DREAM. DARE. DIVERGE.

Expert Travel Planning

Our travel expertise. Your amazing trip.

I’d love to plan your next trip!

Travel is my passion and I’ve spent many years traversing the globe, leading to an award-winning career in travel media. I know travel and I know it well.

Since 2013, I’ve helped hundreds of people plan their trips with in-depth guides, custom itineraries, and first-hand experiential information, right here on this website.

I’ve actually been to the places I’m planning trips to and have visited more than 132 countries and all 7 continents. Additionally, I’ve designed, managed, and hosted dozens of specially curated group itineraries with our community, to many countries, including Antarctica and the High Arctic.

Which is why I’m thrilled to offer you the services of our full-service travel agency, and I cannot wait to plan your next trip!

Lina Stock, Divergent Travel Trips

CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL AGENCY SITE

Are My Services Right For You?

Every cruise, tour, hotel, car rental, or resort you book already has commission built into the price. That means someone is getting paid every time you take a vacation. Whether you book it yourself or engage the services of a travel advisor.

So here’s the real question…

Why not let that commission go to a small business while building a relationship with someone who cares about your trip, not just your booking?

I build incredible custom itineraries based on my own travel experiences. I care about each and every person that books a trip with us, and I’ll be there to answer all of your questions before, during, and after the trip.

This means you can literally just show up and enjoy the experience of each destination with absolutely no worries.

Lina Stock at the beach on a trip to Tahiti

Zimbabwe Safari - Imvelo Safari Lodges - Lina Stock

MY SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

Adventure Travel

Including destinations like Alaska, Canada, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Iceland, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and many others.

Polar and Sub-Antarctic/Arctic Travel

Including Antarctica (Peninsula, Ross Sea, deep field), South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Greenland, Svalbard, and Churchill, among others.

Europe Vacations

Including destinations like Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and many others.

River Cruises

Including destinations across Europe, Egypt, and Asia, among others.

Small-Ship Cruises

Including destinations like Alaska, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico, among many other global options.

Guided Tours

Including all global destinations with a variety of interest focuses. Both small group and private options.

Africa Safari

Including destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, and Uganda, among many others.

My travel expertise is extensive, so if you are looking for a destination or experience beyond this list, I’ve probably done it and would be happy to chat with you! Beyond my own extensive travel knowledge, I can also tap my diverse network of trusted partners to ensure you have all of your options.

HOW IT WORKS – OUR PROCESS

At Divergent Travel Trips, we create customized trip itineraries based on each client’s budget, preferences and passions. Our process is both flexible and personalized.

Payment of Research Fee: All of our client engagements start here. Due to spending so much time on tire kickers, who utilize our expertise and time, and then do not book anything with us, we now require that a travel research fee be paid by all clients before any work is done. Our Trip Research Fee is $250 and can be paid here to engage our services.
Complete New Trip Request Form & Client Kickoff Call: Once you have paid the research fee, you’ll need to complete the New Trip Request form. This form provides all the information we need about the trip you want to take. You may also schedule a kick-off call to further discuss your trip, travel preferences, and options.
We Design and Build Your Trip: Based on your trip inquiry form, we will collaborate with the travel partners who best align with your preferences to build a travel plan and pricing for all the elements of your trip.
Review and Acceptance: We’ll send you a proposal that outlines the initial itinerary with possible hotel/tour/cruise options, general activities, and route planning. You will review, propose any revisions and ultimately accept the proposal for your trip. We will also discuss and confirm dates, routing, options, pricing, etc.
Revisions and Booking: If you provided feedback, we’ll make the necessary revisions. Then it’s time to book your trip! This includes your selected hotels/tour/cruise, activities, transport, etc.
Final itinerary: Within one week of your trip departure, you will receive a detailed itinerary that contains all the information you need for your trip. It can be printed or easily accessed from a mobile app.
Enjoy Your Trip! The works is done and all you need to do is follow your personally built itinerary and have the time of your life.

Are You Ready To Get Started?

I can’t wait to help plan your next epic trip!

1. SUBMIT RESEARCH FEE

All client engagements start here. Research for your trip will not begin until the fee is paid. You can make the payment here

2. FILL OUT NEW TRIP REQUEST FORM

This form provides me with important details for planning your trip. You can complete the New Trip Request Form here.

3. REQUEST A CALL

We will discuss your trip details. This step is required for all new travel planning clients. You can schedule a call on my Calendly.

4. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME

If you have any specific questions or want to discuss my trip planning services, you can also email me.

All travel planning services are subject to Client Terms and Conditions.

Our trips are epic. But don’t just take our word for it.

Testimonials from past clients.

What an incredible and memorable trip! As someone who has travelled quite a bit, I decided this probably wasn’t a trip I could put together on my own, and that was definitely correct. Lina and David put an enormous amount of effort into vetting all of the accomodations, activities, and vendors who were a part of the trip which really made it incredible. On top of that, they had a very strong understanding of how to structure the trip such that we were able to see as many things as possible and time is really of the essence on a safari. No trip is without hiccups – from missing luggage, to travel delays, to sickness – they handled it all with skill and grace. I also appreciated their emphasis on supporting local businesses and appreciating the local culture of the places we visited. The general knowledge they’ve gained from years of traveling was invaluable as well. This was definitely an adventure with lots of unexpected moments, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing! They’re also lovely people on top of being fantastic hosts. There’s an element of randomness with who shows up to this kind of trip, but it worked out fantastically. The group was super fun, friendly, and ready to try different things which is a testament to the kind of people Lina and David attract. Safari requires that you be in the car pretty much all day, every day, and there wasn’t a dull moment. They are also just very enthusiastic about travel, wildlife, and culture, and it’s clear that this is their passion. It’s impossible not to have that influence you – I can’t believe I came back a bird person. I hope and plan to go on more trips with them in the future and can hopefully bring some friends along!
Aparna N. (Divergent Tanzania)
David and Lina never disappoint when it comes to their group trips. From beginning to end it’s jam-packed with activities. This was the Safari I was hoping for. Tanzania is a beautiful country. I love the group I travelled with. Met some really cool awesome people. I have enjoyed every minute of this trip: the people, the culture, and visiting all the national parks (as I like to call it, “the garden of eden”). Thanks again David and Lina for another unforgettable trip. On to the next one!
Kathleen L. (Divergent Tanzania)
Incredible experience! To witness the amazing Papuan culture firsthand was incredible, and the level of care and professionalism shown by Lina & David was great. I’m already planning to join other tours with them in the near future. Extremely satisfied!
Rafael A. (Divergent Papua New Guinea)
I have been on several trips with Divergent Travel Trips and each one has exceeded my expectations!!! Antarctica was a dream vacation. I loved every minute of it … and in fact plan to return next year with Divergent Travel Trips because I loved the destination so much!!!. Highlights for me included: whale and penguin watching in the zodiacs with the naturalists, gorgeous blue/green icebergs, the helicopter ride, and exploring an untouched glacier while being bombarded by gale-force winds!!! In addition, the party we had when we crossed the Southern Circle was epic. We celebrated doing something few have done. I truly felt as if I was seeing what Shackleton and other early adventurers experienced. While the beauty of the destination was amazing, the people who were on the trip made it that much more special. We made friends for a lifetime. Thanks, Lina and Dave for another great trip, I look forward to your next DT adventure!!!
Charity W. (Antarctica – Crossing the Circle)
This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and Lina and David were wonderful organisers. Nothing was too much trouble, they answered any questions promptly and actually enhanced the trip for me. They gave advice about what to take, what to wear, photography help and they always had a warm welcome smile every day! Antarctica was beyond anything I had imagined, the sheer scale of everything, and the sounds of the ice moving and crackling, the whales blowing. I felt so insignificant there but in a very humbling way. The Ultramarine was so luxurious and the crew were all so knowledgeable and friendly. The zodiac trips were so different every time, the heli trip gave a whole new perspective and the polar plunge was epic! It was my first trip with Divergent Travel Trips but, I truly hope, not my last. I felt like I was traveling with friends. Thank you for some unforgettable memories and for making Antarctica so special…I’m hooked!
