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Hello travelers! I'm Gretchen Ode , a Hawaii Destination Specialist and independent travel advisor based in San Jose, California, specializing in Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji vacations, plus European river cruises alo...

Travel Agent with Vincent Vacations

Gretchen!

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Gretchen is a SIGNATURE TRAVEL EXPERT

Travel Expert Select is a unique program with highly-trained, knowledgeable travel experts throughout the United States and Canada who have one objective: To create, design and implement a travel experience for you that will meet and exceed your every expectation.

hello i'm

Gretchen Ode

Independent Travel Agent with Vincent Vacations

Hello travelers! I'm Gretchen Ode, a Hawaii Destination Specialist and independent travel advisor based in San Jose, California, specializing in Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji vacations, plus European river cruises along the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube. As a proud mom of two, Marine veteran's wife, and Chicago native, I bring the same care I'd want for my own family's trip to every itinerary I plan. Serving San Jose and the greater Bay Area, I combine firsthand travel experience with professional expertise to create unforgettable journeys for families, couples, and adventure-seekers. My approach is deeply personalized. I believe every vacation should be as unique as the travelers themselves.

My Approach

As your dedicated travel advisor, I transform your travel dreams into reality while eliminating the stress of planning. My clients receive:

Personalized Service: Every itinerary is custom-crafted to match your unique preferences, interests, and budget
Expert Guidance: Access to exclusive deals, insider knowledge, and travel opportunities not available to the public
Peace of Mind: 24/7 support before, during, and after your journey
Added Value: Complimentary perks, room upgrades, and special amenities through my extensive network of global partners

Your Dream Destinations

Whether you're wanting:

A luxury overwater bungalow escape through Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Moorea in French Polynesia
A scenic river cruise along the Rhine, Moselle, or Danube through Europe's castle country and vineyard towns (I've personally traveled the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, including Cochem, so I plan these trips from firsthand experience)
An island adventure through Fiji, where I've traveled myself and fell in love with the culture and hospitality
A Hawaii vacation planned by a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, from Oahu to Maui to the Big Island
A budget-friendly all-inclusive tropical escape
A family-friendly vacation with activities for all ages
Or any destination your heart desires!

I'll handle all the details so you can focus on creating memories that last a lifetime. I'd love to hear about your travel dreams and help you take the first step toward your next amazing adventure. Life is too short for ordinary vacations. Let me help you create extraordinary memories on your next adventure!

Custom Packages / Offers

Tahiti & Moorea: 6-Day Overwater Bungalow Honeymoon at InterContinental Tahiti & Hilton Moorea

French Polynesia is made for island hopping, and pairing Tahiti with Moorea is the classic way to do it right. This itinerary combines time on Tahiti, the cultural and gateway heart of the islands, with a stay on Moorea, home to some of the most dramatic lagoon scenery in the South Pacific. A short ferry or flight between the two makes this pairing effortless and unforgettable.

Oahu, Two Ways: A Waikiki and North Shore Split-Stay Escape

Why choose between Waikiki's energy and the North Shore's serenity? This split stay pairs three nights at the legendary Royal Hawaiian with two nights at The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay, plus the oceanfront Royal Hawaiian Luau. Best of both parts of the island, one unforgettable trip.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa: 7-Day Luxury Honeymoon & Couples Itinerary

Indulge in 7 days of paradise at Sofitel Fiji – where oceanfront luxury meets island adventure. From private beach dinners under the stars to exploring hidden islands, your perfect blend of relaxation and discovery awaits. Couples' spa treatments, sunset sailing, and authentic cultural experiences... all while returning each night to exclusive beachfront bliss. Your dream Fiji escape is just one click away.

