(145 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Diane Michael

Winston Salem, NC

Are You Ready For The Vacation You Deserve?

Is your ideal vacation one in which your every need has been anticipated and preparations made prior to your travel? Do you dream of a customized vacation with your every aspiration brought to reality? With every vacation planned, my first priority is to help my clients find the ideal destination that will provide a unique enriching adventure creating exceptional memories to last a lifetime. The last few years have shown us that having an advocate on our side when the unexpected happens is a must. Making sure every detail is addressed so your only concern is to bask in the experience and create future memories is my specialty. It would be my honor to be entrusted with creating your vacation. CONTACT ME FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

My Travel Specialties

Planning Authentic River Cruise Experiences

Would you like to discover such iconic wine regions as France’s Bordeaux; Austria’s UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley; Germany’s Riesling-rich Rheingau and Moselle valleys; Portugal’s Douro Valley; and more? 

Are you looking to be forever changed by experiencing the world in authentic cultural...
Read more from my Planning Authentic River Cruise Experiences bio.

European River Cruise - the BEST way to see Europe

Luxury and Small Ship Cruise Specialist

Luxury Cruises always generate rewarding experiences for my clients. Whether your interest is in cruising is destination focused (10-21 days), Continent focused (30-60 days) or world focused (100+ days World cruise), I can assist you with planning your dream cruise. Cunard, Seabourn, Silversea and...
Read more from my Luxury and Small Ship Cruise Specialist bio.

Cunard Queen Victoria "Roaring 20's" night

Alaska Destination Specialist

Have you dreamed of watching moose meandering in the streets of an Alaskan small town as you prepare to fly over the majestic mountain range surrounding Denali?

Do you dream of amazing marine life encounters with whales breaching off the bow or wildlife encounters with moose and grizzly bears...
Read more from my Alaska Destination Specialist bio.

Iditarod Headquarters Wasilla, AK

Hawaiian Islands Destination Specialist

Have you dreamed of cruising the Hawaiian Islands so you can taste the local cuisine and experience the highlights of each island? 

Have you longed to relive the days of Pearl Harbor on a tour that provides a powerful experience of the Battle for the Pacific? 

Would the Circle of Fire...
Read more from my Hawaiian Islands Destination Specialist bio.

Haleakala National Park Sunrise

Custom-Crafted Luxury Private Tours

What is on your bucket list? 

Do you imagine yourself being personally escorted as you visit one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru and your excitement as the Lost Incan City, situated on the mountain ridge 2,400 meters above sea level, reveals itself to you for the first time? 

Do...
Read more from my Custom-Crafted Luxury Private Tours bio.

Pompeii ... A Long Awaited Bucket List Vacation!

Group Travel Specialist

                         GROUP TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Do you enjoy traveling with like-minded people with whom you can engage in thoughtful conversations? 

Are you celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday? 

Is it important to spend time...
Read more from my Group Travel Specialist bio.

Group to New Zealand

My Travel Albums

Mount Pilatus, Switzerland
Marseille, France
Marseille, France
Barcelona, Spain
Avalon River Cruise
St. Lucia
St Lucia
Ama Sonata River Cruise
St Stephen's Cathedral. Passau, Germany
Budapest
Breisach, Germany - Visit the Black Forest
Strausburg, France - See the Astronomical clock
Rudesheim, Germany - See the Segfried’s Mechanical
Heidelberg, Germany- See Heidelberg Castle
Koln (Cologne), Germany - See Cologne Cathedral
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Take a canal cruise
Cunard Queen Victoria
Roaring 20's Night
Rome & Pompeii
Trevi Fountain at night!
Alaska Adventures
Beautiful colors!

My Travel Stories

Cruising on the Romantic Rhine

    Traveling to Europe gave me first-hand experience with the Covid restrictions and protocols. The most important lesson is that the dread of presenting all the paperwork is the worst part. Once your documentation is presented at the airport, everything flows smoothly, almost to the point of normalcy.

 ...Read more.

Customer Testimonials

Numerous Trips!

