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Let's plan your dream vacation!

The vacation of your dreams is around the corner. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a refined retirement adventure, a multigenerational family reunion for 10, 16, or more, or simply your next luxurious escape, I'm here to make it seamless, extraordinary, and uniquely yours.

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Guiding Your Next Great Getaway

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About Me

Hello, I'm Melissa Johnson, the founder and passionate guide behind Vespera Travel Agency, based in beautiful Aiken, South Carolina. What began as friends asking, "Melissa, who’s your travel agent?"—because I was always the one turning ideas into seamless adventures—has become my life's work: designing journeys that blend sophisticated luxury with genuine excitement and connection.

I truly believe travel strengthens bonds, especially when shared with loved ones. Exploring new cultures, chasing adventures, or simply relaxing in elevated style—like floating in the breathtaking AURA Skypool high above Dubai's skyline—creates memories that last a lifetime. Every traveler has their own vision of "fun," and I love uncovering what that means for you and your family.

My travels have taken me across the U.S. (from California's beaches to the historic charm of Charleston and Hilton Head right here at home), through all seven emirates of the UAE, multiple sun-soaked trips to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, enchanting Caribbean cruises, and the pure magic of Orlando's theme parks. Each experience has deepened my understanding of what makes a vacation extraordinary.

One of my proudest accomplishments? Orchestrating flawless trips for my own extended family—groups of 16 or more—where everyone from kids to grandparents feels included, excited, and cared for. Coordinating details for large groups is complex, but when done right, it turns a trip into cherished family lore. That's the kind of thoughtful planning I bring to every client.

At Vespera Travel Agency, I focus on luxury meets adventure: bespoke itineraries that feel exclusive, effortless, and perfectly tailored. I'm especially passionate about:

  • Luxury ocean and river cruises — with deep expertise in lines like Regent Seven Seas, Viking, AmaWaterways, Disney, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and American Cruise Lines.
  • Worldwide adventures — immersive cultural escapes, family bonding experiences, and bucket-list moments that blend sophistication and thrill.
  • Destination mastery — including Disney parks and cruises, Universal Orlando, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Rocky Mountaineer, and more.

My credentials ensure every recommendation is backed by real expertise:

  • CLIA member (Cruise Lines International Association)
  • Disney Parks and Cruise Specialist
  • Regent Cruise Specialist
  • Virgin Cruises Gold Tier Specialist
  • Royal Caribbean Master of Adventure
  • National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Expert
  • Universal Orlando Specialist
  • AmaWaterways Certified Advisor
  • United Parks and Resorts Certified Destination Specialist
  • Canyon Spirit Specialist
  • Rocky Mountaineer Specialist
  • Viking Certified Expert
  • American Cruise Lines Certified

Currently a solo operation (with big plans to expand in the coming years), I personally handle every detail with the same care I'd give my own family.

Ready to plan your next great getaway?

Book your free 30-minute consultation today—no obligation, just inspiration and ideas tailored to you.


✨ Vespera Travel Agency – Where luxury meets adventure, and every journey feels personal.


My Specialties

At Vespera Travel Agency, I focus on luxury meets adventure: bespoke itineraries that feel exclusive, effortless, and perfectly tailored. My credentials ensure every recommendation is backed by real expertise:


    • Train/Rail Journeys

    • Dominican Republic

    • Antarctica

    • Luxury Cruises

    • Theme Parks

    • River Cruises

    Additional Certifications for Vespera Travel

    Certificate of Achievement National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Melissa Johnson’s certificate for completing training.
    Logo penguins in Antarctica. Yellow and black circle reads
    Polar bear on ice, Nat Geo & Lindblad Arctic travel specialist badge.
    South Pacific Specialist badge. Underwater shot of yellow fish, National Geographic Expeditions and Lindblad logo.
    Certificate of Viking Certified Expert for Melissa Johnson, issued February 01, 2026.
    Certificate for Melissa Johnson, awarded by Seacademy for achieving Gold tier.
    Silversea Cruises certification for Melissa Ann Johnson. Includes signature and date earned: 02/16/2020.
    Certificate of completion from Atlas Ocean Voyages.
    Certificate from Royal Caribbean: Melissa Johnson,
    Certificate from Royal Caribbean:
    Melissa Johnson's Certificate of completion as a Canyon Spirit Specialist for the TRAKS travel advisor training program.
    Certificate of completion for Melissa Johnson, Rocky Mountaineer Specialist. Includes train, elk, mountain scenery.
    Certificate for Melissa Johnson, completed
    Certificate of Universal Orlando Resort Specialist for Melissa Johnson, with logos and signature.
    United Parks & Resorts logo with park icons and

    Exclusive Travel Deals for Adventurers

    Discover the latest travel deals with Vespera Travel Agency LLC, where luxury meets adventure! Immerse yourself in breathtaking destinations, exclusive accommodations, and tailor-made experiences crafted just for you. Don’t miss out—book your dream getaway today and embark on an unforgettable journey!

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    Get in Touch with Vespera Travel

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    Discover the Vespera Experience: How It Works

    At Vespera Travel Agency LLC, planning your dream vacation is as easy as 1-2-3!

    Step 1

    Let's Talk Travel

    We're excited to invite you to a friendly chat about your dream vacation! Share your travel desires, favorite experiences, and specific destinations that make your heart race. Whether you crave luxury or adventure, we want to hear it all! After our discussion, I'll craft a custom proposal tailored to your unique preferences, ensuring your next getaway is unforgettable. Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality together!

    Step 2

    Review Your

    Trip Proposal

    We’re thrilled to explore the thrilling world of luxury and adventure vacations alongside you! Together, we’ll dive into a tapestry of exciting options, ensuring every detail is tailored to your desires. Whether you crave a serene escape or an adrenaline-pumping experience, I’m here to answer all your questions and navigate the possibilities. Let's embark on this journey together and craft the perfect getaway that captures your unique vision of adventure!

    Step 3

    Approve, Pay +

    Start Packing!

    Once you're thrilled with your personalized itinerary, just approve and securely authorize your payment, and prepare for an extraordinary journey ahead! We infuse luxury and adventure into every detail, ensuring an unforgettable experience awaits you. Relax and enjoy the excitement while I take care of everything else, providing you with timely updates and insider tips along the way. Your dream travel experience is just a heartbeat away—let's make it spectacular together!

    Travel Map

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    • Aura Sky Pool

      447q+gr, dubai- united arab emirates

    • Playa Preciosa

      33000, Dominican Republic

      Next to Playa Grande, this beach is secluded

    • The Burj Khalifa

      1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

      the world's tallest structure

    • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

      Al Rawdah - W54 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

      The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mosque located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It is the country's largest mosque, and is the key place of worship for daily Islamic prayers.

    • Playa Parisio

      Villa magante 56000, 56203, Dominican Republic

      Outdoor seating · Great cocktails · Vegan options

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