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Nora Blum

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN Travel Agent
A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
67 reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience

Small Ship Cruising and Privately Guided Vacations

As a fan of fabulous hotels and luxurious ship staterooms, I have traveled throughout the world enjoying the views, history and local specialties that make each destination unique. Maybe, like me, you also enjoy good food and cultural experiences when you are traveling. I love working with curious travelers who really want advice to maximize their own travel experiences by consulting with me and collaborating on the details of their trip that will make it extraordinary. Whether you are looking for a restorative retreat or a grand adventure, my connections and years of experience will help you create travel memories you’ll remember for years to come.
My Travel Specialties
Certificates & Awards
Travel Stories & Media
Itineraries
Client Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations
Costa Rica
Alaska
Machu Picchu
Maui Island
Europe
Germany
See All Destinations >
Interests
Adventure
Couples & Romance
River Cruises
Spa & Fitness
All Inclusive
Luxury Hotels
See All Interests >
Supplier Partners
Abercrombie & Kent
Alexander & Roberts
AmaWaterways
Palmaia
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Avalon Waterways
See All Supplier Partners >

My Travel Specialties

Customized guided and experiential vacations
Customized guided and experiential vacations
I have over 25+ years of experience providing safe and worry-free vacations for my customers.  I am a specialist in Latin America and Europe, but never hesitate to search out new vacation experiences around the world for my clients. My specialty is privately guided vacations along with small ship...
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Alaska Small Ship Cruise and Adventure Specialist
Alaska Small Ship Cruise and Adventure Specialist
I've been to Alaska 4 times and hope to go back again and again.  On two of the trips I cruises the inside passage.  Whether you are going for the natural beauty, the wildlife, the glaciers or the midnight sun, Alaska is a place for you to discover and be curious about our world.   For tho...
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Machu Picchu and Peru Vacations
Machu Picchu and Peru Vacations
Machu Picchu is one of those trips of a lifetime you will never forget. I was fortunate enough to make this trip in December 2013 and had the chance to experience Lima, Sacred Valley, Cuzco and Machu Picchu first hand. To make the most of the experience, I was privately guided throughout Peru wit...
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Spa Trips and Wellness Vacations
Spa Trips and Wellness Vacations
As a self-proclaimed "Spa Junkie", I understand the needs and desires of travelers looking for the stress reduction, pampering and relaxation of a spa vacation. Whether it is a couples retreat, a girlfriend getaway or solo travel, there are many ways to spa and every one of them are fantastic. Sp...
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Costa Rica Wellness Adventure
Costa Rica Wellness Adventure
If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica, I'll help you understand the geography and also the many options you have for both adventure and wellness.  These trips are for families, solo travelers and couples of all ages and abilities. Each region is fascinating and my customers favorite ...
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River Cruising and Guided Vacations
River Cruising and Guided Vacations
Having experiencing both River Cruising and Guided Vacations, I will use my experience to match you to the right trip that will meet your vacation desires and wishes. It can be pretty complicated to organize a big European or Latin American adventure and with so many choices it's hard to know wha...
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Certificates & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world.Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients. This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
The Luxury Leaders Alliance is a unique networking environment for a carefully selected group of luxury advisors that have common experience, skills and mindset. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and educational opportunities, these elite advisors are empowered to provide sophisticated, personalized experiences to luxury travelers.
Certified Leisure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several key components including: Sales and Service, Cruise Sales, Destination and Lifestyle Knowledge, Programs and Preferred Supplier Knowledge. This is a two year study program.
Certified Luxury Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Luxury/Experiential Customer, Destination Knowledge, Luxury Travel Experiences, Luxury Programs, Luxury/Experiential Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
A Honeymoon Wishes Agent provides the only full service honeymoon registry for couples that expect a higher standard for their wedding.
Alaska Travel Expert
Certified Travel Industry Executive
Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist
2024 Agency of the Year Award
Certified Luxury Specialist
ASTA Verified Travel Advisor
Travel Leaders Certified Specialist

