Based in San Jose, CA
Your Next AdventureAwaits
From breathtaking South Pacific escapes to enchanting European adventures, I handle every detail so you can focus on making memories.
She matched us to the right resort, then handled every reservation and transfer down to the last detail.
Hi, I'm Gretchen
Gretchen Ode founded Silicon Valley Travel in San Jose, California. Vincent Vacations serves as the host agency. Signature Travel Network membership grants clients amenity credits, room upgrades, and priority check-in at 1,300 hotels worldwide.
Every trip starts with one question: what do you want this trip to feel like? The answer shapes the destination, the resort, the flight route, and the pace. Ninety percent of clients book their next trip through Gretchen for the same reason.
Planning is complimentary. Travel suppliers pay a booking commission when Gretchen books your trip, so the price matches the direct-booking rate. Clients get 35+ supplier certifications, insider perks, and a direct phone line during travel at no additional cost.
Six Regions, Detailed Guides, Vetted Suppliers
Every destination on this page reflects trips Gretchen has taken personally. Every resort card links to specific rooms, flight routes, and seasonal planning notes.
Hawaii
Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island matched to your travel style. Hawaiian Airlines flies SJC to Kahului nonstop in 5 hours 20 minutes.
Tahiti and Society Islands
Bora Bora, Moorea, and Taha'a overwater bungalows. Air Tahiti Nui flies SFO to Papeete nonstop in 8 hours 15 minutes.
Fiji
Mamanuca resorts for first-timers, Yasawa outer islands for isolation. Fiji Airways flies SFO to Nadi nonstop in 10 hours 30 minutes.
Ocean Cruises
Alaska (May to September), Caribbean (December to April), Mediterranean (May to October). NCL, Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean certified.
European River Cruises
Rhine, Danube, Douro, and Rhône itineraries on Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld. Christmas market sailings sell out 12 months ahead.
Germany
Bavaria, Romantic Road, Rhine wine towns, Berlin. Lufthansa flies SFO to Frankfurt nonstop in 10 hours 45 minutes.
Not seeing your dream trip? Gretchen plans beyond this list. Send a discovery-call request →
Five Reasons Bay Area Travelers Book Through Gretchen
Booking sites hide fees, skip perks, and disappear when flights cancel at 2 a.m. A Signature Travel Network specialist changes the outcome without changing the price.
Firsthand Destination Knowledge
Gretchen has visited Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Germany, and cruised the Rhine and Danube personally. Every resort recommendation reflects a room Gretchen has inspected, not a search-result thumbnail.
Fit Before Price
A honeymoon and a multi-generation family trip need different resorts, different rooms, and different pacing. Gretchen matches the trip to the traveler before opening a booking system.
Direct Phone Line During Travel
Papeete flight cancelled at 2 a.m.? Text Gretchen at (408) 982-7127. Clients skip the 90-minute support queue and reach a real person who books the replacement flight.
Signature Network Perks at 1,300 Hotels
Signature Travel Network membership unlocks amenity credits (typically $100 to $300), room upgrades, and priority check-in at 1,300+ properties. Perks apply at the same public rate.
Written Trip Summary With Every Booking
Every itinerary ships with confirmation numbers, addresses, transfer times, dining reservations, and cancellation policies in one document. No airport surprises.
Complimentary Planning
Silicon Valley Travel charges no planning fee. Suppliers pay a commission when Gretchen books. The client price matches the direct-booking price to the dollar.
Real Trips, Named Clients, Specific Outcomes
Gretchen was awesome helping us book several of our trips. Everything was so easy and all the trips went smoothly. She took care of everything! She listened to our needs and our trips turned out perfect!
Gretchen stepped in with her trademark calm, professionalism, and deep knowledge of California. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she made sure every detail was taken care of.
Anyone considering a trip and wanting someone to handle all the details, reach out to Gretchen Ode. We highly recommend her - She is the absolute best! We had an amazing time and met so many fun people.
Four Steps from First Email to Landing Home
Every trip follows the same four phases. Clients always know where the process is and what happens next.
Step 1, Discovery Call, 30 Minutes
Gretchen learns your dates, travel party, and non-negotiables. No sales pitch, no obligation. Not every prospect is a fit, and Gretchen says so directly.
Step 2, Research and Matching, 3 to 5 Days
Two or three trip options land in your inbox with pricing, flight routes, resort names, and pros and cons. Gretchen writes the pros and cons in plain English.
Step 3, Booking and Confirmation Packet
Once you pick a direction, Gretchen books flights, hotels, transfers, and dining. One clean packet lands with every reservation number, address, and time.
Step 4, Direct Support During Travel
Gretchen stays on call while you travel. Flight change, missed connection, resort mix-up, weather delay: text (408) 982-7127 from anywhere.
Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call
Silicon Valley Travel offers a free consultation. Bring your dates, travel party, and rough destination. Gretchen answers within one business day.