Click to See All Agent Packages

3 Reviews

My Exclusive Sales and Travel Offers

Exclusive Vacation Offers by E-mail

11 Reviews & Success stories

Family Beachfront Vacation

Let me share with you all my experience with booking our summer vacation through Gretchen - Called Gretchen to help me brainstorm. I said I want to go somewhere warm, and this year we want to drive. I suggest a cruise and she advised that wouldn't be a good idea for what I had in mind. I gave her my budget and left it in her hands. A few days later, she sent me three options. I told her which beach front condo of the options she sent that I wanted to book and that was it. She filled everything out for me, handled all of the payments, and the best part was when we got there I didn't have to deal with property management AT ALL. I never spoke to them even ONCE.

We didn't have to worry about anything. We got there significantly early, told Gretchen if we could get early access let us know, but if not no biggie. We went to the beach to play. 45 minutes later Gretchen texts me the entry code, cleaners are gone and the place is ours for the week!!

We didn't really need a lot of assistance but I appreciated that she made is VERY clear through texts and emails the day of arrival to absolutely never hesitate to reach out if we needed anything, providing wonderful peace of mind!

She is well traveled herself and knowledgeable about lots destinations. She will be honest with you if she thinks it isn't a good fit for you / your family. -Jackie Y.

10-day Southern Mediterranean cruise

We booked a 10-day Southern Mediterranean cruise with Gretchen Ode.

Gretchen was amazing to work with. I told her what I was looking for and she found it! She was very prompt in answering any questions I had (even the dumb ones). She walked me through booking excursions. She got us GREAT deals on our trip. She was upfront with pricing and costs for everything! Airfare, hotel and cruise! She took care of it all!!

I would recommend her any day of the week!! -Lisa S.

16 day Hawaiian Cruise

Huge shout out to Gretchen! 5 stars! Absolutely Amazing! She planned our dream honeymoon. We didn't have to lift a finger or worry about a thing. Thanks again! -Brycen H.

Click to See All Agent Reviews & Success Stories

4 Reviews

Barcelona Vacation Giveaway

Win a 3-night at Kimpton Vividora Barcelona

Kimpton Vividora Barcelona is a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, offering 151 elegantly designed rooms and suites infused with Mediterranean warmth and contemporary Catalan character. Located steps from Las Ramblas and Barcelona Cathedral, the hotel offers an authentic, immersive city experience. The interiors blend natural textures, bespoke furnishings and curated local art to create a refined yet residential ambience. This prize includes a 3-night stay in a King Suite Duc, along with complimentary breakfast for two daily.

Fill Out Sweepstakes Form

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Featured Articles

What Is the Best Luxury River Cruise for Wine Lovers Who Want a Quieter, More Intimate Alternative to the Rhine?

What Is the Best Luxury Rhine River Cruise for Couples Who Love Castles, Wine, and Christmas Markets?

Viking Danube Cruise: Budapest to Amsterdam Itinerary Breakdown

How to Book a Viking River Cruise: A First-Timer's Complete Guide

Why Choosing the Right Cabin Is the Single Most Important River Cruise Decision You'll Make

Best Time to Take a European River Cruise — by Season, Scenery & Traveler Type

What to Expect on a Luxury European River Cruise: The Best First-Timer's Guide to Cities, Wine, Scenery & Culture

Rhine River vs. Danube River: Which European River Cruise Is Right for You?

Best Hawaii Island for Bay Area Families, Couples & Solo Travelers in 2025: Oahu vs. Maui vs. Kauai vs. Big Island (Honest Guide from a San Jose Travel Agent)

Bay Area to Tahiti: Your Complete French Polynesia Travel Guide — Best Flights, Luxury Resorts & Top-Rated Itineraries for Couples, Families & First-Time Visitors

Best Luxury Resorts in Bora Bora for Couples, Honeymooners & Families: Top-Rated Overwater Bungalows & Unforgettable Stays

Romantic Hawaii: Best Honeymoon and Anniversary Trips from San Jose and The Bay Area

How Far in Advance Should You Book Hawaii from SJC?

