About Me
Hi, I'm Natalia Story!
Yes, that is actually my last name — fitting, I know. Hence the name of the company: Epic Story Travels.
I honestly don't remember a time when I wasn't obsessed with travel. What started as a personal passion became a calling, and after years of trips across dozens of countries — from sipping wine on the edge of the Adriatic at sunset, to hearing a Christmas choir echo through a cathedral built in the 1400s, to having the best meal of my life at a family-owned farm in a remote rural village, to floating through Alaskan waters surrounded by glaciers and soaring eagles — I came to understand something deeply: the best trips aren't just vacations. They're the experiences that change you. The ones you never stop talking about, even years later.
That's what I want for every single client. Not just a good trip — an epic one.
I became a certified travel advisor because I wanted to take everything I've learned and put it to work for others. Today, I specialize in cruise travel, safari adventures, luxury experiences, and fully personalized itineraries that are built around how you like to travel. No cookie-cutter packages. No hours of research on your end. Just a seamless experience from the first conversation to the moment you get home.
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A few fun facts about me...
Cruise Specialist
From river cruises to ultra-luxury ocean voyages — I know the cruise lines ships, itineraries, cabins, and excursions to book.
40+ Countries & Counting
I've traveled extensively across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and beyond — and I'm always adding to the list.
Based in Denver, CO
I live in beautiful Colorado, right next to the grandiose Rocky Mountains — but I love planning trips for clients around the world.
Lifelong Foodie
I absolutely love food, and many of my own travels revolve around my culinary adventures. I even run a local food blog and instagram called Colorado Bites.
Wine Travel Enthusiast
Napa, Willamette, Burgundy, Rioja, Mendoza — if there are vines involved, I've probably been there! I'm also WSET2 certified and constantly learning about wine.
Travel Blogger
I've been a writer much longer than I've been an advisor, so don't forget to check out my blog for first-hand destination guides and honest travel advice.
Why Work with a Travel Advisor?
Here's the honest truth about travel planning: it takes time. Time to not only book the trip, but to do the endless hours of research to make sure to book the right trip. Because while the internet has made it easier to find information, it's also put an overwhelming amount of it at your fingertips. The options are endless, the reviews are contradictory, and by the time you've spent three weekends comparing hotels and cruise itineraries — you're exhausted before you've even packed. A travel advisor should take all that stress away, both before and during your trip.
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Here's the real kicker: a travel advisor should usually cost you nothing!
With me, most planning services are entirely complimentary. How? What you may not realize is that most cruise lines, resorts, hotels, and tour companies already build advisor commissions into their pricing, meaning you usually pay the same whether you book on your own or work with an advisor. If you book directly with the travel partner, they just pocket that commission internally. But by working with me, you get the added benefit of someone to bounce ideas off of, personalized recommendations from someone who gets to know you over time, planning help beyond just your cruise booking, insider knowledge, support from someone you know and trust (whom you can call or text whenever), plus sometimes extra perks as well — all for the same price!
So the real question is why NOT work with a travel advisor.
How It Works
From first dream to final boarding pass, here's what working together looks like.
Tell Me Your Dream
Fill out a contact form, and we'll hop on a call to discuss what you're looking for. No cost, no commitments. After we chat, I'll come up with some recommendations, and we can agree on whether you want to move forward.
I Build Your Story
I'll research options that fit what you're looking for and present them to get your feedback. I'll then go back and make any changes you request, and we'll continue collaborating until you're 100% happy with every part of the itinerary!
Get It Booked
Once we've agreed on your ideal options, I'll go ahead and make all the bookings — from hotels, to cruises, to safaris, to even restaurant options. If you've opted for full trip planning, I'll also send you a digital packet with a full custom itinerary!
Just Show Up & Enjoy
Before you leave, I'll make sure everything is confirmed and you're good to go. You just show up, live the story, and make memories! I'll be available if anything comes up, as well as provide you with local contact info, but otherwise, just enjoy!
PRICING
Transparent, Simple, and Often Free
Complimentary Services
$0
For most trips, my planning services actually cost you absolutely nothing! Most travel partners build advisor commissions into their pricing — which means you are not paying any more to work with me — but get personalized planning and on-demand support from someone you trust (and maybe even additional perks ) at no extra cost.
✓ Cruises
✓ All-Inclusive Resorts
✓ Resort & Flight Packages
✓ Safaris
✓ Multi-Day Tour Packages
✓ Luxury Hotels
Custom Itinerary Planning
Per day or hourly
Want a fully curated, day-by-day custom itinerary — from restaurant reservations to activities and excursions — with unlimited rounds of feedback? We'll discuss per-day or hourly pricing based on the complexity and length of your trip.
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✓ Custom day-by-day itinerary
✓ Restaurant & activity reservations
✓ Unlimited feedback rounds
✓ Digital travel packet
✓ Per-day day-of suggestions
✓ On-trip support
What I Can Book for You
All-Inclusive Resorts
Caribbean, Mexico, Mediterranean — I'll find the right resort with the best value and perks for your group.
Hotel Stays
From luxury hotels to remote lodges — carefully chosen properties with negotiated upgrades and amenities.
Safaris
Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa — I'll find the perfect safari experience that goes beyond the guidebook.
Multi-Day Packages
Escorted tours, small group adventures, and set itineraries from the world's top operators.
Transportation
Airport transfers, private drivers, and ground transportation — so nothing is left to chance on arrival.
Tours & Excursions
Shore excursions, private guides, cooking classes, wine tours — the moments that make a trip unforgettable.
Travel Insurance
Because the unexpected happens — I'll help you find the right coverage so you travel with complete peace of mind.
Restaurants
I'll do the research based on your preferences and give you a set of recommendations to choose from.
Client Stories
"We've booked several cruises through Natalia now, and every single one has been fantastic. She has a real knack for finding the perfect ship and itinerary for us — and thinking of every minor detail. The whole process is always seamless, she's incredibly responsive, and we board every time with nothing but excitement knowing every detail has been handled. We wouldn't book a cruise any other way."
Susan S.
"Natalia helped us plan what was the perfect vacation. She came back with several Caribbean options — including resorts we never would have found on our own. She handled everything, from flights with our airline of choice, to the resort, to airport transfers. As a working professional with zero time to research and coordinate all of this myself, having someone I could trust to just make it happen was invaluable. When we're ready to book our next trip, Natalia will be the first call we make."
Bailey B.
Thousands of Partners
8,000+ partners worldwide — from boutique or luxury hotels, to safari organizers, to adventure outfitters, to the world's top cruise lines — exclusive perks, better rates, and VIP treatment you can't book on your own. Just a select few are below:
