Dani Fluegeman began her journey planning trips as an ETI intern in 2018. Her internship grew into a full-time career as a Trip Coordinator, where she now organizes trips and ensures that her clients’ experiences exceed their expectations. Dani’s hobbies outside of work include knitting, listening to music and planning future trips.
After already getting to know Dani a bit in the past, we caught up with her to see what she’s been up to lately!
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned about travel OR during travel in the last year? Don’t over-plan! Some of my favorite memories on trips include small detours or spontaneous recommendations from locals. Hot tip: I like staying at Airbnbs where the host can recommend their favorite restaurants. I had the best Thai Food of my life in Moab, Utah based on my hosts recommendations—I never would have stopped there otherwise!
Where was your last trip and what was the biggest highlight?
In November, I went to Oak Island North Carolina to watch my best friends get married! The biggest highlight was, of course, the wedding (and eating at Cook Out, a North Carolina STAPLE)! Also, as an avid knitter, I always make sure to find a yarn store on vacation. Now my favorite hand knitted scarf reminds me or their very special day.
Which destination is currently perhaps a bit overlooked but, in your opinion, should be on everyone’s radar for student travel?
I’m not sure if it’s overlooked but I always love planning a trip to New Orleans! So much history, good food, and music in the city with lots of performance opportunities. New Orleans is more than a fieldtrip—it’s a formative experience!
Explain how your relationships with suppliers and destinations translate into giving students the trip of a lifetime!
The relationship we have with suppliers can lead to faster problem solving. Things happen, weather changes, transportation delays, and last-minute adjustments. Instead of students feeling disruption they feel seamless adaption.
What's your favorite book, podcast or media you've enjoyed recently?
My boyfriend and I are currently binge-watching Greys Anatomy. It’s my third time watching and it just doesn’t get old!
Courtesy of ETI.
Photo courtesy of Dani Fluegeman.