The Perfect 7-Day Maui Itinerary for Bay Area Families

Best Hawaii Resorts for Bay Area Families - Direct from SJC

Top 10 Vacation Destinations for Bay Area Families

Dress Code Decoded: What to Wear on a Viking River Cruise

Why Tahiti's Shoulder Season is Actually the Best Time to Visit

when-to-visit-tahiti-a-month-by-month-guide-to-weather-crowds-and-prices

Best Time to Visit Tahiti: Month-by-Month Weather & Prices

Adults-Only Tahiti: The Most Romantic Resorts for Couples

Overwater Bungalows: The Hidden Costs Travel Websites Don't Tell You

Family-Friendly Germany: Activities That Will Delight All Ages

Germany by Rail: The Ultimate Train Journey Through German Cities

Rhine River Cruises: What to Expect and How to Choose

Beyond the Tourist Trail: My 9-Day Journey Through Germany's Hidden Gems

A First-Timer's 7-Day Itinerary Through Germany

Anniversary in Paradise: 5 Romantic Tahiti Experiences You Can't Book Online

The Ultimate Tahiti Honeymoon: Beyond the Overwater Bungalow

All-Inclusive vs. Resort-Only: What Works Best in Tahiti

Island Hopping in Tahiti: The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary

Why Your Travel Agent's Tahiti Connections Make All the Difference

How to find luxury vacation rentals by using a travel agent

How to Choose the Perfect Bora Bora Resort for Your Tropical Getaway

Bora Bora vs Moorea vs Tahiti: Which Island is Right for You?

Castle-Hopping in Germany: A Fairy Tale Road Trip

A Day-by-Day Look at the Viking Rhine River Cruise Experience

Underwater Fiji: The Best Snorkeling and Diving Spots in the Archipelago

Hidden Gems of Bavaria: 5 Charming Towns Beyond Munich

A Travel Agent's Insider Tips for Exploring Mamanuca Islands

Embracing Berlin's Vibrant Culture: A Travel Agent's Perspective

Unraveling the Mystique of Bora Bora and Beyond: A Travel Agent's Personal Insight

Your Personal Viking Danube River Cruise Concierge: A Travel Agent's Role

my destinations

All-Inclusive Resorts
Beach/Sun
Couples only
Cruises (Ocean)
Cruises (River)
Cruises (Small Ships)
Custom Vacations
Destination Wedding
Family
Food & Wine
Group Travel
Guided Vacations
Honeymoon/Romance
Hotel & Resort Getaways
LGBTQ Travel
Luxury Travel
Rail Travel
Scuba/Snorkeling
Solo Travel
Spa/Wellness
Villas

My Interests

My Specialties

my suppliers

Europe
France
Germany
Italy
Hawaii
Maui
Oahu
Kauai
Tahiti

My Destinations

MY SPECIALTIES

back to start

Classic Vacations
Delta Vacations
Europe Express
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Pleasant Holidays
Project Expedition
Royal Caribbean International
Viking

My Supplier Partners

MY SPECIALTIES

37 Certificates & Awards

Hawai'i Destination Specialist

Paul Gauguin Cruises - French Polynesia

Viking Cruises Certificate

Fiji Matai Specialist

Fiji Matai Bronze Specialist

Tahiti Specialist

Click to See All Agent Certificates & Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

As a Hawaii Destination Specialist and independent travel advisor with Vincent Vacations, I help travelers plan custom Hawaii vacations, luxury French Polynesia honeymoons, and all-inclusive Fiji getaways without ever paying a planning fee. Based in San Jose, California, I work with clients across the Bay Area and beyond who want an experienced travel advisor near me for Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea vacation packages. My services are commission-based, which means expert planning support comes at no extra cost to you. I specialize in overwater bungalow vacations in Bora Bora and Moorea, romantic Tahiti honeymoon packages, and Fiji resort vacations for couples and families. I also focus on European river cruise vacations along the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube, including Viking river cruise itineraries and small ship cruises through Germany's wine regions. Having traveled extensively through the Rhine Valley, Moselle Valley, and the Black Forest myself, I bring firsthand knowledge to every European river cruise I plan. Whether you're searching for the best time to visit Bora Bora, planning a multigenerational Hawaii family vacation, or comparing European river cruise lines, I provide personalized itinerary planning backed by strong supplier relationships and insider access to exclusive perks. There's no fee for my services since I'm paid directly by the travel suppliers I book with, so you get expert guidance and often better value than booking on your own. Reach out today to start planning your next Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji, or European river cruise vacation.

