Travel has always been in my blood. Not only have I been fortunate enough explore a variety of locations around the world, I also grew up in Morocco and Paris before moving to the US more than 33 years ago, giving me extensive knowledge of the areas.

I have been in the travel industry since 1985, specializing in Europe, Morocco, Israel, South Pacific, Asia, as well as multi-generational and LGTB travel. I always look at travel as a new adventure, whether flying to Chicago for the weekend, or going on an elaborate trip across New Zealand; and I still love discovering new places, meeting new people, and revisiting old friends in far-flung places. With extensive contacts all over the world, I am able to easily facilitate and create exceptional adventures for my clients.

Since childhood I have been fascinated with maps, globes and learning about the world’s fascinating cultures. I began working in the travel industry in 1986 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have worked in various capacities, including operations, sales and planning. I worked at Abercrombie & Kent for many years and planned the Marco Polo invitation only tours from 2007-11. I now work for Best Travel Gold, a Virtuoso agency, planning group tours and tours created especially for women.

Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively. I love the excitement of arriving into a country and knowing that my life and my outlook will never be the same after I’ve experienced what the country has to offer. I love learning about new books I want to read and new recipes I want to try. My favorite travel quote is “Life is a book and if you don’t travel you only read one page”.

I have been a travel advisor for 25 years. I love to travel myself and try to immerse myself in the local culture of whatever destination I am in. I enjoy the food and wines of the countries I visit and I am currently on the Saveur Magazine Travel Advisory Board. River Cruising is a new interest and has proved to be a fantastic way to see some of the smaller cities of Europe. I have been on many ocean cruises as well. I have worked in the Luxury Division of Best Travel and now Direct Travel Luxe for the past 14 years. Direct Travel Luxe is the private division of Direct Travel. We work on exclusive experiences for travelers and work by referral only.

I am a 16-year professional in the concierge travel industry serving private member luxury and ultra-high-net worth clients. My specialty is in creating bespoke travel experiences that examine the entire travel program from the essential requirements to the personal interests of each traveler and deliver something that is ultimately meaningful. Additionally, my passion for fine dining and culinary regions allows me to regularly fold in that knowledge into my travel programs.

I have been in the travel industry for many years. I was in the airline industry at a young age and was bitten by the travel bug! I like adventure travel along with big city culture. Every place has a redeeming quality. I love music from old rock and roll to Opera and Symphony. I have traveled to all 7 continents. I have lived in Australia and Japan. I am proud that I have explored so much of the world and cannot wait to discover even more!

I started globetrotting over 20 years ago. It was this love of travel that eventually led me to become a travel consultant. I started my international travels with my own friends and family, which provided me with personal experience in the trials and tribulations of travel. My travels have taken me to many places, and yet I still believe I have so much more to see. Being able to share these experiences with my clients is what makes my job so exciting. I specialize in exotic dream vacations, cruises, tour arrangements, cultural events, restaurant recommendations, and ground transportation options. I love making challenging arrangements, from private bicycling tours of Asia, to walking tours of Italy, to art tours in Paris.

I am a world-traveled advisor who spent most of my childhood growing up in Latin America. Today, I spend most of my adult life travelling between family in Australia, New Zealand and my laughter-filled flat in San Francisco. A former officer in the merchant marine and a gourmet caterer, I now live, breathe and drink fine wine while plotting what is next in the world of international adventures, escapades, and extravaganzas for both myself and my clients. My travels have brought me to six continents and 38 countries.

My passion is travel. It’s what I have loved to do since I was introduced to it in high school with a trip to Austria to live with a family through an exchange program. I attended Wells College in Aurora, NY and during my junior year, I spent a semester going to a college in Heidelberg, Germany. My career in travel began just after graduating from college with a position in Operations with a luxury tour company. From there I became a retail travel advisor and have been involved in that aspect of the industry for over 35 years.

