I'm So Glad You're Here
There's a moment that changes how you see travel.
For me, I was sailing into New York in September of 2000. I was at the bow of the ship yelling "I'm King of the world" at 6am sailing past the Statue of Liberty. I took a photo of the Twin Towers, lit up in the morning sky. It was iconic, and at the same time almost felt unbelievable. Here I was across the world visiting some of the most amazing sites and I knew at that moment that I wanted to keep travelling as much as possible.
That moment didn't just give me a memory. It gave me a mission.
Welcome to the Tonim Wayfinding blog. This is a space for people who believe that travel, done thoughtfully, can change everything.
So, who am I?
I'm Alison Saunders, the founder of Tonim Wayfinding and a Melbourne based travel advisor who has built a career around helping people experience the world in a way that's meaningful, well-planned, and genuinely memorable.
I hold Princess Cruises Elite status — which means I've spent a lot of time at sea, in ports, on shore excursions, and in conversations with fellow travellers who are trying to figure out the same things you probably are: *Where should I go? How do I plan it? How do I make the most of every day?*
I'm also an NLP Master Coach, which means I bring more than logistics to the table. I understand how people make decisions, what gets in the way, and how to help you create a travel experience that aligns with what you actually want; not just what looks good in a brochure.
My tagline is "The Way Forward", and that's exactly what I want this blog to be for you.
What You'll Find Here
This isn't a blog full of generic packing lists or recycled advice you've already seen a hundred times. What you will find here is:
- Practical, honest guidance on planning cruises, holidays, and even business travel, from someone who has done it many times over and learned what works (and what doesn't)
- Port guides and destination insights written from personal experience, not travel brochures
- Tools, apps, and resources I actually use and recommend
- Perspectives on meaningful travel — how to slow down, be present, and come home changed rather than just tired
My target reader is someone who takes travel seriously. You might be a professional woman looking for a trip that restores and inspires you. You might be planning a milestone cruise with your partner. Or you might be a frequent business traveller who wants to get better at the travel side of the job. Whoever you are — this blog is written with you in mind.
Why "Wayfinding"?
A wayfinder is someone who helps you navigate unfamiliar territory — using knowledge, experience, and instinct to guide the way.
That's exactly what I aim to be for you.
Not a booking platform. Not a transaction. A trusted advisor who has done the research, made the mistakes, logged the sea days, and come back with something genuinely useful to share.
The name *Tonim* is close to my heart — it is my middle name reversed. For me it represents the journey, the direction, the forward momentum that great travel always creates.
Let's Go
If you're new here, I'd love for you to start with one of my upcoming posts on how to plan your next cruise holiday or the best tools for stress-free travel planning. And if you'd like to work with me one-on-one to plan your next trip, you can find out more about my advisory services.
I'm really glad you found your way here. Now let's find yours.
Alison
*Alison Saunders is the founder of Tonim Wayfinding, a Melbourne-based travel advisory. She holds Princess Cruises Elite status and is an NLP Master Coach. Follow her journey on [YouTube](#) and connect on [LinkedIn](#).*