A love of travel and helping others
The Kazin family, from left to right, Noah, Michelle, Bryan and Hannah in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, December 2023.
Travel agent Michelle Kazin met her husband, Bryan, in high school, even though she went to Littleton High School and he attended Regis Jesuit High School. The sweethearts dated through college; Michelle attended the University of Northern Colorado, and Bryan, the Colorado School of Mines. The couple married in 2000 and moved to Castle Pines.
After their daughter Hannah was born, the Kazin family moved to Highlands Ranch because of the recreation centers, but Michelle said, “We knew Castle Pines was where we wanted to end up again.” The family has lived in Castle Valley for seven years and made the move back when Hannah was attending Rock Canyon High School and their son Noah was attending Rocky Heights Middle School.
Michelle was a stay-at-home mom until Hannah and Noah were teens. She explained, “I really wanted to do something, but flexible and on my time. I thought about how much I love planning vacations and I love to travel. I’m organized that way. So, why not start a business?”
Michelle launched Perfectly Happy Travels five years ago. It has grown ever since, keeping Michelle busy, planning trips for people all over the world. “I planned a honeymoon for a couple in Bora Bora and it was so special. They had a wonderful time and it made me so happy,” Michelle shared.
In today’s world, many vacations are planned with online searches, apps and ChatGPT; so, it would seem travel experts would not be in demand. Michelle said, “I’m finding a lot of people don’t want to go down the rabbit hole trying to plan a trip. I completely customize every trip, and when something goes wrong, I have contacts to call for help.” Many clients find that reassuring. Does Michelle get calls sometimes at 2 a.m.? Yes, she does. “That’s part of the job,” she shared.
Bryan is an electrical engineer who has had his own business for more than 30 years.
Hannah (23) is a nurse in a transplant unit in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Noah (19) is a freshman at the University of Washington. Michelle admitted she and Bryan both work a lot, but they make travel a priority. They have trips planned to Costa Rica and Italy this year, with hopes of a trip to Japan next year.
When not working or traveling, Michelle said they love to walk the beautiful paths around Castle Pines. “It’s the perfect community for that,” Michelle concluded.
Michelle Kazin on an Alaskan cruise in June 2024. Michelle’s love of travel compelled her to become a travel agent.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Michelle Kazin