My travels have taken me all over the world through Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the U.S. and Far East and even Antarctica. I enjoy cruising and have cruised on all of the well-known luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises along with premium lines such as Holland America and Oceania. I have also experienced river cruising in Europe with both Tauck and Uniworld on the Rhine, Danube and Rhone Rivers. African safaris are another favorite journey. There is nothing in the world like sitting in solitude and seeing a pride of lions lazing in the sun just an arm’s length away! Custom itineraries are also something I really enjoy creating. The research for the perfect bespoke trip with maps, insider access, hotel descriptions, etc. can keep me occupied for hours.
In addition to a college education, I have earned my CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) through the Travel Institute, the education arm of the travel industry. In addition I have several Destination Specialist certifications for Africa, Europe and the South Pacific. Since 2003 I have been named as one of Travel + Leisure’s A-List of Top Travel Super Agents. I have been quoted in several magazines and newspapers over the years including Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel + Leisure, Wall Street Journal, Ft. Myers Newspress, E Bella Magazine and the Naples Daily News

I have been travelling and sending satisfied clients on incredible journeys all over the world for over twenty years. I am passionate about travel and my BA degree in History and Political Science reflects my lifelong interest in experiencing the places where much of the world’s history has unfolded.

I have attained the Certified Travel Counselor CTC designationas well as a Destination DS designation for Western Europe, the South Pacific and France. I have been recognized by National Geographic Magazine as one of the
top travel experts and have been designated by Travel and Leisure Magazine A List of Top Travel Super Agents for the past eleven years.

I have traveled extensively to most parts of the world
including: Europe, Africa, Middle East, South America, Asia and India. I specialize in World Cruises, Private Jet programs and luxury small ship cruising and family celebrations as well as creating innovative private custom itineraries. I have been fortunate to have sailed the world on all of the major
luxury cruise lines as well as having experienced in depth worldwide land programs. My travels have enabled me to stay in and visit some of the worlds historic and iconic hotels. I have a continued interest in visiting new destinations, learning their history and culture and in my role as travel consultant, translating this expertise into assisting clients in fulfilling their travel dreams. And when not travellling myself, as a travel advisor, I can travel vicarously on the wonderful journey I help plan for my clients.

Specializing in multi-generational travel, I come to the industry passionate about bringing people together, crafting finely detailed personalized journeys, and involving clients so they may discover the adventure, beauty, food, culture and traditions of people and places around the globe.

I have a long history of community volunteer leadership and developed and owned several successful businesses, including a regionally-recognized textile design company. I have a love for theatre and the arts, Japanese and Chinese cultures, and ancestral genealogy.

Certified Tauck Specialist, Regent & Silversea Cruises Specialist

With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, I’ve been around the world (literally) and heading back again and again in search of the Best-of-the-Best!

Although I have spent a a very good deal of my career traveling to Europe and around North America, these days I’m concentrating on destinations much further afield. Southeast Asia is a true favorite of mine, but my heart is currently in South America – Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and most recently Brazil.

Luxury hotels offering a high level of service are a passion of mine, and I pride myself on being able to match just the right experience with my client’s needs. Nothing but the Best-of-the-Best will do for my clients!

Are you looking to follow a well trodden route or go off the beaten path? Either way I’m here to offer my expertise to ensure you have an amazing travel experience to last in your memories for a lifetime!

2017 took me to London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Mexico, Baltics cruise, Puerto Rico, St. Barth, Vail ski area, Ariuba, Myanmar, Thailand and San Diego. 2018 is already off to a great start – Palm Springs, Brazil, Argentina, Slovenia, Croatia, Northern Italy and back to Mexico.

Where will I be next? Be sure to follow me on social media as Atelier Escapes on Facebook, and Instagram.

My favorite motto is: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. Join me as I craft that Memorable Journey created just for you. Having traveled extensively around the world from Europe to Africa to Asia to Hawaii, I cannot wait to discover a new corner of the world. I am a certified South Africa FUNDI specialist as well as a Hawaii certified specialist. From cruises to custom designed itineraries, we can build your memories together. With 28 years of experience in the travel business, my strength comes from forging strong alliances with hotel managers, plus cruise and tour company sales representatives. My clients are recognized as VIPs.