My Travel Stories

Aurora Borealis
Northern Lights in Alaska
From Fairbanks, you can take a Small-group tour of Chena Hot Springs Resort and the northern lights from Fairbanks What to expect: Small-group tour of Chena Hot Springs Resort and the northern lights from Fairbanks Explore the resort’s Aurora Ice Museum, home to intricately carved sculptures and an ice bar S...
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Orca viewing
Favorite Wildlife Experience in Alaska
Make the time to enjoy a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward. Your 7.5 hour cruise will include: Visit to active tidewater glaciers See wildlife and scenery like whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles and more. Travel with a National Park Ranger Your kids can enjoy th...
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Humpback Whales
Visiting Juneau on Your Cruise?
If you are visiting Juneau while cruising Alaska, I highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of he Channel Islands State Marine Park.  You'll see lots of wildlife including humpback whales! Here's what to expect: Board a 6-passenger motorboat and travel up the Inside Passage to the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska! As...
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Lake Morraine in Canadian Rockies
Do More in the Canadian Rockies
I work with local tour companies to curate custom vacation packages in different Canadian Rockies destinations, making it easy to continue exploring using Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper or Vancouver as your base.  These are amazing journeys to add on to your Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Here are four great ideas. 1.     Explore mor...
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Floating Mountains of Pandora
Adventure to Another World
I was lucky enough to experience a preview of Disney's Pandora - The World of Avatar.  Even if you haven't seen the movie Avatar, this new land located within Disney's Animal Kingdom allows visitors to imagine they have been transported across space to Pandora and explore the nature and wilderness of this interstellar planet.  It's not only beau...
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My Photo Albums and Videos
North Shore
VIEW ALBUM
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos

CLIENT REVIEWS

Rating: 5
67 reviews
100.00% Recommended
NORA IS THE BEST!!
Reviewed By Kimberly - New Brighton, MN | Traveled to Mexico
Nora has been helping me with my travel arrangements for over 10 years and she is absolutely THE BEST! I can always count on Nora to find the perfect destination with great accommodations - and at a price I can afford. Nora is so helpful and knowledgeable - she definitely knows Mexico and the Caribbean - my favorite places to visit! She always goes above and beyond to make sure everything goes well. And, she also asks for feedback after the trip to make sure everything went as planned. I know people who try to plan their own international trips on the internet, but are very disappointed with how it turns out. I don't have to worry about being disappointed...because Nora helps arrange my trips. She's awesome!!
Nora Blum responded
"Thank you for your kind words. It certainly does help that I've been to many of your favorite places, and I do try to make sure everything goes well on all of our trips."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
116 of 202 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Fabulous 15th Anniversary Trip!
Reviewed By Merkster - Lakeville, MN. | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
My husband and I knew we wanted to take a trip of a lifetime for our 15th wedding anniversary and for the first time decided to seek the help of a travel agent. Nora had come recommended and we are so glad we sought her guidance and expertise!

