Behind the sand.
Kick off your shoes. Adventure awaits.
Planning a cruise should feel like a vacation, not a second job.
That’s the whole idea behind Barefoot and Booked. Built by a cruise-obsessed traveler who knows the thrill of adventure and the nightmare of logistics, this business was born to make your planning as smooth as the sailaway.
We focus on cruises and stress-free planning—no pressure, no pitchy sales talk, and absolutely no endless Google rabbit holes. Just a clear path to the perfect cruise, matched to your vibe, your preferences, and your schedule.
Barefoot and Booked isn’t run by a corporate script. It’s based on real experience, real recommendations, and a passion for helping travelers skip the chaos and get straight to the good part. Whether you’re a first-timer or a cruise veteran, we’ll help you find your sea legs before you even leave the dock.
Because your cruise should start the moment you start planning.
Curious what sets us apart from the sea of travel sites out there?
Meet Justin
Your travel-planning sidekick with a knack for turning "Where do I even start?" into "Why didn't I book this sooner?"
Justin Schmidt is the founder of Barefoot and Booked, a full-service leisure travel agency, and a travel advisor who believes planning should be just as enjoyable as the vacation itself.
After years of helping friends, family, and fellow travelers plan unforgettable trips, Justin turned his passion into Barefoot and Booked, a business built on straight talk, fast replies, and expert guidance. While cruises are his specialty, he also helps clients plan all-inclusive resorts, family vacations, European adventures, tropical escapes, and just about everything in between.
Based in landlocked Minnesota (go figure), Justin spends more time thinking about turquoise water than snow. Whether you're setting sail for the Caribbean, relaxing at an all-inclusive resort, exploring Europe, or planning the family vacation you've been talking about for years, he's here to make the process simple, stress-free, and genuinely enjoyable.
It’s Not Just a Booking. It’s Your Vacation.
Let’s be honest — booking travel these days feels like a part-time job.
A hundred tabs open. Conflicting reviews. Hidden fees. And somehow, you’re still not sure if you picked the right cabin. That’s where I come in.
Barefoot and Booked exists because I’ve seen too many people get burned by confusing sites, bad advice, or deals that weren’t really deals. I started this business to take the stress off your plate and bring the excitement back to vacation planning.
When you book with me, here’s what that really means:
I get to know you first — Your travel style, your preferences, what you actually care about. Then I match you to the cruise that fits.
You get access to perks and promos that most people never even hear about.
I handle the details—the transfers, the excursions, the dining reservations, the what-ifs—so you don’t have to.
I’m your go-to from the first click to the final boarding call. If anything comes up, I’m a human, not a help desk.