Diane did a great job scheduling our trip to Zion/Grand Canyon/Vegas. We did a lot of moving around and she made sure we were well taken care of. Diane has done numerous trips for us, including my parents anniversary trip to Hawaii, a girls trip to Jamaica, etc. We love using her because she gives great advice and really helps you stay within the budget you set. Thanks so much Diane!
Leah B, Cornelius NC

Kauai Honeymoon

Diane did a tremendous job for us on our honeymoon trip to Kauai. She had everything mapped out for us, transportation, accommodations, several excursions. even a scooter for me as I have a bad limp. Nothing was left to chance. It was the perfect honeymoon, delayed by Covid 10, and my wife and both agree it was the best vacation we have ever had. My hats off to Diane. and he has my upmost praise. I can recommend her without any reservations (Pun intended)
Kenneth H, Boone NC

Over 10 years

Diane is excellent to work with. She organized my trips for well over 10 years. I’m a person who asks many questions and she’s always quick to respond and so helpful.
Richard S, Mooresville, NC

Germany Vacation

Diane is a wonderful travel agent. She is responsive, helpful and knowledgeable. On a trip to Germany, she helped with a very unhelpful local tour, even though we were many time zones away! Highly recommend Diane. We have used her a number of times and continue to come back for her help.
Sharon C, Lexington NC

Europe Vacation

I've worked with Diane on several European vacations and can't say enough about her responsiveness and determination to do everything she can to ensure we have a fabulous trip. She has connections that allow us to personalize our trips in ways we couldn't do on our own - want a private driver, Diane will arrange it; want to see a sheep dog demonstration in Ireland, Diane will arrange it; want to build your own watch in Switzerland, Diane will arrange it; want a private tour of Pompeii with an archeologist, Diane will arrange it. And once you are overseas if you run into a problem, no worries! She is always available to solve the issue, whatever it may be. I highly recommend her services. You will not be disappointed!
Sabrina G, Greensboro NC

Princess Alaska Cruise

This is the first cruise that Diane has helped me with. It went so smoothly that I would never consider booking another cruise without her help. She was available anytime I needed her, and eased anxiety that I had about traveling.
Connie & Ron

25th Anniversary in Hawaii

Diane, I just can't thank you enough for all you did to make our Hawaii trip wonderful. I've been telling everyone about how you met with us a year in advance to help us plan & make sure our 25th anniversary celebration was spectacular! I wasnt sure about doing a cruse but The Pride of America was definitely the way to go!!! The private tours you helped us book made our trip so much more enjoyable and we both are looking forward to returning one day. As always, great job! Please be sure to send me a supply of your business cards to share with my family & friends. Thanks again!
Jill & Todd - NC

Privately Guided China Tour

My daughter Erin and myself had the chance to visit Beijing this past May. Once again, Diane at Travel Leaders came through with a wonderful tour from "Trails of IndoChina". We had a personal tour guide and driver to help us through the language and cultural differences in China. Our guide, Linda, was truly wonderful - she helped decipher, bargain and recommend! I don't know what we would have done without her. Since it was a personal tour we also had flexibility in scheduling. This allowed us to avoid crowds . We were also able to see two parts of the Great Wall: The Badaling and less touristy Mutianyu. The Great Wall was magnificent!! The entire trip could not have gone smoother.
Patti - Pennsylvania

Ireland Chauffeur Driven Tour

I just wanted to thank you for helping us have the vacation of a lifetime. We had the most awesome time and CIE was fantastic. Thanks again and hope to travel again soon. If so, we will certainly be contacting you.
Maryellen - NC

Viking River Cruises Dream Trip

Diane Michael was a true professional in organizing the Grand European Tour on a Viking longship for my son and me. She made sure all our questions were answered promptly and that all necessary documents were in our hands before departing. It was a wonderful trip and Diane was responsible for it being so stress free. Thanks again, Diane!!!
Jeanne - NC

Custom Italy Dream Vacation

Many thanks to Diane on helping us plan the dream vacation to Italy. We were handed off to 4 destinations without a glitch. The tour guides and staff were most friendly and very knowledgeable. Will definitely be using Diane again in the future.
Greg - North Carolina

