Planning with  

Mary Yohannan

Europe Destinations Specialist

I love my job as a visionary travel planner.  The last 15 years have been the best 15 years of any career I have had.  This is not a hobby for me, this is a full-time job that allows me help my family financially while helping other create memories of a lifetime.  


Travel Agents are often paid by suppliers after you travel, for managing bookings for guests. There are instances that a planning fee may be charged to cover the time and expertise spent preparing your vacation plan.  


During our initial consultation, we'll discuss various aspects to ensure we truly understand each other. I value working with clients who are transparent about their vacation desires. Should our conversation be favorable and we decide to collaborate, I will provide details regarding my travel planning fee along with the service agreement.

I kindly request that you approach this process with an open mind, and I assure you that I will attentively consider your dream vacation.


I am looking forward to our conversation.  



Mary Yohannan in Paris

5-Star Google Reviews

Posted on Google Google
Marianne Schafer
January 8, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
1/2/2026 - Since I can’t re-review Andrea for subsequent travels I am adding onto this original post. Andrea helped plan our EPIC vacation that included our 3rd Royal Caribbean cruise, snorkeling in Nassau, provided recommendations to see turtles (my favorite 🐢), Universal Islands of Adventure and EPIC, swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove, and made dining reservations for New Year Eve at Universal CityWalk. She was especially helpful in providing insights to Universals newest park, EPIC. In addition to making all the plans she met with me a few weeks in advance to review our itinerary and printed off documents to keep handy when traveling. —————————————————————— 4/4/2024 - Our family had such an amazing cruise on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas with the help of Andrea. She was very available, ensured that we had everything in place before departure, and genuinely excited about our itinerary. Thank you again Andrea for planning another family vacation full of memories! —————————————————————— 2/4/2024 - Andrea Erbrecht, our travel agent for our recent Mother Daughter trip to Universal Studios, was simply spectacular. From the moment I reached out to her to plan our Christmas gift surprise, she attentively listened to our proposed itinerary for the Rock the Universe weekend and swiftly took charge of all the planning. With her firsthand knowledge of the weekend events and everything Universal (especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), she ensured every detail was meticulously taken care of. Upon our request for recommendations, Andrea suggested the perfect Italian restaurant, Vivo, in Universal’s City Walk, and even made reservations for us. Prior to our departure, she met with us locally, providing invaluable insights about the trip, including concert schedules and park maps, which got us even more excited. We also sought her advice on casual dining options, and she recommended a few places. As our departure date approached, Andrea thoughtfully printed all the necessary documents, including hotel and Universal express pass details, ensuring a seamless experience for us. Throughout our trip, she remained incredibly accommodating, assuring us that we could reach out to her at any time. Post-trip, Andrea eagerly awaited our feedback, demonstrating her genuine interest in our experience. Her friendship, enthusiasm, and professionalism have already led us to book our next trip with her. Andrea truly made our Mother Daughter adventure to Universal an unforgettable and magical experience.
Posted on Google Google
Brittany Carter
November 25, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kelly R. planned the perfect Orlando Universal trip for my family on our quick trip to Cheer Worlds! She was patient with all of my questions and changes! I would recommend her again and again! My son is a huge Harry Potter fan so she made sure we knew how to maximize our time there!
Posted on Google Google
Jackie Webber
November 13, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris Vanderlinden truly has a passion for travel and was very helpful in planning our honeymoon trip to Ireland! It was our first time traveling together out of the country and she made sure to do everything she could to guarantee a good experience. She listened to what our preferences and priorities were and made sure to tailor the trip accordingly. She was very responsive and organized which we appreciate also. Even after our trip, Kris reached out to follow up and check on. We had a great experience!
Posted on Google Google
The Youngs
November 8, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our European river cruise with added stays in Budapest and Nuremberg was perfectly put together by Mary. Her attention to detail and follow-through with our requests was superb. Private transfers that she arranged were completely dependable and professional. Hotels that she booked were lovely and located conveniently close to the attractions we wanted to see. We highly recommend Mary and her company for your next travel arrangements! October 2025 This is our second trip Mary planned for us. Once again she did an outstanding job helping us plan a 16 day trip to Spain/Portugal. Planes, trains, taxis, day trips, and hotels were planned perfectly. Mary made the trip of a lifetime seamless and stress free. Thank you Mary, The Youngs
Posted on Google Google
Brian Fowler
October 31, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great planning, excellent service and a very enjoyable time.
Posted on Google Google
Thomas Zecchini
October 11, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My wife and I used Mary Yohannan from Life is Better Traveling for our honeymoon to Japan, and we had a great time! Mary was available to answer any of the questions we had and provided us with useful information for traveling. Our trip went smoothly without any problems (flights, hotels, tours, shuttles, etc.). Would recommend 👌
Posted on Google Google
Jim H.
October 9, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Misty has detailed knowledge of resorts in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica. She was extremely responsive to all of my questions and had our trip booked in a couple of days. Very impressive service .
Posted on Google Google
Janet Garraty
October 3, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thanks to Mary Yohannan of Life is Better Traveling, my husband and I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Germany, Austria & Switzerland. We would not have had the breathtaking experiences we had had it not been for Mary's expertise and guidance. From our fun beer tour in Munich, the Sound of Music Tour, followed by our VIP Dinner & Mozart Concert at the top of the Fortress in Salzburg and then on to the gondola ride to the Top of Europe in Switzerland & everything in between, this trip was one for the ages. Her care for our needs and desires was perfect. The app they have was fantastic! Don't book a dream vacation without talking to Mary first! Thank you for making my dreams come true!
Posted on Google Google
Todd Susan
September 20, 2025.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Quebec City was awesome. Nancy's recommendations were spot on. The tours at the port stops were very good. We really enjoyed cruising Holland and loved our deck view from the room. All the Holland folks were extremely friendly and helpful.

Read Our Latest

Blog Posts

Which Meliá Resort in Punta Cana Is Right for You?

A question we hear often, especially from clients considering an all-inclusive resort for

How Much Should I Tip in Europe — and Where’s the Best Place to Get My Cash?

In most of Europe, tip guides and drivers in local cash, and get

The Canadian Rockies by Rail

Some travel experiences are best measured not in miles, but in moments —

All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2022    I  

HQ: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania    I  Agency Phone:  919-606-4604


Life is Better Traveling FLSOT: ST40144

Currently not planning vacations for CA residents