Planning a family vacation shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job—but I know it often does. Between work, kids’ activities, and daily life, who has time to sort through endless details, reservations, and “hidden tips”? That’s where I come in.

I’m Melissa Lenox, Senior Travel Advisor with Coasters & Castles Travel, and I help busy families (just like yours!) turn dream vacations into effortless, memory-filled adventures. Whether it’s your first trip to Walt Disney World, a multi-generational cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway where no one has to cook or clean—I handle the details so you can focus on the fun.

As a working mom of two boys, former Disney cast member (in entertainment!) and lifelong theme park and travel lover, I understand the magic of creating moments your family will treasure forever. I specialize in detailed itineraries, insider tips, and concierge-level support that takes the stress out of planning. You’ll never feel overwhelmed, confused, or alone in the process—I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Travel is an investment in joy, connection, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. My mission is to make sure your family gets every ounce of magic out of it.

Are you ready to stop stressing and start packing? Let’s create a vacation your family will be talking about for years to come.

What is the benefit of working with a travel advisor?

Travel advisors still play a crucial role in the travel industry, and their expertise and services continue to be highly valuable to clients. While technology has made it easier for travelers to book certain aspects of their trips online, travel advisors bring first-hand knowledge, a high touch experience, unmatched connections and in-destination support.

How are your planning packages calculated and is that how you are paid?

By purchasing a planning package, I can dedicate the necessary time and attention to detail to curate a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences. My goal is to save you time, provide you with peace of mind, and ensure a seamless trip from start to finish. My planning packages are calculated based on the complexity of the trip. This includes the number of travelers, number of nights, and vicinity of time to departure. For most packages, there is also a commission rate built in. However that is only paid out if you travel and not until you return home.

Do you get better rates than if I booked myself?

My goal is to ensure that you have the best experience possible that is perfectly matched to your vision and interests. There are many times that I do have access to negotiated rates, but the real value is in how I can save you time, stress and frustration either prior to traveling or while actually in the destination. If you’re looking for a custom-made seamless planning and travel experience, I’d love a chance to show you the difference of working with a travel advisor!

I love planning too! Can we still work together?

Yes! A lot of the fun is researching and creating anticipation for the destination before traveling. As a travel advisor, my goal is to enhance your travel experience and provide you with expert advice, personalized recommendations, and insider knowledge that you may not find on your own. I consider this a collaborative experience. My a la carte option may be best for those trips.

What if I need to cancel my trip?

You will need to review and understand the suppliers cancellation policy as they each vary, I can assist you with that. Most suppliers have a cancellation window where you will be charged a fee. Some allow you to reschedule right up until your travel dates so I’ll help you make the best choice based on your circumstances. The Professional Planning package however would be non refundable. This would cover any time and work I already completed on booking and preparing for your trip.