Working with an independent travel advisor gives you access to expertise, planning support, and supplier relationships you simply cannot get booking on your own through an online travel site. As a Hawaii Destination Specialist with Vincent Vacations, I take the time to understand your travel style, budget, and priorities, then build an itinerary suited specifically to you rather than a generic package. This personalized approach is especially valuable for destinations like Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Fiji, where resort selection and room category can make or break a trip. My services come at no extra cost to you. I'm paid directly by the airlines, resorts, and cruise lines I book with, so you get expert guidance, time savings, and advocacy without paying a planning fee. That advocacy matters most when something goes wrong: flight changes, resort issues, or itinerary disruptions. Instead of sitting on hold with a call center, you have a direct line to me, and I'm already working the problem on your behalf. Booking through an advisor also often unlocks perks you would not get on your own, including room upgrades, resort credits, complimentary breakfast, and amenities through supplier programs like Signature Amenities. For European river cruises along the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube, I can also help you navigate ship selection, cabin categories, and excursion choices based on firsthand travel experience in those regions. Ultimately, the biggest benefit is peace of mind. From the first planning conversation through the final day of your trip, you have a dedicated advisor looking out for your interests, so you can focus on enjoying the vacation instead of managing the logistics.

No, I do not charge any planning fees. My services are entirely commission-based, meaning I'm compensated directly by the airlines, resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators you book with, not by you. This means you get full access to my expertise in Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji, and European river cruise planning at no additional cost compared to booking the same trip on your own. In many cases, working with me actually saves you money. I have access to supplier promotions, amenity packages, and rate categories that are not always visible on public booking sites, and I can help you avoid costly mistakes like booking the wrong room category or missing a cancellation deadline. So while there's no fee for my time and expertise, you're often getting more value than a self-booked trip, not less.

The process starts with a conversation about your travel goals: where you want to go, your budget, your travel dates, and what kind of experience you're looking for, whether that's a relaxing overwater bungalow escape in Bora Bora, a family trip to Hawaii, or a European river cruise along the Rhine or Danube. From there, I research options and put together a curated itinerary tailored to what you've shared, rather than sending you generic packages to sort through on your own. Once you've reviewed the proposal, I handle all the details: booking flights, resorts, cruises, and excursions, securing any available upgrades or amenities, and making sure everything is properly documented. I also stay on top of payment deadlines, travel insurance options, and any documentation you'll need, like passports or visas, so nothing falls through the cracks. My involvement doesn't stop once you're booked. Leading up to your trip, I'm available for questions and can help with things like packing recommendations or excursion timing. And if anything comes up during your trip, whether it's a flight delay or a resort issue, you have a direct line to me instead of navigating it alone. Once you're home, I'm also here if you want to start planning the next one.

The best time depends on the destination, but each has a clear sweet spot. Hawaii is enjoyable year-round, though shoulder seasons like April-May and September-October offer great weather with fewer crowds and better rates. Tahiti and Bora Bora are best visited during the dry season from May through October, when you'll see calmer lagoons and less rain. European river cruises along the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube run primarily from April through December, with spring bringing tulip season and blooming vineyards, summer offering the warmest weather, and late November through December featuring the popular Christmas market cruises.

As a Hawaii Destination Specialist who has personally traveled the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, I help clients time their trips around what matters most to them, whether that's avoiding peak crowds, catching a specific festival or market, or finding the best value. There's no single "best" time across all these destinations, so I factor in your travel dates, budget, and priorities to recommend the ideal window for your specific trip. Reach out and I can walk you through the pros and cons of each season for wherever you're headed.