(75 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN
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 i...
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Customized guided and experiential vacations

Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey

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 cruising that I customize to suit each travelers wishes and desires. I love privately guided touring because the guides are so friendly and knowledgeable, and you can eliminate a lot of the hassles of travel.


Understanding your preferred travel style allows me to focus my recommendations to you on the most important aspects of each trip. Perhaps you enjoy active adventures by day, but prefer a luxury hotel to rest your head at night. Or maybe you prefer a eco-friendly and sustainable hotel with access to great restaurants. Some clients love independent travel with the services of a local host while others prefer the history and cultural information they get from traveling with a private guide.


It's important to understand that there are unique opportunities all over the world for travel that is truly special and meaningful to YOU. I can help you explore these interesting and sometimes off-the-wall options for experiencing more in a way that enriches your life. I like to think you come home from every trip as a different person.


“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller 

Why work with a Travel Specialist?

Working with a knowledgeable adviser gets you advice, creativity and advocacy; those things are hard to come by online. Our expertise and connections are invaluable and in many cases we can help our customers save money and provide you with greater value.  I provide vacation planning advice and help potential travelers overwhelmed by (or just suspicious of) online choices. Together, we explore vacation options that are specifically chosen for you based on vacation goals that you may or may not even know are in the back of your mind.

My Travel Stories

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...Read more.

See more travel stories

My Reviews

116 of 202 people found this review helpful
NORA IS THE BEST!!
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!!
By  Kimberly  from  New Brighton, MN
Traveled to  Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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.

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76 of 127 people found this review helpful
Fabulous 15th Anniversary Trip!
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! :)
By  Merkster  from  Lakeville, MN.
Traveled to  Costa Rica ~ Central America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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.

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48 of 77 people found this review helpful
Amazing Family Trip
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.
By  Susan  from  Macon Missouri
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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46 of 75 people found this review helpful
Dream vacation to Hawaii
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.
By  Randy  from  Mendota Heights, MN
Traveled to  Honolulu, Oahu ~ Hawaii ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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55 of 94 people found this review helpful
A new adventure in scotland
Always excellent, plans trips according to her knowledge of site and knowledge of my likes and style
By  On the go  from  Houlton
Traveled to  Scotland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Machu Picchu
  • Peru
  • Costa Rica
  • Europe
  • England

Travel Specialist:

  • River Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Couples & Romance
  • Bespoke Travel
  • Honeymoons

Top Travel Partners:

  • AmaWaterways
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Atlas Ocean Voyages
  • Azamara

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Certified Travel Industry Executive
  • 2024 Agency of the Year Award
  • Certified Luxury Specialist
  • ASTA Verified Travel Advisor
  • Travel Leaders Certified Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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