Individual Travel

Hi! My name is Kevin Dern.

For 20+ years my career has been focused on planning travel experiences for companies, organizations, families, university groups, and individuals. I estimate that I’ve planned trips for more than 27,000 individuals. In 2013 I started my own travel agency, Kevin Dern Travel, providing services to individuals, organizations, and mid-sized companies. A few highlights of my experience:

• I’ve booked, planned, and operated onsite 100+ corporate group travel programs.

• I’ve produced 700+ individual events, including gala dinners, national sales meetings, conferences, golf tournaments, company retreats, etc.

• I’ve designed and executed unique private events at world-class venues such as the Vatican (750 people), Ryman Auditorium (250 people), and Ellis Island (700 people).

• I’ve booked talent such as NYT Best Selling Author Simon Sinek, country music star John Michael Montgomery, and NFL & NBA athletes.

Since early 2022, I’ve worked full-time at Wash U’s Olin Business School, where I serve as a resource for all student and faculty travel and help to plan the MBA Global Immersion travel program. My current role is Associate Director of Global Experiences.

Travel Consulting

Aside from my full-time work, I also help individuals and families plan trips. Examples of the types of things I can help with:

• Selecting a destination

• Planning your itinerary

• Choosing what to see and do on your trip

• Researching and advising on hotels, house rentals, cruises, and Airbnbs

• Researching and advising on airline tickets

• Researching and advising on tours and activities

• Creating a map for your trip and a detailed itinerary to organize all of your trip information

So why use me instead of doing this on your own? After handling hundreds of trips over 20+ years, I've researched thousands of hotels, sorted out airline tickets, and tackled all sorts of travel issues. From dealing with problems and delays to hearing about traveler mistakes, I've gathered a ton of experience. This means I not only know how to find the best options but can also spot and fix potential hiccups before they become headaches, saving you time and money in the long run.

I charge $100 per hour. Whether we meet in person or over Zoom, I'm more than happy to provide advice or feedback during our session, and you'd only be billed for the time we spend together. I don’t at all mind doing a one-hour call to review your plans for a flat $100. Or, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, we can meet to discuss your trip and then I can do research and planning on your behalf and send you the information. Before we get started, we can agree on the number of hours needed, ensuring transparency and a clear understanding of the costs involved.

Note: While I can help you choose your hotels, flights, and activities and recommend the best way to book them, I don’t actually book travel arrangements. There’s a benefit to this for the traveler - I have no motivation to sell you more expensive hotels, flights, or activities. Travel agents work on commission, I work for you and just charge for my time. I have a travel agency I partner with that can book your travel arrangements for you if you’d like.

Please contact me if I can be of any assistance in planning your future travel.

Kevin Dern
Email: kevin@kevinderntravel.com
Text: 314-503-5298

Destination Knowledge

The map below identifies destinations I’ve either been to personally or planned trips to for clients.