Travel Advisor
Shawna Cordonnier
Travel Advisor
Serving Greater Sacramento
Recently inspected: Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico
Specialties
My Why
Why I plan travel
After experiencing so many incredible vacations with my own family, I realized that the memories we created together were truly priceless. Those trips weren't just about the destinations—they were about laughing together, trying new things, celebrating milestones, and making memories we'll cherish forever. That inspired me to become a travel advisor. I wanted to help other families, couples, and travelers experience that same joy and create memories that would last a lifetime. Since beginning my career in the travel industry in 2007, I've been passionate about helping clients plan vacations that fit their dreams, interests, and budget while making the entire planning process as easy and stress-free as possible. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing about my clients' amazing experiences and helping them start planning their next adventure.
Approach
Planning philosophy
I believe every vacation should feel effortless from the moment you start planning until you return home. I take the time to get to know you, your travel style, your budget, and what you hope to experience so I can design a trip that's personalized just for you. My goal is to handle all the details, eliminate the stress, and create an itinerary that lets you focus on what matters most—making memories with the people you love.
Difference
The Exquisite difference
Anyone can book a trip online, but they can't replace the personalized service, experience, and peace of mind that comes with working with a dedicated travel advisor. I take the time to get to know my clients so I can recommend destinations, resorts, cruises, and experiences that truly fit their travel style, interests, and budget. Rather than spending hours comparing endless options online, my clients receive carefully selected recommendations tailored specifically to them. I also help navigate the details that online booking sites often overlook—from choosing the best accommodations and planning transportation to coordinating excursions and offering insider tips. And if something unexpected happens before or during your trip, you won't be left dealing with an automated customer service line. You'll have someone who knows your itinerary and is ready to help. For me, it's about more than booking a vacation. It's about building relationships, providing expert guidance, and giving my clients the confidence that every detail has been thoughtfully planned so they can simply relax and enjoy making memories.
In the moment
A save-the-day story
One of the most challenging situations I handled involved a family whose flights were canceled due to severe weather just days before their vacation. Instead of leaving them to spend hours on hold with airlines, I immediately began exploring alternative flight options, adjusted their transportation arrangements, and coordinated with their hotel to ensure they wouldn't lose their reservation or incur unnecessary penalties. Throughout the process, I stayed in regular contact with the family, providing updates and reassuring them that I was working on a solution. By the end of the day, I had secured new flights and adjusted the rest of their itinerary so they could still enjoy their vacation with minimal disruption. Situations like this remind me why I love being a travel advisor. My clients know they have someone in their corner who will advocate for them, solve problems, and help take the stress out of unexpected travel challenges.
Insider tip
What I tell every traveler
One recommendation I frequently share with families going to Hawaii is to base part of their stay on the west side of Oahu at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, but not spend all their time on-property. A common mistake is staying fully in resort mode the entire trip, but the real magic happens when you balance it. I always suggest building in a day early in the trip for a guided snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve before the afternoon crowds arrive, when the water is calmer and visibility is at its best. Then, instead of trying to fight traffic into Waikiki for sunset, I recommend ending one of your days up on the North Shore with a simple beach stop near Sunset Beach or Laniakea—much quieter, more local, and far more relaxed than the resort-heavy areas. This approach gives clients the best of both worlds: the convenience and family-friendly structure of Aulani, paired with the more authentic, natural beauty of Oahu that many visitors miss when they stay in one place.
