Jen Cratsley works with her partner Mark to run CM Travel, an agency specializing in accessible and autism travel.
Together, they enjoy making memories with their special needs daughter, son, and grandchildren. And, of course, helping others with their favorite pastime: traveling the world and making memories that last a lifetime.
What are your travel specialties or areas of expertise?
As one of the owners of CM Travel Agency LLC, I specialize in accessible travel, autism-friendly vacations, ocean and river cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group travel, and multigenerational family vacations. My passion is helping travelers create meaningful memories with their loved ones through personalized travel experiences tailored to their unique needs and interests.
With a special focus on accessibility and special needs travel, I work to ensure that every traveler can explore the world with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind. Whether planning a dream cruise, a family reunion, a romantic getaway, or a bucket-list adventure, my goal is to make travel easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
What inspired you to become a travel advisor?
Helping others create memories with their loved ones is incredibly important to me. As a widow, I deeply cherish the memories I made with my husband and our children, and now the special moments I continue to share with my grandchildren. Those experiences have taught me that time together is life's greatest gift.
As a travel advisor, I have the privilege of helping families, couples, and friends create meaningful experiences and lifelong memories of their own. Whether it's a dream vacation, a family reunion, a cruise, or a special celebration, I love knowing that I'm helping people make memories they will treasure for years to come.
What is your most popular travel destination among clients?
At CM Travel Agency LLC, I specialize in helping travelers experience some of the world's most memorable destinations. My most requested destinations and travel experiences include:
- Caribbean Cruises – Including the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and private island destinations.
- Alaska Cruises & Land Tours – Wildlife, glaciers, rail journeys, and unforgettable scenery.
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico & the Caribbean – Punta Cana, Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
- Hawaii – Island-hopping adventures, romantic getaways, and family vacations.
- European River Cruises – Rhine, Danube, Seine, and other iconic waterways.
- Ocean Cruises Worldwide – Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, and transatlantic voyages.
- Accessible & Autism-Friendly Vacations – Customized travel experiences designed around each traveler's unique needs.
- Multigenerational Family Travel – Vacations that bring grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren together.
- Group Travel – Family reunions, affinity groups, social clubs, and special interest travel.
- National Parks & Scenic Rail Journeys – Including Alaska rail experiences, the Rocky Mountains, and bucket-list U.S. destinations.
My goal is to match every traveler with the destination and experience that best fits their interests, budget, accessibility requirements, and travel dreams.
What’s the most valuable tip or trick that makes planning family travel easier?
One of the biggest things that has helped me book clients more easily is taking the time to truly listen to their needs rather than immediately trying to sell a destination or package. I focus on understanding their travel style, budget, accessibility needs, family dynamics, and what they hope to experience during their trip.
By building relationships and creating personalized recommendations, clients feel heard and valued. Many of my bookings come from repeat clients and referrals because people know I genuinely care about helping them create meaningful memories with their loved ones. I believe that trust and personalized service are far more effective than any sales pitch.
What is one website, platform, database, or other tech tool you consistently use?
One platform I consistently use when planning family travel is Travel Leaders Network's booking and research tools. These resources allow me to compare destinations, accommodations, cruises, tours, and transportation options while ensuring I find the best fit for each family's unique needs, budget, and travel style.
I also rely heavily on supplier training portals, destination resources, and accessibility information to help families make informed decisions. This is especially important when planning multigenerational vacations or trips involving accessibility or special needs considerations. By combining technology with personalized service, I can create customized travel experiences that help families spend more quality time together and make lasting memories.
Connect with Jen at cm-travel-agency.com.
Photos courtesy of Jen Cratsley.
