Home
Find a travel Agent
Illinois
Samantha Gagni

Samantha Gagni

Chicago, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Samantha Gagni

Chicago, IL Travel Agent
VS1 Travels, LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
21 reviews
100% Recommended
4 Years of Experience

Bucket List Agent: Group Travel & Weddings

Going on a vacation creates cherished memories that last a lifetime. However, imagine combining this incredible experience with your wedding, birthday, family reunion, retirement, anniversary, and more! It's the perfect opportunity to go larger than life and check off that #1 spot on your bucket list. VS1 Travels makes these seemingly complex trips feel like a walk in the park.
My Travel Specialties
Certificates & Awards
Travel Stories & Media
Client Reviews
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations
Tahiti
Africa
Antarctica
Mexico
Worldwide
Kenya
See All Destinations >
Interests
All Inclusive
Global Travel
Groups
Safari
Bachelorette Parties & Girlfriend Getaways
Destination Weddings
See All Interests >
Supplier Partners
AmaWaterways
Hurtigruten
Le Blanc Spa Resorts
Sandals and Beaches Resorts
Avalon Waterways
Funjet Vacations
See All Supplier Partners >

My Travel Specialties

Destination Wedding & Honeymoons
Destination Wedding & Honeymoons
You’re dreaming of a destination wedding and the gorgeous experience you’ll have as you say “I do” - but the complexity of planning and coordinating all of the travel for you and your guests can start to make that dream a nightmare. Leave the stress of travel planning to the expert...
Read more
Luxury Travel Expert
Luxury Travel Expert
Our mission is to provide you with seamless journeys, impeccable service, and unforgettable memories. With our expertise and global connections, we ensure that every aspect of your luxury travel experience exceeds your expectations. Indulge in a world of opulence, exploration, and relaxation as w...
Read more
Bucket List Travel Expert
Bucket List Travel Expert
As your personal guide to bucket list travel, I'm here to curate unforgettable experiences tailored specifically to your unique interests. With my deep knowledge of diverse cultures, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, I'll accompany you on a transformative journey of discovery that re...
Read more
Group Travel Specialist
Group Travel Specialist
I wanted to work for myself. I left the corporate world as a management consultant of nearly a decade to pursue my true dreams and passions, and I want to help you live yours. Today, I’m a licensed real estate agent with EXIT Realty and the owner of VS1 Travels, a travel planning...
Read more
African Safari Travel Agent
African Safari Travel Agent
Have you been dreaming of taking that African safari?! I'm here to make that dream a reality! Geography: Imagine traversing diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes, where rolling savannahs meet lush r...
Read more
Antarctica Bucket List Agent
Antarctica Bucket List Agent
As your guide and travel advisor, I am here to ignite your wanderlust and help you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the southernmost continent on Earth. Geography: Picture yourself surrounded by vast, untouched land...
Read more
Tahiti Travel Advisor
Tahiti Travel Advisor
Welcome to the tropical paradise of Tahiti, where azure waters, pristine beaches, and Polynesian culture converge to create a dreamlike destination. As your travel advisor, I am here to guide you through this idyllic slice of heaven and help you embark on a journey to one of the world's most soug...
Read more
All-Inclusive Getaways
All-Inclusive Getaways
From the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica to the crystal-clear waters of the Dominican Republic, we offer an extensive range of destinations that promise a memorable getaway. Our all-inclusive packages cover everything from flights and accommodations to meals and activities, ensuring that you can si...
Read more
River Cruise Specialist
River Cruise Specialist
Dreaming of experiencing the enchantment of a river cruise? Let's turn that dream into a breathtaking reality! Destination Discovery: Picture yourself drifting along serene waterways, where every bend reveals a new vista of natural splendor and cultural in...
Read more

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.
Certified Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Customer, Preferred Destination and Supplier Partner Knowledge, FAM Trip, Research, a Marketing Plan and Sales. This is a three-year study program
Honeymoons and Destination Weddings Specialist
Hurtigruten Expeditions Certified Agent
Certified National Geographic Journeys Specialist

