
Meet Your Travel Team
We’re more than just travel advisors—we’re storytellers, experience curators, and your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to planning the perfect trip.
What sets us apart? Intentionality and care. Every itinerary we create is handcrafted with your unique preferences, pace, and priorities in mind. We take the time to get to know you—whether you're a poolside relaxer, an adventure seeker, or traveling with little ones in tow—so that every detail feels tailored, not templated.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all travel. We believe in thoughtful questions, listening closely, and bringing your vision to life with trusted insight, insider access, and a whole lot of heart.
No call centers. No cookie-cutter packages. Just a dedicated team who genuinely cares about making your trip effortless, meaningful, and memorable from start to finish.
Let’s get you there—with care.
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Stephanie Samson
Owner/Travel Agent
With years of experience helping clients plan unforgettable vacations, milestone moments, and meaningful getaways, I specialize in stress-free, customized travel planning for families, couples, and groups.
Whether you're dreaming of your first big trip or planning your tenth, I’d be honored to help make it seamless, personalized, and a little extra—just like you deserve.
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Tanya Kramer
Independent Travel Agent/Europe, Middle East & Africa Expert
Tanya is a passionate global educator and travel advisor with over 15 years of experience designing and leading group and individual study abroad experiences. Her journey began as a student, spending semesters abroad in both Morocco and Spain—an experience that ignited a lifelong commitment to immersive, transformative travel.
Since then, Tanya has visited 16 countries and traveled extensively across the U.S., guiding groups through Europe and the Middle East, including annual student trips to Dubai. She holds a doctorate in global education, with a focus on experiential learning, making her uniquely equipped to support travelers seeking more than just an itinerary.
Tanya brings more than logistical expertise—she helps curate journeys that are immersive, meaningful, and thoughtfully planned. Whether you’re dreaming of a family adventure, a solo escape, or a group experience abroad, Tanya offers personalized guidance to make your travel truly unforgettable.
She’s also a proud mom of two curious kids whose biggest travel wish is to finally see Dubai, inspired by their mom’s stories of adventure and connection.
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Christina Walker
Independent Travel Agent/Europe Expert & Spanish Speaking Country Expert
Hello! ¡Hola! Bonjour! Salut! Guten Tag! My name is Christina Walker and I joined There and Back Again’s team of travel agents. I am very excited to be here. I grew up taking long summer road trips as my parents were teachers. I started traveling internationally in middle school and have not stopped! I was an exchange student to Argentina in high school and I studied in Spain during college. I lead educational travel experiences with my Spanish students to a variety of Spanish-speaking countries. Travel opens up eyes and bring a new perspective. I love to plan trips and I am always happiest when I have a trip to look forward to. Anyone else like this?? I look forward to hearing what YOUR desires and travel dreams are and helping them come true. I am taking an European Travel course right now to bring that specialty to our team as well as sharing my knowledge of travel to Spanish-speaking countries! I can’t wait to work alongside you to create an unforgettable travel experience!
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Emily Ludwig
Independent Travel Agent
Hello fellow adventurers! I am thrilled to start an exciting chapter with our ambitious team of travel agents at There & Back Again. I specialize in building personalized travel itineraries that highlight local hidden gems, authentic cultural encounters, and opportunities for special moments to be captured with storytelling along the way. I believe every new journey creates its own beautiful story, and my wish is to curate meaningful trips that allow travelers to experience destinations in a deeper, more memorable way.
My global perspective initially grew after graduating from North Dakota State University and deciding to join a six week archaeological dig season in Montelupo, Italy. We would book train tickets on our free weekends to go explore all of Italy’s unforgettable terrain. That experience sparked my passion further for traveling, cultural exploration, and storytelling through my experiences. With a background in the hospitality industry and a current career as a residential & commercial Realtor since 2017, I have been dedicated to helping people reach their goals, and now carry that same commitment into designing travel plans for those wanting a stress-free experience. When I’m not planning travel excursions, I enjoy attending theater productions, supporting local artists, volunteering in the community, exploring breweries & wineries, hiking, jet skiing, kayaking, and road tripping to spend time with my family across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
You can count on me as your travel editor, Em. Every trip is a story - let’s book yours!
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Olivia Rogers Guertin
Independent Travel Agent/Hawaii Expert
Aloha, Friends!
I'm Olivia Rogers, and I'm so excited to officially join There and Back Again Travel as a Hawaii travel specialist!
Hawaii was the first place I ever saw the ocean- and I've been hooked ever since! From Island hopping adventures to exploring hidden gems, I love helping other experience the aloha spirit that keeps me going back year after year.
When I'm not traveling, you'll find me behind the chair at my salon, teaching a yoga class or spending time with my husband and our two sweet fur babies.
If Hawaii is calling your name, I'd love to help you plan the perfect getaway!
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Melissa Fillner
Independent Travel Agent/Domestic Expert
Description Hi there! I’m Melissa Fillner, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the newest Travel Agent with There and Back Again! Over the past few years, I’ve truly fallen in love with the magic of travel—exploring new places, discovering hidden gems, and creating unforgettable memories. That passion has inspired me to help others experience the joy of travel, especially by sharing smart cost-saving tips that make adventures more accessible.
By day, I work full-time at Microsoft as a Sr Digital Cloud Solutions Architect. I’m also a proud Mary Kay consultant, a mom to a spirited 7-year-old son, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of our baby girl this January. And of course, I’m a wife too! Life is wonderfully busy, but I believe when you love what you do, there’s always room for one more thing.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a dream vacation, I’m here to help make it smooth, affordable, and unforgettable. Let’s make your next journey the best one yet!
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Trinity Grubich
Independent Travel Agent
Hi, I’m Trinity! I’m currently a manager at a lively sports bar, where I’ve learned the art of keeping things running smoothly and making people feel at home. Alongside that, I’ve stepped into an exciting new role as a travel agent, and I’m also studying to become a certified destination wedding specialist. Travel has always been my passion, and I love helping people create memories that last a lifetime—whether it’s a relaxing getaway, an adventure abroad, or saying ‘I do’ in paradise. My goal is to take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your journey.




































