Your world, curated by people who know it well
We're not a booking engine. We're the travel advisors who answer the phone, remember your preferences, and make things happen.
Why an advisor
Why use a travel advisor?
Because finding a trip is easy. Finding the right one isn't.
We shortlist for you
You don't need twenty-three hotels. You need the one or two that actually fit you.
We know the details
Which room. Which cabin. Which ship. Which location. Which tour operator.
We have relationships
Virtuoso and preferred-partner access can add value you won't find through ordinary booking channels.
We're there when plans change
Flight disruption, a change of plans, missed connection -- you have someone who already knows your trip.
We organize it all
For a complex trip, you get one itinerary that makes sense -- not a stack of confirmation emails to piece together yourself.
Why work with us
The Blackhawk difference
Virtuoso access
As a Virtuoso member agency, we open up amenities, upgrades, and perks unavailable through any other channel — on ships, at hotels, and on tours worldwide, when they're available.
A real person answers
Our team is there when it matters. No chatbots, no hold queues. Someone who knows your file and your preferences picks up.
Perks, every time
From shipboard credits to complimentary shore excursions, we almost always have something extra to add to your booking. Our clients notice the difference.
What we do
The full picture, handled for you
From the first conversation to the moment you're home, we handle the details you didn't even know to think about.
Luxury cruises
Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Explora — we know these ships. The right cabin, the right itinerary, and extras most agents can't get you.
Learn more →Destination travel
Anniversaries, milestone birthdays, bucket-list adventures. We find the places that make people say "I had no idea this existed."
Learn more →River cruises & tours
Riverside, AMAWaterways, Uniworld. Small ships, big experiences. We arrange the details so you just show up.
Learn more →Client experience
Real trips. Real reviews. 100% recommended.
★★★★★
100% of our Virtuoso reviewers recommend us.
He just gets us
"I've worked with David Andersen at Blackhawk Vacations for a few years now, and I genuinely don't know how I traveled before him. He knows what I like before I do. He catches details I would never think to ask about. And when something comes up -- because something always comes up -- it's already handled by the time I hear about it. I never feel like a transaction. I feel like a priority."
-- Le Poker, on David
He knows cruises inside and out
"Larry Klein helped us with a fabulous vacation. He knows cruises better than any travel advisor that I have ever worked with. He made sure that our cabin was located in the optimal place on the ship and assisted with all the planning. He was with us every step of the way."
-- Jeff, on Larry
We got things we couldn't have gotten ourselves
"We always enjoy working with David, especially on our last trip to the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. He contacted the hotel directly with special requests that they were able to accommodate. On arrival, we received an upgraded room. The hotel was exceptional and our stay was enhanced because we worked with David."
-- Scott, Chicago, on David
From a hotel booking to a full honeymoon
"I asked Larry to help me book a hotel. He was quick to get it booked for us, however he didn't stop there but continued to help us plan our honeymoon. He really went above and beyond our expectations. Everything was put together perfectly."
-- J & H, on Larry
He handled everything
"He's meticulous and detail-oriented in a way you don't often find -- every part of our trip was thought through, and nothing was left to chance. He anticipated things we wouldn't have even thought to ask about, and it made us feel special. We felt taken care of the entire time."
-- World Traveler, on David
Watching out for us after we booked
"We count on Larry's advice on ship and itinerary that is best for our family. He makes spot on recommendations. After we book, he watches for price drops. He keeps in contact just the right amount. We recommend him and will continue to use him."
-- Michael, on Larry
Read David's reviews on Virtuoso → Read Larry's reviews on Virtuoso →
A trip we designed
Paris, France
For travelers who wanted to see everything without exhausting themselves doing it.
What we solved: pacing · private tours vs. crowds · itinerary flexibility · trip documentation
David learned what this couple wanted out of Paris -- then recommended a few extra days so the trip had breathing room instead of a packed checklist. He steered them toward private tours of the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and Paris history instead of large group tours, saving time and adding context. Once everything was booked, they received a full itinerary booklet with hotel, tour, transportation, and ticket details in one place.