My Travel Stories

Top 5 Favorite Moments from my Antarctica Trip!
I had an incredible adventure in Antarctica aboard the MS Fridjtof Nansen with Hurtigruten Expeditions. Sharing this experience with loved ones made it even more special.Reflecting on the trip, here are my top five favorite moments: 1. Witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica for the first time as we sailed through the...
Read more

Our Trip to Patagonia!
I had an unforgettable adventure in Patagonia, where we embarked on the W Trek with G Adventures at the end of January.Flight map showcasing the breathtaking journey to Patagonia. Day 0 Departing from the US, we landed in Santiago, Chile, marking my first visit to this vibrant city! After a brief day of exploration, we caught...
Read more

6 TIPS FOR YOUR STAY AT BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS
I visited Beaches Turks & Caicos recently and it was a fantastic time! Here are my top 6 tips that I learned firsthand for you to consider when you visit this resort for yourself! 1. There are 45 different room categories!! So.. there are options for all travelers - from small to large groups to choose from. My favorite was the Key West B...
Read more

Our Family Reunion
We recently returned from our last trip which was in northern Michigan at Crystal Mountain - a 4.5 hour drive from Chicago where we held our Gagni Family Reunion with my extended family on my dad's side. There was about 70 of us Gagni's there - aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews - all celebrating our family and being together. There was so ...
Read more

One Week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
I was in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for one week, initially to attend one of my good friend’s weddings as a bridesmaid. After seeing it took up a good chunk of points/miles to get there (Chase Ultimate rewards and United miles), I decided to make the trip out there worth it and stay a full week to explore. Below was my itinerary for the week...
Read more

My Photo Albums and Videos
My Travels
VIEW ALBUM

    CLIENT REVIEWS

    Rating: 5
    21 reviews
    100.00% Recommended
    Definitely the best trip of our lives!
    Reviewed By David Von - Park Ridge, IL | Traveled to Hawaii Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
    She’s very detail oriented. We’ll definitely use her again for our next travel.
    ✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    12 of 19 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    80+ Family reunion at Crystal Mountain in Michigan
    Reviewed By Thara - Thompsonville, MI | Traveled to Michigan ~ USA
    Samantha was an amazing pleasure to work with! Perfect mix of easy going, enthusiastic and professionalism! She did not hesitate or skip a beat at planning our 80 + attendee family reunion this past June 2022. Sam helped us not only FIND a venue that could accommodate our large group, but also took on the hard task of booking all the appropriate sized townhomes for EACH FAMILY that attended. I was impressed by her use of surveys, excel sheets and even pie charts to help our large group of varying and opiniated family members come to a consensus on multiple topics for our trip. She made planning for this special event stress free. I would HIGHLY recommend her for ANY of your travel needs. Thanks Samantha! =D
    ✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    A perfectly tailored trip
    Reviewed By Bhrugu & Ananhita - Newton MA | Traveled to Egypt ~ Africa
    The trip to Egypt that Sam curated -- from picking the places to visit to the highly educated and incredibly informative guides -- was really one of the best trips that we have taken. Sam was in touch with us throughout checking in several times a day to make sure that the trip was smooth. We are now planning a personalized group tour with her. Sam's professional yet friendly, prompt yet patient, Really couldn't ask for anything more her.
    ✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    BEST TRIP EVER & FIRST ALL-INCLUSIVE!
    Reviewed By Amanda - Chicago | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
    We have worked with Sam before and choosing to work with her again was the best choice. We loved how she customized our trip and made it so easy for us. Everything we asked for, she delivered. She even gave us suggestions for apps that will help us navigate language barriers and ideas of what is appropriate to tip in a different country. Things that we did not think about she had covered. We always referred back to her itinerary if we questioned anything. All I know is we will continue to use Samantha's services for any trip in the future. Thank you so much for everything. We had the best trip ever because of you, Sam!
    ✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    Unforgettable honeymoon in Paris, Nice & Cannes!
    Reviewed By Jorge & Jillian - Chicago, IL | Traveled to France ~ Europe
    Sam is super friendly, well-organized and very knowledgeable! She’s easy to communicate with and addressed any questions we had. Her suggestions and recommendations were thoughtful and made our honeymoon unforgettable.
    ✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    6 of 10 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.

