Our mission is to help you get the most out of your next vacation.

We know your time is precious, and what you spend on your vacation is an investment.

That’s why we put our all into crafting travel experiences that go (way!) above and beyond for you. We maximize your budget, minimize your stress, and help you make the most of every single moment you get to enjoy away.

Vacation better,
with House of Travel

Hi, I’m Melissa Engel!

Owner of House of Travel

I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by travel my whole life. My mom, Mary Jo Klinkhammer, has been a travel advisor working with House of Travel for 45+ years, and I grew up “shadowing” her whenever I could. In fact, she bought House of Travel in 2001, and that’s around the time I got my professional start in travel too—my first job at HoT was filing client invoices!

Eventually, I traded in that tedious task and began designing travel experiences as a part of the House of Travel team. In 2022, in a full-circle moment, I bought House of Travel from my mom and stepped into the role of agency owner.

Today, I’m proud of all that House of Travel stands for.

We’re a family-owned business—and we’re lucky that that “family” has extended to the longtime, repeat clients who’ve been with us for years.

We’re a woman-owned business, and it thrills me that my own daughter (welcomed in 2024!) will grow up in the same can-do environment I did.

And, we’ve built incredible relationships over the decades with travel partners we trust—in practically every corner of the globe.

Client Trust & Care,

But what I’m most proud of is how House of Travel treats our clients, whether they’re brand new or returning for their 30th trip.

My team and I work hard everyday to deliver exceptional travel experiences that make the most of our clients’ vacation investment. We don’t send you to properties we wouldn’t be thrilled to stay in ourselves, and we respond quickly—and with a smile!—to all of your questions or special requests.

Always

In short, if you’re not just looking to get a vacation booked, but you’re seeking a partner to take care of you from beginning to end … House of Travel is it.

So welcome home.

LET'S START PLANNING

A Few of My Favorite ADVENTURES

Get to know Melissa

Curacao

One of my most favorite islands!

05. BERMUDA

The pink sands were *chef’s kiss*.

04. Maui, Hawaii

I left a piece of my heart here through the culture and the people.

03. IRELAND

Give me a Guiness and the rolling green hills of the Emerald Isle!

02. Spain

I loved my summer spent living in Spain, from Madrid to Salamanca to Barcelona to Valencia.

01. Explore our travel services now:

House of Travel is where your dreams take flight—no matter how big your dreams may be, or where in the world they take you. Discover the difference working with our expert team can make to your next vacation.