Our preferred partners
Luxury Ocean Cruising
The finest ships at sea, matched to you
Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Explora Journeys — and the expertise to know which one fits your style.
The lines we know best
Our luxury cruise partners
Not all luxury lines are the same, and not every ship suits every traveler. We've sailed them, studied them, and — more importantly — we know our clients.
Regent Seven Seas
The most all-inclusive luxury line at sea. Every excursion, every specialty restaurant, every bottle of wine — included. For travelers who want to arrive and simply enjoy, with no bill waiting at the end.
Ask about Regent →
Seabourn
Small ships, extraordinary places. Seabourn reaches ports larger vessels can't — intimate Greek isles, remote Norwegian fjords, hidden Caribbean coves. With this few guests aboard, the crew gets to know you fast.
Ask about Seabourn →
Silversea
Butler service in every suite. Silversea combines deep destination focus with genuine luxury — including expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic for travelers who want both.
Ask about Silversea →
Explora Journeys
MSC's ultra-luxury line — modern, design-forward ships with a hotel-at-sea sensibility. Exceptional dining and itineraries built around longer time in port.
Ask about Explora →
Not sure which line?
That's exactly what we're for. Tell us how you travel — active or leisurely, adventurous or refined — and we'll match you to the right ship.
Let's talk →The Virtuoso advantage
What booking with us gets you
On a luxury cruise, Virtuoso amenities routinely add $500–$1,500 in value per booking — at the cruise line's best available pricing.
Ready to sail?
Tell us about your ideal voyage
River Cruises & Tours
Slow down. See more.
Small ships, cobblestone towns, wine country mornings. River cruising is a different pace — and we think it suits a certain kind of traveler perfectly.
River cruise lines
Our river & tour partners
Riverside Luxury Cruises
All-suite ships with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios on the river, plus a dedicated butler for every stateroom — reservations, spa bookings, even unpacking, handled. Open dining and food cooked à la minute make it feel more like a boutique hotel than a cruise.
Ask about Riverside →
AMAWaterways
AMAWaterways balances genuine luxury with activity — biking, hiking, and cultural excursions alongside elegant dining. We have a dedicated booking portal for our clients.
Book AMAWaterways →
Uniworld
Every ship uniquely decorated, every meal regionally inspired, and the service exceptional. If you want to feel like you're on a private yacht floating through Burgundy, this is the one.
Ask about Uniworld →
Land tours & safaris
African safari. Private Japan itinerary. Guided Peru. We work with the best operators in each destination. We handle the logistics; you handle the memories.
Ask about tours →Popular itineraries
Where our clients are going
Let's plan your journey
Tell us where you want to go
Destinations & Special Events
The trip they'll talk about for years
Anniversaries, milestone birthdays, family reunions, bucket-list adventures. We find the places and create the moments.
What we plan
Every kind of extraordinary
Luxury hotels & resorts
Preferred status at Four Seasons, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental, and dozens more — resort credits, early check-in, amenities most guests never see, and upgrades when the hotel has them to give.
Honeymoons & anniversaries
We know which resorts deliver on romance, which suites have the best views, and how to make sure something special is waiting when you arrive.
African safaris
From Kenya's Maasai Mara to Botswana's Okavango Delta — operators who get you closer and keep camp counts intimate. Our team has firsthand experience from Tanzania and Kenya.
Villas & private rentals
Tuscany, Provence, the Amalfi Coast, Bali. A private villa changes a trip entirely. We source, vet, and book them through our preferred partners. We do not work with Airbnb.
Group travel
Family reunions, milestone birthday groups, friends trips. We handle the logistics — negotiating group rates, coordinating rooms, managing the moving parts.
Bucket-list experiences
Northern Lights in Iceland. Cherry blossoms in Kyoto. The Galápagos. Antarctica. If it's on the list, we know how to make it happen — and better than you imagined.
Our hotel partnerships
Where Virtuoso opens doors
Preferred partner status at some of the world's most celebrated hotel brands — amenities unavailable through direct booking or any OTA.
Start planning
Tell us about your trip
Exclusive Offers
Perks you won't find anywhere else
Our relationships with the world's finest travel suppliers mean our clients consistently get more — at no extra cost.
Current partnerships
Our preferred supplier network
Booking through Blackhawk Vacations gets you amenities and perks unavailable through direct booking or other agencies — upgrades noted below are on request and subject to availability.
Have a property in mind?
Ask us what we can do
Our preferred partner list goes well beyond what's shown here. If you have a specific hotel, cruise line, or tour operator in mind, ask — there's a good chance we have a relationship that benefits you.
About Blackhawk Vacations
We love travel. Creating the memories is the part we're really in it for.
We want you to come home rejuvenated and ready for your next adventure.
Our story
Built on relationships
Blackhawk Vacations was founded on a simple belief: our clients deserve a travel advisor who's actually been there. It's a small team of people who travel constantly, build real relationships with the suppliers we recommend, and pick up the phone when it matters.
As an affiliate of Coastline Travel Advisors and a Virtuoso member agency, we have access to supplier relationships and amenity programs that most agents simply don't. That access translates directly into better experiences and more value for our clients on every single booking.
We work with clients from all over the country, based on the West Coast. Luxury travel is our specialty — the kind that feels effortless because someone behind the scenes made it that way.
The team
Our people
Every advisor on our team travels — a lot. We scout destinations, stay in the hotels, and sail the ships we recommend. That firsthand knowledge is what separates us from an algorithm.
He's particularly well-versed in ocean cruising, having sailed with many of the major cruise lines. His clients appreciate that he listens first and recommends second — no upselling, no cookie-cutter packages. Just honest advice from someone who's done the homework.
Larry is a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor, which means his clients consistently receive amenities, upgrades, and perks that aren't available through other booking channels. If you want someone who will treat your trip like it matters — because it does — Larry is your person.
In their words
Real trips. Real reviews. 100% recommended.
He just gets us
"I've worked with David Andersen at Blackhawk Vacations for a few years now, and I genuinely don't know how I traveled before him. He knows what I like before I do. He catches details I would never think to ask about."
-- Le Poker, on David
He knows cruises inside and out
"Larry Klein helped us with a fabulous vacation. He knows cruises better than any travel advisor that I have ever worked with. He made sure that our cabin was located in the optimal place on the ship."
-- Jeff, on Larry
Read more client stories on our homepage →
Our affiliations
Who we're proud to work with
Our Agents are Independent Affiliates of:
Coastline Travel Advisors is a:
Travel Edge Network is a:
Travel Insurance
Because even the best-planned trips need a backup plan
We recommend travel insurance on every trip — full stop. Here's what you need to know before you buy.
We recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance at time of booking to protect their trip investment. There are a variety of policies available, depending on your needs and trip costs. Your Travel Advisor can advise on the basics of most policies and send you a policy quote.
Keep in mind there are numerous inclusions and exclusions in travel insurance policies — it is the traveler's responsibility to ensure their needs are met. For specific questions about your policy, contact the insurance provider directly; your Travel Advisor can provide their contact details.
Pre-existing condition clauses and supplier financial default clauses vary by policy and typically require you to purchase insurance soon after your initial deposit. Please notify your Travel Advisor as soon as possible if you have any pre-existing conditions. Note that pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition under most policies.
Blackhawk Vacations is not liable in cases of supplier financial default, but we rely on our professional knowledge to recommend companies we believe to be financially stable. We cannot vouch for suppliers outside our preferred partner network, including those specifically requested by the traveler.
Some insurance policies are eligible for a "Cancel For Any Reason" rider, which must be purchased within a short time of the base policy. Travel insurance policies are typically limited in emergency evacuation coverage — medical evacuation policies are recommended when traveling to extreme locations.
Please note that many credit cards restricted or cancelled their travel coverage as a result of COVID-19. Travel Advisors are not equipped to answer technical questions about travel insurance policies, nor to make comparisons with credit card coverage.
Medical-only travel insurance covers you while overseas — including treatment, hospitalization, and in most cases medical evacuation. There are specific clauses for pre-existing conditions that you should read carefully at time of purchase.
We recommend consulting your healthcare provider to understand what coverage your existing plan provides in your destinations. Our medical-only policies also include Trip Delay and Baggage Delay coverage.
Policy premiums are based on each traveler's age, starting at about $45 per person. We consider that exceptional value. See also Annual Policies below.
This is the coverage most people are looking for. It includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay, and medical coverage. Standard travel insurance includes medical travel insurance as described above.
Travel insurance covers many situations that may happen individually before or during your trip — including medical issues affecting you or a family member (even some non-traveling family members), supplier financial default (airline, cruise line, hotel), destination made uninhabitable by certain weather conditions, jury duty, and work recalls.
Standard travel insurance is not designed to cover every possible situation. Examples of things typically not covered:
- A volcanic eruption that grounds all flights between two regions for an extended period (as in 2010)
- Fear of catching an illness or disease (such as Covid-19)
- A performer cancels a show you traveled specifically to see
- Being held at a border checkpoint, or long lines that prevent you from checking in to your flight
- Border closures or government travel restrictions
The above are examples only. Coverage may vary based on policy and state of residence. If it is not listed in your policy, it is not covered. Read the policy.
You can insure as much or as little of your trip as you wish, but we recommend covering all prepaid costs and all non-refundable costs.
A Cancel For Any Reason rider allows you to cancel your trip for literally any reason. This offers maximum flexibility. There are still some restrictions, so ask questions before you purchase — and ask for this upfront. It must be purchased within a few days of initial deposit and we may be limited as to which suppliers can be used.
Almost every CFAR rider requires: it must be purchased within a short time of your first trip deposit, and you must insure all prepaid and non-refundable costs. You still receive 100% coverage for any named peril covered by the standard policy, and 50–80% coverage for any other reason (the specific percentage depends on the policy).
Occasionally we find CFAR at 100% — but there is frequently a catch, such as requiring more expensive airfare. Prior to Covid-19, fewer than 5% of all policies we arranged for clients included a CFAR rider.
If you travel multiple times per year, you may be interested in an Annual Insurance Policy. These policies typically cover all of your trips for approximately 365 days from your chosen start date. They are focused on people who take a large number of smaller trips.
Make sure to ask how much the cancellation and interruption portion covers, and whether the medical insurance is primary or secondary coverage.
Medical evacuation in most policies is subject to both cost and logistical limitations. Under most standard policies, the insurer is required to transport you to the "nearest suitable facility" — which addresses immediate care but may not be where you want to be for serious or long-term treatment.
There are situations where the closest hospital might not be the one you want for longer rehabilitation, or where you want specialists you know to be involved in your treatment. We have both short-term (single trip) and annual evacuation policies available. Just ask.
Many policies include additional benefits beyond standard coverage. If something unexpected happens while traveling — a lost passport, prescription drug replacement, a legal referral in a foreign country — most comprehensive policies include access to a 24-hour assistance call center. These services are often overlooked but genuinely valuable when something goes wrong far from home.
Some FAQs
The most frequently asked question since 2020. In general:
- If you are hospitalized for Covid-19, it is treated as a medical event — just like being hospitalized for anything else
- If you are delayed but not hospitalized, there may be coverage toward extra expenses
- Fear of catching Covid-19 or government border closures are not "Named Perils" and would likely only be covered with a Cancel For Any Reason rider
If you test positive for Covid-19, see a doctor and get proof before leaving the medical facility. A positive test without a note from the doctor may not be sufficient for a claim. IMPORTANT: If you experience a medical event where coverage is a question, contact the insurance company as soon as possible for guidance.
Supplier flexibility is a good thing — but read the fine print. Questions to ask:
- Will you receive a cash refund or a voucher?
- Does the voucher have an expiration date?
- Is the voucher with a supplier you're likely to use before it expires?
