Meet the Team
GET TO KNOW US
Tracy Nicholson, PhD
Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor
I’m Tracy Nicholson, founder of Travel Adventures
with Tracy — a luxury travel agency built on my
lifelong passion for exploring the world and helping
others do the same.
I know firsthand how precious your time off is. For
years, I spent hours planning every detail of my own
vacations — only to realize it took me three days to
actually relax once I arrived. Between work,
responsibilities, and endless choices, planning a trip
can start to feel like another job. That’s exactly why I
started this agency: to make travel effortless, luxurious,
and deeply personal.
Based in Atlanta, I specialize in cruise travel and curated
luxury experiences. My team and I design unforgettable journeys that blend expert planning with insider access and exclusive perks you won’t find online.
I’m proud to be part of FORA (X), the highest, invite-only tier within my host agency — an honor that recognizes top-performing advisors for excellence in client experience, service, and leadership in luxury travel. I have also achieved the status of Virgin Voyages Top 100 First Mate (Travel Advisor) for 2025. I've been on Good Morning America, CNN, and NBC News Birmingham sharing travel tips and experiences.
As a frequent solo traveler myself, I understand both the joy and vulnerability of exploring the world on your own. That insight shapes how I plan every trip — with empathy, confidence, and care — so you can feel supported and fully free to enjoy every moment of your adventure.
Dawn Essig, PhD
Luxury Travel Advisor
For more than 25 years, Dawn dedicated her career
to education — helping people learn, grow, and
discover new possibilities. Today, she brings that
same passion for teaching and curiosity about
the world into travel planning. Just as she once
guided students to see things from new perspectives,
she now guides travelers to experience the world
in meaningful, unforgettable ways.
To Dawn, travel is about more than just visiting new
places — it’s about understanding the history,
culture, and stories behind each destination. She
loves weaving these elements into every itinerary,
so travelers don’t just see a place — they truly
experience it.
She specializes in group travel, adventure journeys,
and luxury escapes — balancing the thrill of discovery with the
joy of relaxation. Some trips invite heart-pumping exploration:
hiking scenic trails, tasting local cuisine, and connecting with cultures.
Others offer time to unwind and be pampered in style. Her goal is always the same: to design a journey that blends adventure, connection, and comfort — tailored to each traveler’s unique style.