Are you getting inspired for your summer vacation? So far I’ve shared cruise options and a variety of all-inclusive resorts, from a dude ranch, to beach fitness in the Caribbean, and a Southern California Zen retreat.
Although these options are wonderful, maybe you are craving more? Whether it’s you and your significant other or your entire extended family, there’s nothing like exploring new countries and cultures with your favorite people. Planning an entire trip from start to finish, within a foreign country, while trying to meet the needs of each person in the group, and trying to sort through the endless information online - can be extremely overwhelming.
I can help! One of my favorite types of trips - both to plan and also to experience for myself personally - are customized global itineraries. I’m not talking about your “off-the-shelf, boxed vacations”, I’m talking about a highly personalized trip based on what you and your travel companions enjoy most.
Scroll to the bottom of the post to see custom itineraries I designed for some very special clients!
Although these options are wonderful, maybe you are craving more? Whether it’s you and your significant other or your entire extended family, there’s nothing like exploring new countries and cultures with your favorite people. Planning an entire trip from start to finish, within a foreign country, while trying to meet the needs of each person in the group, and trying to sort through the endless information online - can be extremely overwhelming.
I can help! One of my favorite types of trips - both to plan and also to experience for myself personally - are customized global itineraries. I’m not talking about your “off-the-shelf, boxed vacations”, I’m talking about a highly personalized trip based on what you and your travel companions enjoy most.
Scroll to the bottom of the post to see custom itineraries I designed for some very special clients!
Step 1: the consultation
It all starts with a consultation call. This call is conversational as I ask a variety of questions including why you chose the destination in mind, (or if you have not chosen a destination - what it is that you are looking for). Is this your first visit to the country or are you looking for a deeper connection on a return trip? Who’s coming along? What are your favorite activities? What’s important to you?...and a wide range of other open-ended queries. My goal is to listen and really understand what would make your vacation unforgettable.
Step 2: research & build the itinerary
Once I get a good sense of who you are and what you enjoy, I select the best travel partners in each destination to help me craft the perfect trip-perfect for YOU that is!
I research hotels which are the ideal fit for you, whether you prefer boutique properties that reflect the beauty of the country you’re visiting or you’re more comfortable with a well-known chain hotel where you know exactly what to expect every time.
I mix in authentic local experiences that tie into your special interests. Perhaps you would enjoy a city walking tour to explore the local architecture, or take a trip back in time during a historian-led tour of the sites. For those looking to truly connect with the local people, I would love to set up a visit to a tribal village where you can share a meal and swap stories. Maybe you like to give back to the local community? There are a host of non-profit and NGO projects in each country who would love to share their work with you and to which you can contribute your time and skills. Curating itineraries which showcase the culture and allow you to interact with the people of a country is my way of showing you how we are all similar despite our differences.
I also assist with the logistics that are crucial for a successful trip - including flights, transfers from the airport to the hotel or cruise terminal, transportation, etc.
Through my research and planning, I work to piece everything together from start to finish - with a focus on incorporating whatever brings you the most joy.
I research hotels which are the ideal fit for you, whether you prefer boutique properties that reflect the beauty of the country you’re visiting or you’re more comfortable with a well-known chain hotel where you know exactly what to expect every time.
I mix in authentic local experiences that tie into your special interests. Perhaps you would enjoy a city walking tour to explore the local architecture, or take a trip back in time during a historian-led tour of the sites. For those looking to truly connect with the local people, I would love to set up a visit to a tribal village where you can share a meal and swap stories. Maybe you like to give back to the local community? There are a host of non-profit and NGO projects in each country who would love to share their work with you and to which you can contribute your time and skills. Curating itineraries which showcase the culture and allow you to interact with the people of a country is my way of showing you how we are all similar despite our differences.
I also assist with the logistics that are crucial for a successful trip - including flights, transfers from the airport to the hotel or cruise terminal, transportation, etc.
Through my research and planning, I work to piece everything together from start to finish - with a focus on incorporating whatever brings you the most joy.
Step 3: Let's review
I may review several iterations of the itinerary with my travel partners on the back end before you even see the first draft! My technical background makes me very detail-oriented and I have to say I’m somewhat of a perfectionist. I want to ensure what I propose is perfect for you and that you will have the time of your life!
Once you receive the first draft, you and I will discuss what I’ve proposed and make any changes necessary.
Once you receive the first draft, you and I will discuss what I’ve proposed and make any changes necessary.
Step 4: It's go time
Once we agree on the final itinerary, I will confirm all the components and ensure every detail is attended to. I will provide you with everything you need prior to your departure, and I will continue to communicate with my contacts in each country while you are abroad, to ensure everything is flowing smoothly.
Step 5: Let's recap
Once you return, we will have a follow-up conversation to discuss what you loved and what you weren’t so thrilled about. This allows me to continue to hone in on your preferences and further customize your next trip.
My goal is to understand each client to the point that I know exactly what they would enjoy and can anticipate their needs. This also allows me to be on the lookout for specific experiences and promotions that would be perfect for particular clients!
My goal is to understand each client to the point that I know exactly what they would enjoy and can anticipate their needs. This also allows me to be on the lookout for specific experiences and promotions that would be perfect for particular clients!
What is an "experience design fee"?
Each trip includes an Experience Design Fee*. This fee varies based on size of your group and allows me to focus specifically on creating the best experiences for you.
Not only am I saving you endless hours of research, I am also taking the guesswork and stress out of where to go, how to get there, when to go, and what to do when you arrive. I also spend as much time as I'm able exploring the world on my own so I can speak from personal experience and guide you to the best fit for you and your family.
You will also enjoy piece of mind knowing I am monitoring your travel from start to finish, and available to step in if anything goes awry.