Vicki A. (Antarctica – Crossing the Circle)
It was a phenomenal trip. Every day something amazing happened and I got to share with great people. Not to mention the service aboard the Ultramarine was exceptional. I’ll be forever changed by the experience. I give it a 10/10 in every category
Tatiana R. (Antarctica – Crossing the Circle)
Oman is an underrated travel destination. The people are so kind and humble. The landscape is very diverse with beaches, sand dunes, and mountains. There is plenty to do and see in Oman! I would definitely recommend traveling with Divergent Travel Trips. They plan well-thought-out trips to incredible places.
Crystal L. (Highlights of Oman)
I had a wonderful time! I loved the culture, the beautiful places we visited, the tour guides, the friends I made on the trip, etc. The food was also so exquisite and the fact that the owner of the tour guide company invited us to his home for dinner was an extra special honor I will not forget. I also loved that I got to go on the hot air balloon ride over the desert, see wild camels, and watch the sunset with new friends over the dunes. This trip was so important for me as I was (am) in a very difficult season of life and really needed to be reminded of what it felt like to be happy again. Thank you!
Dannemart P. (Highlights of Oman)
It was a fantastic trip! David and Lina always provide energetic on-the-go experiences, packed with information and sites. Additionally, there are unique things that not every group gets to see or do. Personalized service and flexibility are always a part of what is offered as well. Oman is a wonderful little country, and nobody should sleep on the chance to go!
Beth M. (Highlights of Oman)
This was an amazing trip! We so appreciated the special itinerary that Lina and David put together for the group. It hit all the highlights of Egypt and also showcased unique ‘off the beaten path’ places. Our Egyptian guide was so knowledgeable. We learned a lot. Great hotel choices. Having Lina and David lead the group was also a treat! They shared insights along the way and of course, helped us take some incredible photos. We loved the small group dynamics too. Highly recommend!
Inna C. (Egypt in Style)
We had a great time. The itinerary was well-planned and executed. They created a perfect balance of must-see attractions and hidden gems, ensuring an immersive and authentic experience. Throughout the trip, their attention to detail was impeccable. Flawless accommodation, timely transfers, and knowledgeable guides made every moment enjoyable and stress-free. Their commitment to customer satisfaction was evident in their proactive communication and responsiveness to queries or last-minute adjustments. From the initial inquiry to the journey’s end, their professionalism and dedication were evident at every step. What truly sets Divergent Travels apart is their passion for creating memorable experiences. Their insider knowledge and local connections led me to discover unique cultural activities and culinary delights that I wouldn’t have found alone. I highly recommend Divergent Travels to anyone seeking a personalized small-group travel experience. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication made our journey memorable.
Vidya K. (Egypt in Style)
Everybody thinks that they know Egypt when they go to see the pyramids and the sphinx. I guess that was my primary focus when I booked the trip but I found out how much more this country had to offer. So many beautiful temples. Amazing museums. Cruising on the Nile. Terrific food. Beautiful hotels. And, as always, a great group experience.
Beth M. (Egypt in Style)
Egypt was a blast! We had a great time, the hotels we stayed at were all wonderful. The cruise on the Nile (Akamar)was amazing with great staff, and the food was simply delicious. Our tour guide Rey, was awesome, couldn’t have asked for a better one. He was very knowledgeable when it came to the history of Egypt. He made sure we were all taken care of and looked out for all of us “Habibi’s”. Thanks to our wonderful hosts, Dave and Lina. They are meticulous with planning and organizing this trip. They made sure we got to see the beauty of what Egypt had to offer. The hot air balloon ride definitely stood out, as well as seeing the great pyramids of Giza. It was a jam-packed trip with some side trips along the beaten path. Lastly, I’m glad to have met such an amazing group of people. We all came from different walks of life, and I valued every interaction I’ve made with everyone. Again, thank you Dave and Lina for organizing this trip.
