Rising Stars: Meet Lisa Lewis of Northeast Suburbs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lewis.

Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I became a travel advisor in 2017, just as my youngest daughter Grace was finishing her sophomore year. We were homeschooling, and with only two years of school left, I was ready to start a new chapter professionally. I partnered with a Disney-focused agency at the time—our family owns Disney Vacation Club, and we’ve visited Disney so many times that helping others plan their trips felt like a natural fit. I knew I could help families make the most of their vacation investment.

Three months into launching my business, Grace was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. I continued working as an advisor, but my focus shifted to caring for her. We still traveled together—Grace loved it—and those experiences became some of our most treasured memories. Travel brings people together in such a unique way, and through everything, I came to understand just how deeply it enriches our lives.

In the summer of 2022, Grace passed away. As I navigated my grief, I found myself drawn back to the business I had started. Grace had always encouraged me, and building my travel business became a way to honor her memory and live fully. I knew she’d be cheering me on.

In 2024, I made the decision to leave the Disney-focused agency and affiliate independently with Nexion Travel Group. That move gave me access to more training, better tools, and the ability to offer my clients even greater value. Since then, my business has grown rapidly, and I’ve been so blessed to help more clients each year.

Travel is more than destinations—it’s about connection, healing, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Being part of someone’s travel experience has enriched my life, and I’m committed to ensuring every client feels supported from our first conversation to the moment they return home and share their stories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
well, no. I had to deal with Grace’s diagnosis and the impacts on my family which were extensive and to be honest we are still dealing with. In addition, in 2020 Covid wreaked havoc on the travel industry. I was fortunate as I did not have a large number of clients at the time but that year and most of 2021 was extremely difficult with changing policies and confusion among suppliers and travelers. I spent that time doing as much training as possible so I would be ready when travel came back. Although grief definitely held me back for about a year, I did still work. But I gave myself space to heal before diving in more fully in 2024.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an independent business owner, solo agent with an affiliation with Nexion Travel Group. My business, Better Travel Planning speaks to who I am as travel advisor. I want to make my clients travel better, from start to finish. As an independent affiliate with Nexion, I can offer my clients better value, perks and specials. I love that! I specialized in developing solid relationships with my clients and getting to know them well so I can anticipate their needs and intuitively offer them travel that is uniquely suited to them. When clients come to me with possible travel plans, I take the time to make sure that whatever we are discussing is something that will ensure they come home and say “That was amazing and we really have so many fantastic memories”. I am known for attention to detail, integrity (I always tell it like it is!) and being thorough. I am growing my specialty in cruising, river cruising in particular primarily due to my own interests as well as client preference. What sets me apart from others is that I am me! LOL! I am not an order taker. I partner with clients and serve best those who are wanting to have a relationship with an advisor who puts their needs first.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My relationship with Jesus Christ and my family. Everything about this life is temporary and it can all go away so quickly. Eternity matters to me and knowing I will be with those I love. Memories and experiences matter to me because they cannot be taken away, they last and give us life that no material thing can give.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bettertravelplanning.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbylisalewis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterTravelPlanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lewis-2a520714/