Specialties/My Expertise & Passion: African Safaris (20+ years), Expedition cruising, Private Jet Expeditions. Luxury Lodges. Active Vacations for the Culturious. If you want new meaningful experiences, I will help you design the perfect Bespoke itinerary.
Antarctica, Amazon, Argentina- Patagonia, Antarctica (I’ve been 5 times), Arctic Regions, Australia, Bhutan, Brazil Pantanal, Canada- Heli Hiking, Luxury Lodges in BC, Polar Bears. Chile, Cuba, Ecuador & Galapagos, Egypt, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Iceland, Japan, Lapland, New Zealand, Norway-Svalbard, Peru, Rwanda, South Pacific, Svalbard Norway, Turkey, SE Asia- Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
Expedition Cruises: Aurora, Aqua, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, Quark, Scenic
Luxury Rail: Andean Explorer, British Pullman, Britannic Explorer, Eastern &Oriental, Golden Eagle, Venice Simplon Orient Express, Royal Scotsman, Hiram Bingham
Small Cruise Expertise, focus: Private Yacht Charter, Belmond Les Bateaux, Emerald Yachts, Scenic Yachts, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
River Cruise/Barges: Amazon, European Rivers, Nile; Large Ship Cruising: Explora Journeys
Safaris: I’ve been to over 110 camps and lodges in Africa. I love Africa. Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Europe: Villas, Biking, Hiking, Custom Bespoke itineraries: Private guides/Drivers: Baltics, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, France, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, UK
How I work
I offer (2) Programs
Recommended Departures
I want to share my perspective with a more sophisticated traveler. Having a private bespoke is nice; however, in some parts of the world, the journey should be shared with like-minded travelers, bringing a more enriching experience. I have carefully selected these partners for many reasons. Some of the best places in the world are the hardest to find or travel to. The partners I work with offer creative, unique, and memorable experiences. Some of the best friendships in the world were created on these trips. $250 per person management fee; please view the Recommended Departures page for more information. * Additional planning fees may apply.
Custom Itineraries:
I welcome the opportunity to work with new clients. My process is quite easy. We start with a simple “getting acquainted” survey and a meeting to discuss your vision. During the meeting, I want to understand your expectations and share my portfolio of suppliers. If we are a fit, the next step will be our strategy to help accomplish your travel vision.
Collaboration: Working side by side through the planning process will result in an incredible first trip. Upon return from your first trip, we can discuss an invitation for an annual travel subscription to create, organize, and manage your bucket list.
Fees: Prior to your commitment, you will receive an assessment with an estimate of time. The time includes the design, planning, execution, and management of your trip. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your trip; additional fees could apply. Most planning fees start with 10 hours billed upfront from $2500 USD.
Annual Travel Subscription
Enjoy the best of the best with a concierge touch. Our affluent, discerning travelers enjoy the best of the best with a concierge touch. The plan includes designing, executing, and managing all EPIC on your bucket list. Bespoke-tailored itineraries are incredibly special and never mass-produced. All curated trips are made with a thoughtful approach that is authentic, innovative, and, most of all, memorable. We can set the right amount of time to accomplish our travel goals with your specific travel needs. Annual subscriptions from $10,000, including 40 hours of planning time, in addition to the cost of travel. Having an expert who has traveled to over 87 countries and has 35+ years of hands-on experience can save you time in planning. Enjoy a candid, direct planning approach based on your personal interests and personality.
Expertise:
The Agency focuses on Luxury and soft adventure. It guides you to the right trip through personal experience, solid industry relationships, and insider access. Enjoy the experience of expedition cruising, lodges, private jet expeditions, resorts, safaris, ultra-luxurious cruising, and private yachts. Check out my Virtuoso Travel Bio here.
I cannot do everything for all travelers; I do not work with short beach and domestic weekend getaways, Last-Minute Travel, Las Vegas, Mainstream-Mass market resorts, Disney, large and mega Ship cruising, all-inclusive resorts, or accommodations with less than a 5-star rating (unless that is the best available where you are traveling).
Loyalty Programs:
We all love earning loyalty with Credit Cards, Airlines, Hotels, and Car rentals. I understand that sometimes we want to spend those rewards we have earned. We do work on a case-by-case basis with some programs. Today, the programs are very complicated with availability, blackouts, dynamic pricing, and restrictions and can be difficult. We can advise what is best. Additional fees are applicable if we can accommodate the loyalty program on your itinerary. Ticket fees are from an extra $500 per person. *You are always welcome to book your airline tickets using loyalty awards. The agency does not accept liability; all changes, flight cancellations, or rebooking must be made directly by the client with the award redemption program or airline.
Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing travel insurance before leaving the United States. Please read your policy and review the “covered reasons to cancel” your trip. Just because you paid for an insurance policy does not mean you will automatically receive reimbursement from the insurance company; all refunds and reimbursements are up to the insurance company.
Passports: all travelers must have a valid passport with a minimum six-month validity period.
Safety abroad: Please visit the State Department website for more information on travel advisories with the country you are visiting.
Visas: Some countries require a Visa; the traveler must obtain all documents and requirements to enter a country. We recommend you contact CIBT. Many countries now require you to download an app and send your personal details to their consulate or government agency to obtain entry.
Inoculations: We recommend visiting the CDC website before booking any trip to review the health and safety requirements. The traveler must have the right inoculation requirements to enter the country on your itinerary.
Accolades and Affiliations
- Conde Nast Traveler, top travel specialist 2020-2024 (5) years
- Forbes Endorsed Agency
- Travel & Leisure A-list 2003, 2004
- Virtuoso Cruise Icon, Top Luxury Cruise, Adventure Travel Producer
- Lindblad Expedition Specialist
- (past) Advisory Board Butterfield & Robinson
- Affiliate of Travel Experts, a Virtuoso agency
- Virtuoso Member, independent consultant with Travel Experts
- Travel Institute CTA – Certified Travel Associate, LS- Lifestyle Specialist, DS- Destination Specialist – Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Galapagos, Italy