Kathleen L. (Egypt in Style)
A fun packed 10 days. We hit all the major attractions in Egypt with a jam-packed schedule. Even though the schedule was busy I felt I had enough time at all the sites and didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. Lina and David are the best, down-to-earth people who plan a great itinerary. I look forward to traveling with them again.
Ashley C. (Egypt in Style)
Divergent Travel Trips Egypt trip is jam-packed with all the best things to see and do in Egypt. David and Lina are expert travelers and know how to organize a trip well. I literally had to just show up and everything else was taken care of. I love the no-hassle and thoughtful planning that Divergent Travel Trips has. They made being a traveler easy! I would definitely go on another trip with DT Trips.
Crystal L. (Egypt in Style)
This trip was amazing and jam packed! Lina’s itinerary made sure that you get to see almost everything Egypt has to offer. The Old Cataract Hotel was a surprising highlight at the end that really brought a great bougie close to the adventure. The group was super fun and easy going and I’m looking forward to joining on future trips!
Krithika S. (Egypt in Style)
Excellent!! Divergent Travel Trips was able to get us into places no one else can. Dendara was amazing. Being able to stay at the Historical Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, was just one of the highlights of the trip!! Lina & David go out of their way for travelers and to make sure you’re having an amazing trip. It’s personalized service and it’s second to none. Adventure, culture, history-they do it all!
Barb S. (Egypt in Style)
The trip to Jordan was my second trip to the Middle East and such a wonderful experience. The people of the country are warm and welcoming. The food is wonderful. The landscape is diverse. Lina and David put together a fantastic itinerary for us and our small group bonded well. This was my first of four DT Trips and more to come!
Beth M. (Secrets of Jordan)
Lina and David are great hosts and organized a trip that exceeded my expectations. The main event was of course Petra and that alone would have been worth the trip, however, our hosts provided unique experiences beyond this that could be easily missed by less experienced travelers. Highlights that I never would have known to find include the Red Sea cruise, Wadi al-Mujib hike, and the Ma’in hot springs. All this was packed into just over a week long trip providing great value for the price.
Dan L. (Secrets of Jordan)
You just had to show up! all the details were arranged meticulously by David & Lina! Awesome trip! Fast & smooth through the passport system. Not pressured to do the group activities. Excellent hotels. Overall, a well-thought-out trip with varied activities that gave us the flavor of a true Jordanian experience.
Barb S. (Secrets of Jordan)
Jordan with Divergent Travel Trips was incredible!!! Our guide was wonderful and made the history and culture of the country come to life. My favorite experiences were: 1- Visiting Petra. Seeing the treasury was iconic. I also enjoyed the hike that led us to the Monastery. 2- I LOVED having dinner with a local family. Fellowshipping with the family while learning about their culture firsthand, and eating delicious local cuisine, is an experience I will never forget. 3- Floating in the Dead Sea while watching the most picturesque sunset. 4- A traffic jam caused by camels in the desert, lol. Jordan will forever live in my heart.
Charity W. (Secrets of Jordan)
The experience Lina and David created for this trip is one I’ll never forget. Our guide is one of the best birding guides in all of Peru, but he had an eye for so many more creatures other than birds. Our group was fortunate enough to see all the main animals that inhabit the area, including some more rare species as well. Our guide was so invested in making sure we had the best possible angles to be able to see and photograph the wildlife. The guide they chose never just pointed something out and hoped you saw it yourself, he made sure that everyone knew where the animals were and would lend out his binoculars and telescope so we all could have a close-up of some further away animals. Choosing lodges and a guide specifically for the purpose of seeing as much as we possibly could in a week is one of the many things that Lina and David did to make this trip special. Lina and David are down-to-earth hosts, always willing to answer any questions you may have. They both always made sure everyone in the group had a good vantage point to get photos of the wildlife and that your camera settings were correct while also taking their own photos and videos to share with the group. I would recommend this trip to anyone and can’t wait to sign up for more in the future!
Madison P. (Exclusive Peruvian Amazon Rainforest)
