After a life-changing cruise through Rome in 2023, Cindy Whittaker-Gist knew she had found her calling. That trip marked the launch of Get Up and Go Travel, a boutique travel agency based in Owensboro that’s now helping clients explore the world in style — without breaking the bank.
“I want to help people go wherever they dream of going,” said Whittaker-Gist, who started the company in October 2023. “That Rome cruise changed my life. I knew I wanted to become a travel agent and build something that could help others experience that, too.”
Since its inception, Get Up and Go Travel has grown from booking simple cruises and all-inclusive resorts to organizing luxury experiences and customized itineraries across the globe. Whittaker-Gist now specializes in what she calls “luxury travel without the luxury price tag” — including European river cruises, international group trips, and multi-generational vacations.
“People hear ‘luxury’ and assume it’s out of reach,” she said. “But when you start adding up all the add-ons on a cheaper cruise — drink packages, WiFi, gratuities — sometimes you could’ve spent just a little more and gotten everything included on a true luxury line like Explorer Journeys. My job is to find the right fit for how you want to travel.”
Whittaker-Gist said she starts by having clients fill out an online intake form at getupandgotravelco.com, followed by a consultation call to determine if her services are the right match. Planning fees are typically waived for basic cruises and all-inclusive resorts, though more involved itineraries may include a fee.
And while she works with travelers of all kinds — from honeymooners and babymooners to families and faith-based groups — Whittaker-Gist has a growing following for group trips she personally coordinates and attends.
“I started a Facebook group called ‘Let’s Just Go Travel,’ and we’ve gone from two people to 12 and counting,” she said. “We’ve done Italy, we’re doing Ireland next, and we have a Celebrity Cruise to Greece coming up.”
The next major trip she’s promoting is a 10-day Alaskan Land and Sea Cruise in partnership with Princess Cruise Line, scheduled for June 2–12, 2027. Full details can be found here: Alaska Trip Info.
Raised in Owensboro and the daughter of Darrell Whittaker of Whittaker Guns, Whittaker-Gist said entrepreneurship and customer service are part of her DNA.
That said, she admits social media marketing has been one of the toughest aspects of growing her brand.
“My teenage daughters are better at TikTok than I am,” she said. “I’m passionate about building authentic relationships and guiding travelers to dream-worthy destinations.
Whether it’s a group tour through Yellowstone, a luxury Greek island cruise, or a multi-generational family getaway, Whittaker-Gist said her goal is simple: “Wherever you want to go, I want to help you get there.”
Follow Get Up and Go Travel on Facebook at facebook.com/share/19xFntGkMo or visit getupandgotravelco.com to start planning your next adventure.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times