- Does it cover all other trip components — excursions, hotels, transfers, rental cars?
Here's what supplier flexibility typically doesn't cover: medical expenses while on the trip, trip interruption if something happens after departure, or a cash refund as opposed to a voucher.
This page is a general overview of travel insurance to explain what types of coverage are available. Only your insurance company can answer questions or determine whether coverage applies to your specific situation. If you have detailed questions, please ask your Travel Advisor for the customer service phone number of the insurance company. Should you choose to purchase insurance, you will be provided specific coverage information directly from the insurance company. Not all products are available in all states.
California Resident Notice
If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent, or broker, or the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline: 1-800-927-4357.
Delaware Resident Notice
The insurance coverage may duplicate existing coverage maintained by the consumer. The consumer may wish to compare the terms of existing life, health, home, and automobile policies and other sources of protection.
Get In Touch
Let's start planning
No obligation, no pressure. Just a conversation about where you want to go.
Reach us directly
We're here
9:30 am – 5:30 pm Pacific
A Virtuoso® Member Agency
An Affiliate of Travel Edge Network
A Proud Member of Ensemble
Legal
Terms, conditions & disclosures
Please read these before we begin planning your trip. If you have questions, just ask.
These terms govern all travel planning and booking services provided by Blackhawk Vacations, Inc. and its subsidiaries and divisions, including Traveling With Pride (collectively "we," "us," or "our"). By requesting travel services from any of our brands, you agree to be bound by these terms.
We are a full-service travel agency with a broad range of knowledge and preferred partnerships worldwide. Trip requests can be as detailed or minimal as you like. We typically deliver an initial proposal within 48 hours for hotel requests and within a week for custom, multi-destination itineraries. We generally do not accept air-only requests unless they are round-trip business class or higher.
Minor revisions to your itinerary are always welcomed. We will accommodate one major revision per itinerary — a complete change in destination, a significant date shift, or a full restructure after planning has begun. Additional revisions may be subject to special handling fees. We do not work with Airbnb, VRBO, or similar peer-to-peer rental platforms.
Talk to your Travel Advisor about fees at the start of your planning process. Planning fees apply to custom trips and will be communicated and agreed upon before planning begins. Fees are non-refundable but may be covered by travel insurance.
- $50–$100 per travel day for all travelers on the same itinerary
- Flight research and recommendations are included with your planning fee
- Flights booked directly with the airline: airlines will not involve us in changes
- Air Team fees: $75 per round-trip domestic, $125 per round-trip international
Bookings within 45 days of departure or complex multi-request itineraries may incur fees up to $500 per person. Non-refundable but may be covered by insurance.
Should you cancel a trip, you may incur a fee of 10% of the cancelled reservations, subject to a minimum of $500. Non-refundable but may be covered by insurance.
Quoted prices are not guaranteed until confirmed via deposit or credit card guarantee. If we do not receive final payment by the specified date, the supplier may cancel. Third-party credit cards are not accepted without written authorization.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Your Travel Advisor will advise you of each supplier's cancellation policy at time of booking. If no cancellation policy has been provided, assume the booking is non-refundable. Cancellation policies are set and enforced by the supplier — not by us. This is precisely why we always recommend travel insurance.
A valid passport is required for all travelers, valid at least six months beyond your final return flight. The name on your reservation must match your passport exactly. Securing required visas is the passenger's responsibility. US travelers should consult travel.state.gov and consider enrolling in STEP at step.state.gov.
Children require the same travel documents as adults. Single parents traveling with a minor may need a notarized consent letter from the absent parent — requirements vary by destination. Advise your Travel Advisor at the start of planning for any bookings involving unaccompanied minors, as requirements and fees vary by supplier.
Entry requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. Some countries deny entry to travelers with certain criminal histories. A visa does not guarantee entry — border agents retain final authority. Costs from denied entry are not our liability.
Cruise and packaged tour prices are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise stated. All prices are based on rates known at the time of quotation. Some suppliers add non-optional fees after purchase — we disclose these as early as possible.