We had an AMAZING, once-in-a-lifetime experience!!! The accommodations and food were great, but it was the itinerary that Divergent Travel Trips put together that set them apart from others. Other resort guests were amazed at our conversations about the things and animals we saw upon our return to the resort. It was very obvious to us that Dave and Lina of Divergent Travel Trips and Silverio (the local guide) went way above and beyond what the other guides provided. I know I had an amazing trip only because of Lina & David, I cannot thank them enough. I say this because there were others at the resorts who did not have the package Divergent Travel Trips provided to us and many times those guests were sitting around the resort playing on their phones. Although we did have that option, I did not travel to the Amazon Rainforest to play on my phone. Thank you, Dave and Lina, you guys are truly the best of the best!!!!!
Jo Ann D. (Exclusive Peruvian Amazon Rainforest)
This was by far the most adventurous thing I have ever done!
Lina & David are absolutely amazing! They planned everything, and just told us when to show up! They worked with the lodges to create an absolutely phenomenal experience! We had the most knowledgeable Indigenous naturalist guide. We were able to do things the other visitors at the lodges were not, and able to do so many more activities than anyone around us! Thank you Divergent Travel Trips, I will for sure be traveling with you again!
Maria D. (Exclusive Peruvian Amazon Rainforest)
First of all, Peru is an amazing country from its landscape to its food to its people. Lina and David made sure we saw all of that. The Inca Trail specifically is super challenging, but also exquisitely beautiful, and Machu Picchu should not be missed. This country will always live in my heart now.
Beth M. (Peru Inca Trail & Sacred Valley Immersion)
Divergent Travel Trips organized an incredible adventure through Papua New Guinea! The culture there is fascinating, and we had an up close and personal view of it all. Traveling in PNG is not easy, and I am very grateful I chose to book with Lina and David, who were rockstars at making everything run as smoothly as possible. Papua New Guinea is a gorgeous country with such interesting history and this trip gave our group a very unique opportunity to immerse ourselves into it all. Truly an adventure I’ll never forget!
Madison P. (Divergent Papua New Guinea)
What an experience this was ! I’ve travelled widely – but this one – truly unique. Above & Beyond is how I would review Lina & David’s organisation of this trip. In terms of itinerary … communication … & execution, Lina & David continually go the extra mile. From start to finish, a joy to be around & interact with. Always smiling … a clear passion for what they do – all their interactions with the locals as well as their guests. I’ve already booked a further trip with them .. & now looking at others …. no hesitation : )
Andrew D. (Divergent Papua New Guinea)
I can’t say enough good things about traveling with Lina and David! They’re so knowledgeable and approachable about all things travel (especially Antarctica) and overall great people to travel with. They always went above and beyond to ensure we got the most out of our trip! Can’t wait to travel with Divergent Travelers again! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime ❤️
Stephanie A. (Divergent Antarctica & South Georgia)
When you’re hosting a group trip the single most important thing is choosing the right tour operator and itinerary. A lot of people can pull this off (Lina and David included), but what’s rare is finding a pair that can enhance an already amazing itinerary while still giving you space to make it “your trip”. Lina and David’s knowledge and experience rivaled the professional guides on our trip, and their kindness helped knit our group together. I’d highly recommend booking any of their trips!
Michael A. (Divergent Antarctica & South Georgia)
Antarctica is a dream and South Georgia is mind-blowing! Not only did we get to see brilliant landscapes but also next level animal encounters due to the time of year we went. Divergent Travel Trips partnered with an expedition company that not only gave us a luxury experience on board, but also had top-notch experienced staff from the expedition guides leading science and history lectures onboard and off-ship operations like zodiac cruises and landings, but to the captain and crew who did everything they could to keep us ahead of several storms ensuring we had smooth, safe operations and were able to make the most of our time in Antarctica. Lina and David are polar experts in their own right and always made themselves available to give pointers on photography, share their own knowledge and stories from the region, or just to hang out and enjoy the trip with the group. This was my third trip with Divergent Travel Trips and it will not be my last!
Madison P. (Divergent Antarctica & South Georgia)