Nora was extremely helpful and knowledgeable during all phases of planning. She was patient when I couldn't make up my mind on hotels and locations and was a steady and calm force offering thoughtful feedback and pro/con arguments for various choices we had to make. She encouraged us to stick with our original Costa Rica plan when we considered alternative destinations, and I'm so glad she offered her genuine advice. She knew what we were looking for in this vacation and made the best recommendation for us.
She also offered sage advice to not fill up our vacation with excess excursions but enjoy the luxurious amenities of our hotels. All along I felt she was trying to provide us exactly the kind of trip we desired and that's what we got! :)
Nora Blum responded
"I'm thrilled your anniversary trip to Costa Rica was so fantastic and I look forward to working with you again on the next one."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
76 of 127 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Family Trip
Reviewed By Susan - Macon Missouri | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We have worked with Ms. Blum since 2008 . Ms. Blum has helped arrange four trips . Ms. Blum responds to our emails within 24 hours. She has our travel information organized and easy to understand and follow.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
47 of 76 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream vacation to Hawaii
Reviewed By Randy - Mendota Heights, MN | Traveled to Honolulu, Oahu ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I finally were able to have our dream vacation to Hawaii. Nora's experience and attention to details made our trip worry free and very enjoyable. Nora's knowledge of the islands made our decision to visit Honolulu, Kauai, & Maui something we will never forget.! I would highly recommend Nora for anyone planning their vacation.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
46 of 75 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A new adventure in scotland
Reviewed By On the go - Houlton | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Always excellent, plans trips according to her knowledge of site and knowledge of my likes and style
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
55 of 94 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Costa Rica, Central America
Booked It
Been There
My husband and I knew we wanted to take a trip of ...
Read more
Must Do:
Beach or mountains? Why not both! And add a rainforest and adventure to the mix.
Machu Picchu, Peru, South America
Booked It
Been There
Nora was a great communicator and on top of any qu...
Read more
Must Do:
Add 2nd Entrance for next morning after overnight in Aguas Calientes
Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Our largest state with adventures for all skill levels
Hawaii, USA
Booked It
Been There
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I ...
Read more
Must Do:
Stay at least 12 days to visit 3 islands, and even longer if you want to visit 4 or more of the islands
Maui Island, Hawaii, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora is the only person I work with to help with m...
Read more
Must Do:
Get up early, take the road to Hana and hikers should definitely plan a few hours to visit the Seven Sacred Pools of Hana
Mexico
Booked It
Been There
Nora has been helping me with my travel arrangemen...
Read more
Must Do:
Friendly people, amazing and genuine service, and lots of options.
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Booked It
Been There
Nora has been my travel agent for over 10 years. ...
Read more
Must Do:
It is worth upgrading to oceanfront views on the highest floor
Inside Passage, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Smooth sailing and lots of wildlife to see
Sacred Valley, Peru, South America
Booked It
Been There
Nora was a great communicator and on top of any qu...
Read more
Must Do:
Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo
College Fjord, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Many glaciers all carving into the fjord - bring a hat and gloves!
Cuzco, Peru, South America
Booked It
Been There
Nora was a great communicator and on top of any qu...
Read more
Must Do:
Spanish architecture on top of Incan ruins. Take it easy and slow as you get acclimated to the altitude
Skagway, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Take the walking tour offered by the National Parks Service
Jamaica, Caribbean
Booked It
Been There
Since day one Nora has always been a pleasure to w...
Read more
Must Do:
Make time to talk to the locals - love their sense of humor and positive outlook
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica, Central America
Booked It
Been There
My husband and I knew we wanted to take a trip of ...
Read more
Must Do:
Best breezes and waves for a first surf lesson
Peru, South America
Booked It
Been There
Nora helped us book our honeymoon to Peru. She was...
Read more
Must Do:
People, history and food - Peru has it all
Juneau, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Head out to Mendenhall Glacier or do a whale watching trip
Danube, On the River, At Sea
Booked It
Been There
Since day one Nora has always been a pleasure to w...
Read more
Must Do:
Loved the views in the Wachau Valley and visiting Melk Abbey
Hampton Court, England, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Great about getting right back to me and very frie...
Read more
Must Do:
Living museum - the reenactments make history come to life
London, England, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Great about getting right back to me and very frie...
Read more
Must Do:
Take a night-time ghostly walking tour like the West End Ghost Walk
York, England, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Great about getting right back to me and very frie...
Read more
Must Do:
Fantastic walled city to explore
Nice, France, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I got great advice from Nora re making plane/train...
Read more
Must Do:
Walk the Greenway from the Museum of Modern Art to the Promenade
Paris, France, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I got great advice from Nora re making plane/train...
