Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Franks.
Hi Jill, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Dreamer to Destination Expert: The Story Behind Destinations by Jill
I’m originally from Minnesota, but Texas has been home since 2010. My husband and I first settled in The Woodlands before eventually finding our way to the Georgetown area, where we’ve built our life together.
My love for travel started long before I ever had a passport. Growing up, my family didn’t travel much, but even as a middle schooler, I was fascinated by the idea of exploring the world. Becoming a travel agent seemed like the most glamorous job imaginable — helping others chase their travel dreams while creating a few of my own along the way.
After earning my degree in Business Management, I enrolled in travel school — yes, travel school was a real thing back then! We learned everything from airport codes and handwriting tickets to in-depth destination and airline systems training. My first job was with Minnesota’s top agency at the time, Hobbit Travel, in Rochester. I worked through 9/11 and the early days of online travel, two events that completely reshaped the industry. When the agency eventually closed, I stepped away for a while but never lost my passion for travel.
In 2013, the opportunity came to own my own franchise — and that’s when Destinations by Jill, powered by Cruise Planners, was born. What began as a dream became a business built on heart, expertise, and personal connection.
Today, I specialize in creating personalized vacations — from romantic honeymoons and destination weddings to family adventures, milestone celebrations, and group getaways. As a Certified Romance Travel Specialist, I help couples celebrate life’s most meaningful moments in beautiful destinations around the world.
Being part of Cruise Planners gives my clients access to exclusive promotions, special pricing, and VIP perks from top cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators. But what truly sets me apart is the care that goes into every trip I plan. Travel is deeply personal — it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the memories you bring home.
Helping people see the world has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Every journey I plan is another chance to make someone’s dream a reality — and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business never really goes perfectly smoothly — and when you work in travel, there’s always an extra layer of unpredictability. Things like flight delays, cancellations, or lost luggage can quickly turn a client’s plans upside down. But being there for them in those moments is something I take great pride in. I’ve helped clients find last-minute hotel rooms after missed connections, guided travelers through rerouted flights, and reassured those who landed overseas without their luggage.
Of course, those day-to-day challenges pale in comparison to what the entire industry faced during COVID. Navigating mass cancellations, delayed refunds, and the heartbreak of postponed travel dreams was incredibly difficult. Many agencies didn’t survive that time, and I’m grateful that mine did. It took patience, transparency, and a lot of faith — but I came out stronger and more resilient because of it.
Today, I’m proud to say my business has not only rebounded but is thriving. I’m experiencing tremendous growth and so much renewed excitement from travelers eager to see the world again. There will always be challenges, but travel will always have my heart. Every obstacle just reminds me why I love what I do — helping people experience the joy of exploring this beautiful world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the owner of Destinations by Jill, an independently owned Cruise Planners franchise, I specialize in creating personalized vacations for couples, families, and groups — from all-inclusive beach escapes to European adventures, luxury cruises, and bucket-list experiences around the world.
I’m especially known for my work as a Certified Romance Travel Specialist, helping couples plan destination weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals, and anniversary trips that feel effortless and unforgettable. But just as often, I’m working with multi-generational families, friend groups, and solo travelers who want something more than a cookie-cutter vacation — they want a trip that feels crafted for them.
What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and genuine care for every client I work with. I don’t just book trips — I build relationships. My clients know they can reach me when it matters most, whether it’s late at night during a flight delay or halfway across the world when plans unexpectedly change. Having that personal connection and being their advocate is what I love most about what I do.
I’m proud that after more than a decade in business, my agency continues to grow through referrals and repeat clients who trust me to plan their next adventure. The best compliment I can receive is when someone tells me they felt completely at ease — that everything was taken care of and they could just enjoy the moment.
For me, travel is about more than getting away — it’s about creating lifelong memories, celebrating milestones, and helping people see the world with wonder. That’s what drives me every single day.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d just like to remind people that travel is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself or someone you love. It’s not just about getting away — it’s about connection, perspective, and creating memories that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.
Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a long-overdue family getaway, or a simple weekend escape, travel has a way of bringing joy back into our lives. My hope is that more people take the time to slow down, explore, and experience the world with an open heart.
Every trip I plan is a chance to make someone’s dream a reality — and I’ll never stop being grateful that I get to do that for a living.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DestinationsbyJill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinations_by_jill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruisePlannersJillFranks
Image Credits
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