Divergent Travel Trips – FAQs

Even if you enjoy the travel planning process, there are times when hiring a travel advisor is beneficial. Working with any travel advisor has benefits over booking your own trip and typically gives you more value for your money.

Time Saved: We do the work that you don’t have the time to do. An experienced travel advisor will save you hours and hours of Internet research to plan your trip.
Extensive Knowledge: With an experienced travel advisor, you are able to leverage extensive travel and destination knowledge. We work with trusted vendors and partners and utilize my personal experience and network to find the best options for your trip.
Less Stress: We remove the overwhelm that comes from reviewing the endless available options and the many suggestions that you receive from friends. We work with our trusted suppliers to find the best flights, accommodations, tours, and activities to fit your needs.
Personal Support: Every inquiry comes straight to us. No inexperienced travel agent or call centers. We’ll get straigh to work on a proposal with available options and itineraries.
Peace of Mind: We, and our suppliers, are here for you from the very beginning of your trip planning until you return home which is even more important in this complicated and challenging post-pandemic world of travel.

So here’s the real question…

Why not let that commission go to a small business while building a relationship with someone who cares about your trip, not just your booking?

Knowledge and Experience: I’ve traveled extensively to more than 132 countries and have visited all 7 continents. I love to travel and helping people plan trips is my passion. My personal travel and career in travel media, paired with 24 years of travel planning experience, means I’m positioned to provide top level travel planning services for you.
More Value for your Money: We provide our clients with more value for their money by being able to offer select VIP perks with many hotels and travel companies. This means free upgrades, free breakfast, onboard credits, promos, etc.
We make it easy: All Divergent Travel Trips itineraries are provided online in an easy to use app. No need for papers and no need to search your emails or a variety of apps for your travel details. We also help you navigate the requirements and restrictions for your destination(s) and provide you with tips for visiting each one.
Relationships: Divergent Travel Trips spends a significant amount of time meeting and cultivating relationships with service providers around the world. Due to my extensive travel media career, I have many on ground connections and have personally traveled with many of the suppliers I work with.
Technology: Behind the scenes, we use a booking system that searches and compares all flights and hotels worldwide at one time and can narrow choices based on price, location, quality or brand to easily find the best solutions for your preferences. Our client interface is the best on the market, making the trip building, revision, and approval process smooth for everyone involved. We also provide you with real-time access to our itinerary app.

Divergent Travel Trips receives commission from travel suppliers (hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, etc.) only after a trip has been completed.

We are not compensated for our time, expertise, planning, or recommendations if a trip is not booked.

Due to so many tire kickers, who utilize our expertise, time, and then do not book anything with us, we now charge an up-front $250 research fee for our services before starting a new trip request.

This fee includes personalized travel advice based on our expert professional knowledge. We invest time into researching, planning, choosing the right companies, and engaging our global travel network for each trip planned.

Divergent Travel Trips will only book stand alone commercial flights for established clients. Our fee for stand alone flight ticketing is $50/ticket. We do not book commercial flights for new clients when other trip elements are not involved.

We are not able to assist with booking flights using points or credits.

Yes. Trip insurance is an important part of travel planning and we recommend it for all trips to protect your investment. We have multiple plans that we can quote depending on your trip details and needs. We are not insurance agents and can’t legally answer specific questions about policy coverage. That said, insurance covers situations like trip cancellation, travel delays and unexpected illness.

World Via is the host agency for Divergent Travel Trips. Based in Georgia, but with a network of travel advisors throughout North America, World Via provides Divergent Travel Trips with industry leading software, gives us more buying power and allows us to provide our clients with VIP perks like upgrades, free meals, credits and special experiences at hotels, cruise lines and more around the world.

DIVERGE AND JOIN THE ADVENTURE

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