Wedding Vendor Spotlight

Meet the Founders of Go For Play Vacations: A Conversation with Cedric & Crystal Owens

When travelers begin planning a meaningful journey—whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, river cruise, or a long-awaited family escape—many discover that the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one often comes down to the people guiding the experience.

At Go For Play Vacations, that guidance begins with founders Cedric and Crystal Owens, travel advisors who have spent years helping clients transform ideas into thoughtfully designed journeys across the world.

We sat down with Cedric and Crystal to talk about their story, their philosophy on travel, and how they help clients experience the world in a more intentional way.

What inspired you to start Go For Play Vacations?

Travel was part of our story long before it became our profession.

Early in our relationship, Crystal and I spent years exploring together—from road trips across the United States to international adventures in places like the Caribbean, Italy, and Dubai. Those trips became some of the most meaningful moments in our lives. They gave us time to slow down, reconnect, and experience the world in ways that daily life rarely allows.

After having our twins, we began thinking differently about time, family, and the experiences that truly matter.

We realized that travel wasn’t just about seeing new places, it was about creating moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Starting Go For Play Vacations was our way of helping others create those same kinds of experiences.

The name “Go For Play Vacations” is unique. What does it mean?

The name reflects a philosophy.

In a world where many people are constantly working, managing responsibilities, and pushing toward the next milestone, travel creates an opportunity to step outside of that cycle.

To us, “Go For Play” means choosing experiences that bring you back to life—exploring a new city, sharing a meal with loved ones, watching the sunset from a place you’ve never been before.

It’s about being present.

Travel reminds people that life is meant to be experienced, not just scheduled.

What type of travelers do you enjoy working with most?

We work with a wide range of travelers, but we’re especially drawn to people who see travel as more than just a vacation.

Many of our clients are celebrating something meaningful—honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, family reunions, or long-awaited dream trips.

Others are simply at a stage in life where they’ve realized that experiences matter more than things.

Those are the travelers who tend to connect most with the way we work.

How is working with a travel advisor different from booking a trip online?

Online booking platforms can show you options. What they can’t do is guide you.

A travel advisor brings experience, relationships, and perspective into the planning process.

Over the years, we’ve built relationships with luxury hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and destination specialists around the world. That means our clients often gain access to experiences, upgrades, and insights they simply wouldn’t find on their own.

More importantly, we help travelers avoid the common pitfalls that can turn a dream trip into a stressful one.  Things like poor itinerary pacing, missed logistics, or choosing the wrong destination for what someone actually wants to experience.

Our role is part strategist, part curator, and part advocate.

What are some common mistakes travelers make when planning international trips?

One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the complexity of international travel.

People often try to fit too many destinations into a single itinerary, which can lead to spending more time in airports and trains than actually experiencing the places they came to see.

Another common issue is choosing accommodations or tours based solely on price rather than overall experience.

Sometimes spending a little more on the right property, the right cruise line, or the right guide can transform an entire trip.

Thoughtful pacing and intentional planning make a huge difference.

What types of travel do you specialize in?

Over time, we’ve developed particular expertise in a few areas that naturally align with our clients.

These include:

• Luxury and curated international travel• Ocean and river cruises• Destination Weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and romance travel• Small group and celebration travel• International cultural experiences

Each of these allows us to create journeys that combine comfort, culture, and meaningful experiences.

What does the planning process look like when someone works with Go For Play Vacations?

Our process begins with a conversation.

We want to understand not just where someone wants to go, but why they want to go there.

From there, we design a custom travel plan that aligns with their interests, timeline, and travel style. This might include carefully selected hotels, private guides, cultural experiences, or cruise itineraries that match what they want to experience most.

Once the trip is confirmed, we continue to support our clients before and during travel so they can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about logistics.

What is one travel experience that changed your perspective on the world?

Travel has a way of reminding you how big the world is—and how connected we all are.

Some of the most meaningful moments we’ve experienced weren’t necessarily famous landmarks, but simple moments: sharing conversations with locals, discovering hidden neighborhoods, or experiencing traditions in a place far from home.

Those experiences shift the way you see the world.

And that’s something we love helping our clients experience for themselves.

What advice would you give someone preparing for an international trip?

Plan thoughtfully but leave space for discovery.

The best trips balance structure with spontaneity.

Have the key pieces of your journey organized—flights, accommodations, important experiences, but allow time to wander, explore, and let the destination surprise you.

Often the moments people remember most weren’t planned at all.

What does a truly unforgettable trip look like to you?

An unforgettable trip isn’t just about the destination.

It’s about how you feel while you’re there.

It’s the moment when everything slows down… when you’re fully present with the people you’re traveling with… when you realize you’re experiencing something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Those are the moments we design travel around.

Planning Your Next Journey

At Go For Play Vacations, every journey begins with a conversation.

If you’re ready to start planning a meaningful travel experience—whether it’s a celebration, a dream destination, or simply time away to reconnect, we’d be honored to help design the journey.

Start the conversation and let’s begin creating your next unforgettable experience.

Schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/goforplayvacations/travel-client-meeting-clone