MEET OUR ADVISORS
At Morris Columbus Travel, we prioritize helping you create the best travel experience, from planning to landing at home again. Our travel advisors have helped thousands of people in the Intermountain area and beyond craft their dream vacations. Each of our advisors has his or her own specialties, and all are experts in bringing dreams to life. Call 800-999-4646 to contact our travel advisors today!
FIND THE RIGHT ADVISOR FOR YOU
The travel advisor you work with really defines your travel-planning experience. While all of our advisors are knowledgeable, capable, and helpful, ideally you want to work with someone with whom you really connect. The travel advisor search feature is a powerful tool to help you find an advisor that meets your travel needs. All fields are optional.
Marisa Smurthwaite
msmurthwaite@morriscolumbus.com
M, T, W, Th, F
9:00am–3:00pm
Salt Lake City Office
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Viking Expert Certification
Working in the Travel Industry Since 2000
Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Land Tours, Vacation Packages, Family Travel, Small Group Travel, Solo Travel, Romantic Travel, Luxury Travel, Adventure Travel, LDS History Travel, Missionary Pickup, Wellness Travel
With over a decade of global experience and a deep passion for authentic cultural exchange, I am dedicated to curating exceptional travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. My journey in the travel industry began with Continental Airlines in 2000, where I honed my expertise in reservations and customer service. Since then, I've leveraged my personal travels and professional background to craft journeys that connect you with the heart of each destination.
Having lived abroad for eight years across France, Italy, Spain, Rwanda, Vietnam, Peru, and Japan, I offer a unique perspective on international travel. Fluent in French, Italian, and conversational in Spanish, with some key phrases in several other languages, I bring a local touch to every trip, helping you navigate language barriers and truly immerse yourself in the culture.
Travel isn’t just about the destinations—it's about the experiences. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems in remote corners of the world, indulging in culinary adventures, or connecting with locals through authentic cultural exchange, I tailor each itinerary to your passions and desires. I’m also a certified yoga instructor, which means I understand the importance of balance and mindfulness, and I incorporate these values into the journeys I create for you.
When I’m not planning your next adventure, you’ll likely find me sampling delicious street food, enjoying a hiking excursion, or savoring the flavors of an exceptional meal. If there's one thing that drives me, it’s the joy of discovering new places, cultures, and cuisines—and I can’t wait to help you do the same.
Let’s create a travel experience that not only takes you to new destinations but enriches your life with unforgettable moments.
AMA Waterways, Abercrombie & Kent, Apple Vacations, Avanti Destinations, Celebrity Cruise Line, Classic Vacations, Delta Vacations, Globus Family Brands, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Rocky Mountaineer, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Seaborn Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Windstar Luxury Cruises
Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America, UK/Ireland, Western Europe, Italy, Africa, Asia, South Pacific, New Zealand
Austria, Belize, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Caribbean, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Fiji, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the USA, Uganda, and Vietnam.
"We had never used a travel agent before and didn't know what to expect. Marisa did a fantastic job planning out a vacation based on our requests and adding her own helpful suggestions from her experience, which is exactly what we hoped working with a travel agent would bring." -Nathan R.
Review by Kathleen P.:
"Marisa Smurthwaite has a deep knowledge of culture and travel logistics. Her guidance and expertise helped us create the trip of a lifetime. One example of Marisa's attention to detail was her help in guiding us in creating experiences for our daughters in Paris. Marisa understood what was on, how to get tickets, and advised us in planning our visit. We were able to visit Notre Dame Cathedral early one morning as the bells rang. It was one of our best experiences."
WHAT DOES A TRAVEL ADVISOR DO?
In a world of Google Flights and Expedia, it’s easy to assume that the era of the travel agent has ended. While it’s true that booking travel from home has never been easier, the role of a travel advisor has only grown in importance, and wise travelers know that working with one is the best way to get the most out of your trip.
Though often used interchangeably, the terms ‘travel agent’ and ‘travel advisor’ convey different things. Our travel advisors serve our clients in an elevated capacity, helping them design the perfect trip for them. Morris Columbus travel advisors start from the ground up, helping travelers know what they want to do and where they want to go. Based on that groundwork, they remove the complexity of booking flights, accommodations, transportation, and—most importantly—experiences.
Morris Columbus Travel has been cultivating strong relationships with travel providers around the world for more than 60 years, so what does that mean for you? When you book your travel with one of our expert travel advisors, you take full advantage of those partnerships. Working with us means you have access to better rates, special promotions and amenities, and more life-changing experiences. We get you through closed doors and really
take your trip to the next level.
Our travel advisors know the travel industry inside and out, but not just because it’s what they do for a living. Every single one of our advisors has a passion for travel. They have each explored the wide world at length, which means they can provide first-hand testimonials about their favorite destinations, hotels, cruise lines, providers, and activities. Want to know the best snorkeling spots in Tahiti or Thailand’s best beaches? Our Morris Columbus travel advisors have hundreds of years of collective experience, and we’re here to help.