Read more
Must Do:
Such a walkable city - stroll along the Seine and Champs Elysses
Munich, Germany, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Check out the Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace
Nuremberg, Germany, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Explore the caves where locals hid their art treasures during the war to avoid bombing
Passau, Germany, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Three rivers converge in this historic town
Mykonos, Greece, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Nora provided timely information from the initial ...
Read more
Must Do:
Off the coast of Mykonos take a ferry to Delos for a great history lesson.
Rhodes Island, Greece, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Nora provided timely information from the initial ...
Read more
Must Do:
Definitely hike up to the Acropolis of Lindos
Santorini, Greece, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Nora provided timely information from the initial ...
Read more
Must Do:
Oia at sunset and enjoying the cafes (and wine)
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Take a guided bike tour of the city and enjoy the canals
Auschwitz, Poland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Hard, but meaningful and important history to experience
Cracow, Poland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Lots of WWII history and sites to visit
Warsaw, Poland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
Visit the Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage site
Edinburgh, Scotland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Always excellent, plans trips according to her kn...
Read more
Must Do:
Edinburgh Castle is a must see
Glasgow, Scotland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Always excellent, plans trips according to her kn...
Read more
Must Do:
We hung out around the University of Glasgow, very cool area
Isle of Skye, Scotland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Always excellent, plans trips according to her kn...
Read more
Must Do:
Stop in Portree for groceries and picnic to enjoy the scenery
Saint Andrews, Scotland, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Always excellent, plans trips according to her kn...
Read more
Must Do:
Couldn't get a Tee Time, but that didn't stop me from buying souvenir ball markers at the gift shop
Turkey, Europe
Booked It
Been There
I have recommended Nora to many friends over the y...
Read more
Must Do:
East meets West here, the history
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Booked It
Been There
Nora was SO helpful in planning our honeymoon. Eve...
Read more
Must Do:
Visit the 5th Avenue shops and restaurants after the sun goes down
Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Booked It
Been There
Nora was always helpful and prompt in corresponden...
Read more
Must Do:
The balcony beds at the Excellence Playa Mujeres will go down as the best napping place ever!
Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Keep your eyes up for glimpses of the summit usually clouded over
Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Hard to imagine how ancient these ice flows are
Homer, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Check out the Salty Dawg Saloon on the Homer Spit
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Favorite days of cruising are the days viewing the glaciers
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Check out Exit Glacier and a Kenai Fjords boat tour
Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Take a walk in the temperate rainforest - ferns, mosses and lichens
Seward, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Don't miss Exit Glacier
Sitka, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Check out the Russian Orthodox church in Sitka
Talkeetna, Alaska, USA
Booked It
Been There
Nora knows the right way to plan a trip. We have ...
Read more
Must Do:
Be adventurous - so much to do in Denali National Park
Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA
Booked It
Been There
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I ...
Read more
Must Do:
Black sand beaches and visit to the active volcano are a must, but the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a highlight.
Kauai Island, Hawaii, USA
Booked It
Been There
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I ...
Read more
Must Do:
I always recommend a Napili coast zodiac tour
Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA
Booked It
Been There
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I ...
Read more
Must Do:
Make time to visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial

Client Testimonials

Exceeded my hopes and expectations
Hi Nora, The trip was perfect. Exceeded all of my hopes and expectations. We had 2 beautiful days in Machu Picchu...pictures and descriptions simply do not fully capture how amazing it all is. We're still mulling over our next trip, but since this trip was so flawlessly planned...I will be calling you when we decide. Can't thank you enough for setting up such an awesome trip for us! Kelly
Kelly H., MN
Always planning a new adventure
Nora, your expertise and diligence has made it possible for your clients to explore the world, knowing that every aspect of their journey has been reviewed and detailed. I sincerely appreciate every ocean voyage and land excursion, together with the journeys that we have coordinated throughout every continent.. The trips have been fulfilling my gallavanting dreams.... Knowledge brings understanding....and I have learned ''volumes"....
Renee B., Richfield, Minnesota
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Travel Leaders Network is the largest network of professional travel agents in North America. Wherever you want to go, however you want to get there — we have a travel agent for you.

Magnifying Loupe
Explore
Our database of travel experts & specialists
Phone
Connect
With an agent via text, email or phone
Airplane
Enjoy
A stress-free vacation with a professional by your side
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