call centers or automated systems. When you call, I answer. When you need a quote, it’s returned quickly. When something changes — a flight, a weather delay, a medical emergency, or a family situation — I’m right there guiding you through it.

Travel planning isn’t just about booking flights or hotels; it’s about managing risk, understanding travel insurance, and providing peace of mind. I explain all of that upfront, so you feel prepared and protected before you leave home.

Even when I am traveling myself, I keep clients informed. I tell them where I’m going, when I’ll return, and the limits of my Wi-Fi or computer access. That way, expectations are clear, and you always know when and how you can reach me.

My connection with clients extends beyond the phone. I attend BNI meetings, serve as an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, support local business owners, visit Army units, entertain, and fundraise — all while staying present for my clients.

Attention to detail, transparency, and hands-on guidance are at the heart of my service. You’re not just booking a trip — you’re gaining a partner who is personally invested in your experience, every step of the way.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Technology can be intimidating — I get it. Social media, AI, and digital marketing platforms evolve constantly, and it’s easy to feel like you’re always playing catch-up.

I solved that challenge strategically. I use a platform that handles all my social media marketing with a “set it and forget it” approach at a minimal cost, so I can focus on what matters most: my clients and their travel experiences. I surround myself with other business owners who excel at using tech tools, attend webinars to stay current, and rely on the significant resources my host agency provides — from advanced travel platforms to exclusive technology discounts.

I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel. I leverage proven tools and expert guidance to maximize efficiency while keeping the experience personal, responsive, and hands-on. Whether it’s returning a quote quickly, explaining travel insurance, coordinating emergency travel, or personally checking in while on a trip, technology serves my service, not the other way around.

By blending smart tech with human connection, I deliver concierge-level travel experiences that are seamless, safe, and tailored — while still showing up for every client, every time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jmhiggins.dreamvacations.com/home-page
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackietravelagent/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HigginsDV26/