Airfare is confirmed only when an e-ticket number has been generated. We are not affiliated with any airline and cannot be held liable for airline-caused disruptions. Booking through us means we can advocate on your behalf if disruptions occur.
Most airline tickets expire one year from the date of issue. Expired tickets are not refundable and cannot be reissued without purchasing a new ticket at the current fare.
It is the traveler's responsibility to review and comply with TSA and FAA guidelines before travel (tsa.gov). On certain international routes, government regulations may permit in-cabin insecticide spraying (dot.gov).
If unforeseen circumstances require changes to a confirmed itinerary, we reserve the right to vary arrangements and substitute comparable accommodations or services.
Blackhawk Vacations and its subsidiaries act as your booking agent. We are not a supplier, principal, or operator of any travel service, and are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, or negligence of any supplier, nor for any personal injury, death, property damage, or financial loss resulting from supplier actions or failures.
Our liability for any claim arising from services we provide is limited to the fees you paid us in the twelve months prior to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind.
We are not liable for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by events beyond our reasonable control — including acts of God, severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, war, civil unrest, terrorism, strikes, labor disputes, or mechanical failures. Refunds are subject to each supplier's policies. This is precisely why we always recommend travel insurance.
We recommend travel insurance on every trip. Please see our Insurance page for a full overview of coverage types.
All content on this site is owned by or licensed to Blackhawk Vacations, Inc. and its subsidiaries and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any content for commercial purposes without prior written consent. You may not use automated tools to access or monitor this site, or introduce harmful code of any kind. Links to third-party sites are provided as a convenience — we are not responsible for their content. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any part of this site at any time.
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any dispute must be filed within one year of the date the claim arose, exclusively in the state or federal courts of Orange County, California. Class-action lawsuits and class-wide arbitration are not permitted. If you have a concern, we'd genuinely prefer you call us first — most things are easier to fix with a conversation.
If you provide your mobile phone number, you consent to receive text messages from us related to your bookings, travel updates, and occasional relevant offers. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account, keeping client money on deposit separate from operating funds.
Legal
Privacy policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
This Privacy Policy applies to Blackhawk Vacations, Inc. and its subsidiaries and divisions, including Traveling With Pride (collectively "we," "us," or "our"), across all points of interaction. Clients who book through both brands are covered by this single policy. By using our sites or engaging our services, you consent to this policy.
Browsing our website requires no personal information. When you ask us to plan or book travel, we collect name, address, email, phone, payment information, passport details, loyalty numbers, and other travel-related data necessary to deliver those services.
We love seeing client vacation photos. We save photos you share with us but do not share them with anyone, and do not use them for promotional purposes unless you have specifically agreed in writing.
We do not actively collect automatic data. Our website provider or social media platforms may collect IP addresses, search terms, and pages visited. We may use Google Analytics. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
We don't do it. No current plans to start.
We share limited personal information with airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, and other providers for services you have requested. Our host agencies (Travel Edge and Coastline Travel Advisors) and Virtuoso also see limited information as required to support your bookings. We do not sell or lease personal information.
We take reasonable measures to protect the personal information you share with us. No internet transmission is completely secure. If you have concerns about transmitting sensitive information, please call us at (949) 369-8500.
We retain personal information as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations. Travel booking records are typically retained for a minimum of seven years. To request deletion, contact us at Info@BlackhawkVacations.com.
If you provide your mobile number, you consent to receive SMS messages from us related to your bookings and travel services. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
Blackhawk Vacations and its subsidiaries do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes. California residents have the right to request information about data we have collected and to request deletion. Contact us at Info@BlackhawkVacations.com or (949) 369-8500.
California residents may request a list of all third parties to whom we disclosed personally identifiable information for direct marketing purposes in the preceding year: Virtuoso, Travel Edge, Coastline Travel Advisors, Travefy, Travel Joy, and any supplier with whom we obtained a quote or made a booking on your behalf.
Email: Info@BlackhawkVacations.com
Phone: (949) 369-8500
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