    Antarctica
    Been There
    What a professional, Sam lives and breaths travel ...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Doing the Polar Plunge!
    Europe
    Been There 10 Times
    Sam is super friendly, well-organized and very kn...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Eat from local restaurants and go on a tour to learn about each country's culture!
    Egypt, Africa
    Been There
    The trip to Egypt that Sam curated -- from picking...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Pyramids are a wonder!
    Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Africa
    Been There
    The trip to Egypt that Sam curated -- from picking...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Do a safari!
    Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
    Been There
    The trip to Egypt that Sam curated -- from picking...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Enjoy journey heading to the summit!
    Australia, Australia & New Zealand
    Been There 2 Times
    Sam was amazing, there was not a single detail mis...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    See a show at the Sydney Opera House!
    New Zealand, Australia & New Zealand
    Been There
    I had my destination wedding in Cancun and had ove...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Have the fresh salmon sashimi!
    Costa Rica, Central America
    Been There
    The trip to Egypt that Sam curated -- from picking...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Try surfing in their warm waters!
    Panama, Central America
    Been There
    She’s very detail oriented. We’ll definitely use h...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    See the Panama Canal!
    Cambodia, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There
    Working with Samantha took away all the typical st...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Angkor Wat is a MUST!
    China, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There
    Samantha was a pleasure to work with. She was grea...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    See the pandas!
    Japan, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There
    Sam is super friendly, well-organized and very kn...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Sushi and ramen, enough said, lol.
    Laos, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There
    Sam was such a pleasure to work with. She brought...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Visit Luang Prabang!
    Philippines, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There 5 Times
    Working with Samantha has been great. She is helpf...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Hit the islands with the most beautiful beaches!
    South Korea, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There
    Samantha did an amazing job planning my trip to Co...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Korean food is amazing, try it all!
    Thailand, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There 2 Times
    Sam helped create a totally bespoke trip for my hu...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Go island hopping and learn how to scuba dive!
    Vietnam, East and Southeast Asia
    Been There 2 Times
    It was our first time traveling out of the country...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Go on a food tour and try all the delicious vietnamese dishes!
    Iceland, Europe
    Been There
    Sam is super friendly, well-organized and very kn...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    See the Northern Lights!
    Israel, Middle East
    Been There
    Sam has helped planned our honeymoon, anniversary ...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Jerusalem was an amazing experience.
    Jordan, Middle East
    Been There
    Samantha was AMAZING... She was very responsive , ...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Petra, Wadi Rum, Jordan River, Dead Sea!
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East
    Been There
    We have worked with Sam before and choosing to wor...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Visit the desert and get away from city!
    Chile, South America
    Been There
    Samantha was great to work with! She listened to w...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Do the W Trek!
    Peru, South America
    Been There
    Samantha was an amazing pleasure to work with! Per...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Try the ceviche and head to Macchu Picchu!
    USA
    Been There 50 Times
    She’s very detail oriented. We’ll definitely use h...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Rent a sprinter van and do a cross country trip!
    Alaska, USA
    Been There
    She’s very detail oriented. We’ll definitely use h...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    See a little bit of everything by going on a cruise!
    Hawaii, USA
    Been There 3 Times
    She’s very detail oriented. We’ll definitely use h...
    Read more
    Must Do:
    Skydiving had amazing views!
    How does this work?
    Why use a travel agent?
    Why use Travel Leaders?
    How does this work?

    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

    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
    BESbswy