Finally, I leverage my Virtuoso affiliation and the relationships I’ve built with the best of the best in the travel industry to provide an elevated travel experience with VIP amenities and unpretentious luxury. I want you to be pampered and treated like royalty, so you can focus on enjoying the journey!
*Visit the "working with us" page to view pricing details
Not only am I saving you endless hours of research, I am also taking the guesswork and stress out of where to go, how to get there, when to go, and what to do when you arrive. I also spend as much time as I'm able exploring the world on my own so I can speak from personal experience and guide you to the best fit for you and your family.
You will also enjoy piece of mind knowing I am monitoring your travel from start to finish, and available to step in if anything goes awry.
Finally, I leverage my Virtuoso affiliation and the relationships I’ve built with the best of the best in the travel industry to provide an elevated travel experience with VIP amenities and unpretentious luxury. I want you to be pampered and treated like royalty, so you can focus on enjoying the journey!
*Visit the "working with us" page to view pricing details
Sample itineraries
Here’s a sampling of the itineraries I’ve put together for my clients. I hope it gets you inspired to plan your own adventure with me!
Italy and Spain With Teens
This culturally-aware family wanted to revisit Italy on the way to an in-depth tour of Spain with their teenage daughter and son. During the consultation, I discovered that the parents love the arts and had requested a tour of the Murano glass blowing factory, the “boys” wanted to see a soccer game and their daughter was a fan of literature.
This culturally-aware family wanted to revisit Italy on the way to an in-depth tour of Spain with their teenage daughter and son. During the consultation, I discovered that the parents love the arts and had requested a tour of the Murano glass blowing factory, the “boys” wanted to see a soccer game and their daughter was a fan of literature.
Given that both parents have their hands full with this tribe in addition to running a busy medical practice to boot, I wanted to ensure that they had the opportunity to truly relax and be well taken care of. Everything from private transfers, luggage porters, and private guides was arranged in advance so this couple could focus on having fun with their kids. They are also foodies, so reservations at Michelin starred restaurants were sprinkled in with a private sunset gondola ride on the Grand Canal, complete with Prosecco and authentic Venetian appetizers, a private wine tasting in the Valpolicella region and even a visit to Juliet’s balcony in Verona. In Spain, along with a customized tour highlighting each region (Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada and Barcelona) , a well-known Flamenco performance, a tapas tasting tour, and a private tour of the Dali museum, I was able to get them much-coveted tickets to the Barcelona vs. Valencia soccer match during their stay in Barcelona!
Morocco with Adult Daughters
This well-traveled family of 4 came to me looking for a way to spend summer break together. With two physician parents and their now-grown daughters busy with their own crazy schedules, syncing time together was a precious commodity for them.
The challenge lies in dad's and older daughter's preference for luxury vs. mom's and younger daughter's preference to trade in luxurious accommodations for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The itinerary was designed to meet both sides of the spectrum, to provide everyone with a trip of a lifetime.
This well-traveled family of 4 came to me looking for a way to spend summer break together. With two physician parents and their now-grown daughters busy with their own crazy schedules, syncing time together was a precious commodity for them.
The challenge lies in dad's and older daughter's preference for luxury vs. mom's and younger daughter's preference to trade in luxurious accommodations for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The itinerary was designed to meet both sides of the spectrum, to provide everyone with a trip of a lifetime.
Their itinerary included the highlights: a private, guided walk through the medina of Marrakech and the medieval city + UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fes, to name a few. I added stays at the most stunning riads, a private shopping excursion with a local designer, a special hammam experience and what they loved the most- a luxury tented overnight stay in the Sahara desert, where they climbed the dunes to watch the incredible sunset, enjoyed a traditional Berber meal prepared especially for them, rode camels and explored the desert ruins by 4X4! Let’s not forget the phenomenal lunch stop at Richard Branson’s new Kasbah Tamadot in the High Atlas Mountains as icing on this multi-faceted cake!
Thailand for the holidays
This tech executive and his travel-savvy family have been exploring the world together since their boys were little. With dad on the road much of the year, the Christmas holidays seemed to be one of the few times when they could all escape together.
They came to me with a customized Thailand request. With only a week and so many options of places to explore within the country, we settled on where the parents hadn’t been: Chiang Mai for some cultural immersion and Ko Samui for some beach fun.
Since the mom and I share a love of beautiful hotels, finding the perfect accommodations was a joy! I recommended Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai- an iconic resort modeled after a traditional Thai village- and the contemporary Banyan Tree Samui for their beach escape.
This tech executive and his travel-savvy family have been exploring the world together since their boys were little. With dad on the road much of the year, the Christmas holidays seemed to be one of the few times when they could all escape together.
They came to me with a customized Thailand request. With only a week and so many options of places to explore within the country, we settled on where the parents hadn’t been: Chiang Mai for some cultural immersion and Ko Samui for some beach fun.
Since the mom and I share a love of beautiful hotels, finding the perfect accommodations was a joy! I recommended Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai- an iconic resort modeled after a traditional Thai village- and the contemporary Banyan Tree Samui for their beach escape.
This crew enjoys their down time and favors an easy pace, but they also love learning about the culture and taking part in local experiences, while sprinkling in some active adventure. We mixed in temple visits and tours of the night markets with days lounging by the pool and time for spa treatments (even their pre-teen and teen sons get in on the spa action!) Other activities included a special hike through lush forest and waterfalls to one of the most sacred temples in the area, a visit to an elephant sanctuary where they learned all about these magnificent animals, feeding and interacting with them, and they also had the option to wake up early and offer alms to the monks and receive a special blessing. In Koh Samui, I arranged a full day private exploration by boat of Angthong National Marine park to snorkel and explore caves and rock formations. This Thailand adventure was the perfect blend of culture and relaxation, allowing this young family to savor quality time away from their otherwise hectic lives.
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