Viking River Cruises Grand European Cruise

Amazingly just yesterday we shared your name with our friends as to what a super travel agent you are. All of our questions were answered before our trip so we knew what to expect. Also when we ran into a slight snag we called you and within a very short period of time everything was resolved. Thank you Diane for wonderful planning and a great trip.
Steve & Sara Howlett - Virginia

Honeymoon - Couples Swept Away

Everything was wonderful! The resort was just beautiful. It will be hard to take another vacation anywhere! The service was absolutely impeccable! I have attached a couple of pictures for you! Thank you so much for everything!
Carrie - North Carolina

Cunard & Seabourn Cruises

Diane Michael is a true joy to work with. She has booked all our trips on Cunard and Seabourn flawlessly. Her attention to detail and dedication to customer service is exceptional. We have recommended her to all of our friends and family. Diane knows the business and how to interact with the line to secure the best accommodation’s and fares. She keeps abreast of fare adjustments and other offers the average traveler would never benefit from. Diane is the best and most dedicated travel professional we have ever known.
Bill and Anne Alexander - Virginia

Viking River Cruises Grand European

In October of 2014 we took a long anticipated trip to Europe through Diane Michael. We told her what we were hoping for and she arranged a trip of a lifetime for us. She booked us on the Viking River Cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest and it was truly what we were hoping for and much more. Diane made suggestions for extended stay in Amsterdam and a tour package which turned out to one of the high lights of our trip. From beginning to end our travel, arrangements and tours were perfect. Diane worked hard and provided for us more than we ever expected. Thanks to her we will always remember our experience as a trip of our lifetime.
Barbara & Bruce Waynesboro, VA

My Reviews

52 of 75 people found this review helpful
Our Alaska Cruise was fantastic!
We had a great experience with a Diane. She is knowledgeable and very easy to work with. We look forward to booking our future travels with her. She’s a real professional!
By  Joyce   from  Winston Salem, NC
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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44 of 65 people found this review helpful
One of the best trips ever!
Diane is such a great person/agent to work with. She knows exactly what to look for and makes sure all the little details are included for us, things we don't think about. We have/will always use Diane for our travels!
By  Charlotte  from  NC
Traveled to  Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 89 people found this review helpful
Best Family vacation we've ever had
Diane was so helpful , her experience and professionalism made us feel at ease with our travel experience. She gave gave us answers to questions that we didn't even know to ask.
By  Hep   from  Winston- Salem
Traveled to  Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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43 of 65 people found this review helpful
Trip of a lifetime!
Diane and I sat down and reviewed all the possible ports of call and what we could do in each place. That was so helpful and proved to enrich our experiences. She also helped chose a room and shared some of her experiences. She answered all our questions from that day until the day we left. We are back just one week and would like to return.
By  Elaine  from  Winston Salem, NC
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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39 of 60 people found this review helpful
41st anniversary trip to Hawaii
Diane was very professional and worked with me to obtain exactly what we were looking for in the trip to three islands—Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu. She was prompt in returning phone calls and/or emails. We had a missed connection on way home and she immediately started looking for flights. It was comforting to know we had someone we could trust if we had any problems. Thank you, Diane.
By  Shorty  from  Roxboro, NC
Traveled to  Hawaii ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Alaska
  • Maui Island
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Amsterdam
  • Honolulu, Oahu
  • Africa
  • Austria
  • Hungary
  • Kauai Island
  • Hawaii Island
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • Oahu Island

Travel Specialist:

  • Luxury
  • Luxury Cruises
  • River Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Adventure
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Safari
  • Couples & Romance
  • Cruises
  • Escorted Tours

Top Travel Partners:

  • AmaWaterways
  • Holland America Line
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Cunard®
  • Princess Cruises®
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Globus
  • Monograms
  • Seabourn
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Viking
  • Tauck

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTA
  • Luxury Travel Specialist
  • Group Travel Specialist
  • Avalon Waterways Specialist
  • AMAWaterways Specialist
  • Luxury Cruise Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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