Curated Travel Made Simple: What a Travel Advisor Really Does

Last fall, a client came to me with a simple but loaded request: “We want to do Italy differently.” Not rushed. Not packed with tourist checklists. And definitely not the same trip everyone else seems to take.

They wanted time to slow down. To feel immersed. To experience Italy in a way that felt personal and meaningful as a family.

What they didn’t see were the dozens of decisions happening quietly behind the scenes.
The conversations about pace. The local connections I leaned on. The options I ruled out just as carefully as the ones I included.

Their final itinerary included a hands-on pasta-making afternoon with a nonna in the countryside, a private boat ride to a tucked-away coastal restaurant, and accommodations chosen not just for comfort, but for how the days would feel waking up there.

That’s the part of travel I design long before you ever step on the plane.

The Real Luxury of Travel Starts Before You Leave Home

We all love the Instagram moments. . . . the sweeping views, the beautiful meals, the stunning hotels.

But the real luxury?
It’s knowing the details are handled.
It’s not wondering what comes next.
It’s feeling like the trip unfolds naturally, without effort or stress.

That’s where my work lives.

My role isn’t just to reserve the hotels. It’s to make sure your vacation feels thoughtful, well-paced, and aligned with you, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids and teens, or bringing generations together.

Why Great Trips Don’t Start with Google

You can Google “best things to do in Italy.”
What you won’t find are the quieter vineyard experiences that only host a few guests at a time . . .or the family-run villas that don’t show up on public booking sites . . . or the guides who know how to engage both grandparents and teenagers in the same afternoon.

That kind of experience doesn’t come from scrolling. It comes from intention, relationships, and experience.

Here’s a look at what actually goes into curating a trip that feels once-in-a-lifetime.

It Starts with Listening

Every trip begins with understanding how you want to travel.

Do you want to see a lot, or savor less?
Are mornings for exploring and afternoons for lingering lunches?
Is this a milestone trip, a reconnection trip, or simply time together without distractions?

I design each itinerary around what matters most to you, not what’s trending or popular.

Thoughtful Research (Not Copy-Paste Planning)

I don’t rely on crowd-sourced lists or one-size-fits-all itineraries.

Instead, I combine personal travel experience, ongoing industry training, and trusted partnerships, especially with on-the-ground experts in Europe, on cruise lines, and in destinations families love.

Every recommendation has a reason behind it.

Smart Pacing Makes All the Difference

Luxury isn’t about checking into a five-star hotel and rushing out the door.

It’s about flow.

I plan trips with balance. Pairing memorable experiences with breathing room, coordinating logistics so transitions feel easy, and making sure the trip supports connection instead of exhaustion.

Especially for families and multi-generational groups, this matters more than people realize.

Access You Can’t DIY

Some experiences simply aren’t available to the general public.

Private guides. Early-entry tours. Boutique stays that don’t advertise. Experiences designed around how you travel, not just where you go.

These are made possible through relationships I’ve spent years building and they’re a big part of why my clients’ trips feel different.

Support, From Start to Finish

Travel is full of beautiful surprises and occasionally, the unexpected.

When plans need adjusting or something changes, you’re not navigating it alone. I’m there, quietly handling the details so your vacation stays focused on what matters, being present and enjoying the experience.

The Difference Is in the Design

Anyone can piece together flights and hotels.

But a trip that feels smooth, intentional, and memorable — one that becomes part of your family’s story — takes care, creativity, and experience.

Whether you’re dreaming of Europe, a cruise designed for families and teens, a Disney vacation done thoughtfully, or a guided adventure where everything is handled for you, my goal is always the same: to make travel feel easier, more personal, and truly worth the investment.

When you’re ready to plan something beyond the ordinary, I’d love to help you bring it to life!