Get a free, no obligation travel quote, customized to your needs.

Get a Free Quote Now!

California Travel Agent Near Me

Explore

Hello travelers! I'm Gretchen Ode - proud mom of two, Marine veteran's wife, Chicago native, and passionate travel advisor bringing global adventures to life from my home base in beautiful San Jose, California. Serving San...

Travel Agent with Vincent Vacations

Gretchen!

my name is

MY SOCIALS:

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 - proud mom of two, Marine veteran's wife, Chicago native, and passionate travel advisor bringing global adventures to life from my home base in beautiful San Jose, California. Serving San Jose and the greater Bay Area, I combine my personal travel experiences with professional expertise to create unforgettable journeys for families, couples, and adventure-seekers. My approach to travel planning 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 breathtaking bucket-list journey through the South Pacific

An enchanting old-world European adventure

A budget-friendly all-inclusive tropical escape

A culturally-immersive exploration of distant lands

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

10-Day Germany Rail Journey: Berlin, Nuremberg & Munich

Experience the heart of Germany on this perfectly-paced 10-day rail journey through three iconic cities. From Berlin's vibrant history to Nuremberg's medieval charm and Munich's Bavarian elegance, this premium adventure features handpicked 4-star accommodations, first-class train travel, and expertly guided experiences. Discover fairytale castles, sample authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in Germany's rich cultural tapestry without the stress of driving or navigating. This meticulously crafted itinerary balances must-see landmarks with hidden gems only locals know. Click to transform your German travel dreams into reality!

Tahiti & Moorea: 6-Day Luxury French Polynesia Escape

Experience the pinnacle of luxury in French Polynesia with this 6-day escape to Tahiti and Moorea, designed for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable overwater bungalow stay. Begin with two nights at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa in a Premium Overwater Villa, featuring VIP arrival, gourmet dining with sunset views, and a private guided island tour exploring Tahiti’s natural wonders and vibrant culture. Then, transfer via premium ferry to Moorea for four nights at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in a Premium Overwater Bungalow Suite. Enjoy exclusive lagoon snorkeling, private guided tours including a 4x4 island safari, couples’ spa treatments, and a sunset catamaran cruise with champagne. This luxurious itinerary offers daily gourmet breakfasts, private transfers, and 24/7 concierge service, ensuring a seamless and indulgent Polynesian paradise experience.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa: 7-Day Luxury 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.

3 Reviews

How to become a travel agent

My Exclusive Sales and Travel Offers

Exclusive Vacation Offers by E-mail

9 Reviews & Success stories

7-day Taste of Ireland Tour

Anyone considering a trip and wanting someone to handle all the details, reach out to Gretchen Ode with Vincent Vacations. We highly recommend her - She is the absolute best! We had an amazing time and met so many fun people. Ireland is so beautiful! Thanks again for handling all the details and making sure everything went smoothly on our trip. We really appreciate it!-Bonnie S.

California Trip

I can’t thank Gretchen enough for the incredible help she gave us in planning our recent trip to La Jolla, CA. I reached out to her last minute, completely overwhelmed by the endless hotel options and unsure where to even begin. Within no time, Gretchen stepped in with her trademark calm, professionalism, and deep knowledge of California — and turned the whole experience around for us.

She quickly found us the perfect hotel in a fantastic part of La Jolla. My son loves the San Diego Padres and we were visiting for a game, and this was a great location to be near the city but also away from the hustle and bustle.

What really stood out was how effortlessly Gretchen handled everything. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she made sure every detail was taken care of. It was such a relief to have someone with her expertise and local insight guiding us, especially when we were crunched for time.

If you're planning a trip — especially to California — and want someone who truly knows the area and genuinely cares about creating a great experience, Gretchen is the one to call. We’re so grateful and already looking forward to planning the next getaway with her help!

-Amanda G.

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

Punta Cana Vacation Giveaway

Win a 3-night stay at Paradisus Grand Cana

Paradisus Grand Cana is a luxurious family all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, offering sophisticated accommodations, personalized service and elevated experiences. The resort features world-class dining including the renowned Dominican chef Leandro Díaz, exclusive amenities, and curated activities designed for discerning travelers seeking elegance, relaxation and unforgettable Caribbean moments. This prize includes a three-night stay in a One-Bedroom Suite, along with complimentary breakfast for two daily, one 50-minute massage and a welcome amenity.

Fill Out Sweepstakes Form

When it comes to starting your vacation off with a bang, nothing beats the convenience and luxury of VIP airport services. Whether you're heading to the tropical paradise...

Experience VIP Treatment in Jamaica and Punta Cana

MAY

5/28/2025

read the post

If you’ve ever visited Fiji, you know that the local food is a flavorful and vibrant mix of tropical ingredients, fresh seafood, and rich spices. One dish that stands out...

How to Make Fijian Pumpkin Curry: A Taste of the I...

MAY

5/15/2025

read the post

Vacations are meant to be a time to unwind, explore new places, and escape the daily grind. But, as anyone who’s traveled knows, things don’t always go as planned. Whethe...

The Unexpected Surprises of Vacation and How a Tra...

MAY

5/14/2025

read the post

Featured Articles

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

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