Kate Swenson

Travel Advisor

Vacation Types

All-Inclusives, Disney Destinations, Theme Parks, Universal Parks & Resorts

Group Types

Couples, Families

Hey, I’m Kate

Crafting Seamless, Memorable, and Stress-Free Travel

My love for travel has always been driven by curiosity: exploring new destinations, researching every logistical detail, and finding the best ways to make every journey feel effortless. Over the years, our family adventures have evolved from collecting state magnets with my kids to taking on ambitious cross-country routes. Along the way, I discovered that the challenge of fitting all the puzzle pieces together to create an unforgettable trip isn’t just something I enjoy, it is my specialty.

Expertise in Theme Parks, Southern California & Beyond

While I plan all types of theme park vacations, I have a deep passion and personal specialty in Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and all things Southern California. Whether you are planning a bucket-list family theme park vacation, a quick and refreshing couples getaway, or a fun domestic excursion, I tailor every itinerary to match your pace, priorities, and travel style.

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Some travelers thrive on rope-dropping attractions from sunrise to sunset, while others value a relaxed itinerary with downtime built in. I take the time to learn how you love to travel so your trip feels genuinely restorative, exciting, and completely your own.

Real-World Experience: Road Trips, Flexibility & Celiac-Safe Travel

In the fall of 2025, my husband and two kids drove across the country from Minnesota to California, exploring National Parks and iconic landmarks along the way. That 3,000+ mile journey reinforced the real-world nuances of family travel: finding truly comfortable, safe spots to recharge, reading the room when it is time to call an audible, and knowing when to keep going versus when to take an unexpected break.

More importantly, it sharpened my expertise in navigating strict dietary needs on the road. My daughter lives with celiac disease, which means safe dining is never just a preference; it is an absolute necessity. From strategic cooler packing and long-haul food preservation to vetting dedicated gluten-free options in both major metropolitan hubs and rural stops, I understand the anxiety and complexity of traveling with dietary restrictions. I love helping families and individuals navigate celiac-safe travel with confidence, so you never have to worry about where your next safe meal is coming from.

A Problem-Solver at Heart

Prior to becoming a travel advisor, I spent 10 years in social work. That background built my foundation in high-level coordination, adaptability under pressure, and creative problem-solving. Whether it is optimizing an itinerary, securing dining and reservations, pivoting when unexpected weather hits, or troubleshooting last-minute changes, I bring that same dedicated advocacy and meticulous care to every trip I design.

Travel should be exciting, never overwhelming. Let’s collaborate to build a vacation that fits your family, takes the weight off your shoulders, and leaves you free to focus on what matters most: making incredible memories together.

Ready to get started? Let’s plan your next adventure today!

Connect with me

Travel Expertise

Training, certifications, and firsthand knowledge that help me plan better trips.

Firsthand Experience

  • 2024 - Orlando, FL (Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure)
  • 2024 - Palm Springs, CA
  • 2024 - Anaheim, CA (Disneyland Resort)
  • 2025 - Anaheim, CA (Disneyland Resort)
  • 2025 - Anaheim, CA (Disneyland Resort)

Specialized Planning Support

Additional experience helping travelers plan around the needs that can make every trip a little different.

Celiac-Safe Dining & Strict Gluten-Free Travel

Traveling with celiac disease requires far more than just finding gluten-friendly menu items: it demands meticulous planning around cross-contact, prep spaces, and reliable sourcing. As a parent of a child living with celiac disease, I understand firsthand the anxiety of traveling when safe meals are non-negotiable.

I assist clients in navigating strict gluten-free travel across theme parks, road trips, and resort destinations. My planning support includes:

Identifying and vetting dedicated gluten-free kitchens and allergy-trained dining locations.

Navigating theme park allergy menus, chef consultations, and outside food policies.

Strategic road trip logistics, including cooler packing, long-haul food preservation, and finding safe dining stops along travel routes.

Selecting accommodations with safe kitchen setups or dedicated food-prep amenities.

My goal is to remove the stress and guesswork from meal planning so you and your family can travel with total peace of mind.

What My Travelers Say

I was able to work with Kate Swenson in planning our recent Disney Trip! She did such an amazing job finding us a great deal, even with all my indecisiveness on where I wanted to stay. She was communicative and very organized, sent me confirmations and reminders before our trip which is great for someone like me who is not organized and always a little frazzled. Overall, it helped make our trip less stressful because I knew the details were ironed out ahead of time! I would highly recommend working with Kate for your next trip to make sure you can sit back and just enjoy.

I cannot recommend Kate Swenson and Coasters & Castles Travel enough. I was recently in California for a high-stakes professional conference (SCA) in Palm Springs, and Kate handled every logistical detail perfectly. What impressed me most was her ability to pivot: on our final Saturday, we weren't sure if we’d have time for a Disneyland excursion, and she managed to pull all the details together on the fly. She took the stress out of the entire trip, allowing me to focus on my work while knowing our downtime was perfectly curated. If you want a travel agent who is responsive, professional, and can handle last-minute changes with ease, Kate is the one to call

I had a fantastic experience working with Kate Swenson for a recent business trip to Palm Springs, CA. The hotel that was selected was excellent, comfortable, well-located, and perfectly suited for both work and relaxation. Everything was handled efficiently, which made my trip stress-free and allowed me to focus on my work. I highly recommend Kate and Coasters & Castles to anyone planning a trip, whether for business or leisure.

Travel Gallery

Dream big.
Let me do the
rest.

Tell me a little more about your trip, and I’ll create the perfect vacation to make your travel dreams a reality.

Book with me