I always had a love for travel. I began my career as a Tour Guide at Shannon Airport, Ireland. My clients were mostly  American Tourists on short stop over visits. Places visited: Bunratty Castle, Mediaeval Banquets; Dunguire Castle; Galway Bay and County Clare area.

I haven’t always been in the travel industry but I have always loved to travel. I would consider myself an adventure traveler. I love vacations devoted to a specific theme or to places “off the beaten track” Since it can be more difficult to visit these places on my own, I partner with the destination expertise of top tour operators like Tauck, A&K, and Travcoa who have the best professional guides!

I enjoy traveling with small groups of people who share similar interests. As someone who prefers stimulating activities, I loved my East African and Tanzania safari with Micato Tours, my hike to Machu Picchu with A&K, and the rainforests of Costa Rica with Rico Tours. I often engage in more intellectual pursuits like studying Asian culture and was fascinated by my visit to Cambodia and Vietnam. I just returned from Northern India in May 2012 and I stayed at the Taj Palaces. Now that was amazing beauty and service! I know my LUST for travel is contagious and I take the planning of my client’s vacations very seriously.

Because I have so many contacts in the travel industry, I can often get my clients upgraded and complimentary breakfast at select 5 star hotels. If privileged access is your dream, I have introduced clients through my sources to Prince Charles of England and the Count and Countess de Vanssay of France! Let me help you make your travel dreams come true! Industry Certifications: CTA, ACC

It has been said that the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. The experiences travel has afforded me have broadened my viewpoints and uncovered passions. As a hair designer for over 10 years, travel has been invaluable in cultivating my portfolio of skills inspired by the colors and textures of different cultures. Now, as a part of Direct Travel Luxe, I can assist you and your family in curating itineraries that enrich your life and inspire your spirit.

I believe in the wonder of discovery and the ability travel has to transform our perspective and beliefs on life. I love discovering how the locals live and exist beyond the pages of any vacation brochures.

Travel is immensely personal and I strive to build my client relationships on trust, credibility, and accountability. You contract me to help guide you through all of the noise and clutter that is the online travel world. You will gain access to my personal travel experience but the network of support and experience of my agency and colleagues. We leverage our relationships with air, accommodation, and tour partners for your best interests and benefit. My goal is for you to return from your trip and say “Ron, we could not have enjoyed a trip like that with out your guidance. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!”

I began my love of travel very young when my family would take their own boat to the Bahamas each summer. We would cross the Gulf Stream and keep our eyes on the islands to appear in the sunrise. And they always did! Over the last 20 years I have been lucky enough to cover the globe a few times over. Some of my favorite experiences include: going on safari in South Africa with my daughter, dining in Hong Kong harbor on a private yacht, waking up to a winter blizzard in Bern, Switzerland; and witnessing “earth soup” at the majestic falls of Milford Sound, New Zealand.

I want to help you take a journey and connect you to the world outside of yours. The goal is to allow my clients to be enriched by the traditions and rituals of other cultures and be amazed by the connections we all share.

Whether your passion be the beauty of art and architecture, epicurean delights or the exploration of the world’s most hidden treasures, I hope to help you discover the best the planet has to offer.

I began my travel career in the 1980’s in Switzerland while working with a tour operator. Following my return to the US I spent five years with a major American airline. I relocated to Chicago from North Carolina to work as a consultant preparing executives and their families for international relocation. During this time I continued to develop my travel career by building a clientele that places a high value on professionalism and expertise. Having owned a travel agency for 10 successful years, I am now fortunate to be working with one of the top travel firms in North America. I am thrilled to bring our outstanding vendor relationships and industry knowledge to servicing our clients!

I’m a career sales person with a huge love of travel (my Mom says I was born with a handle attached, always ready to go anywhere, any time!)

Some of my travel highligths have included an extensive tour through East Africa including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and more; Australia; New Zealand; the Galapagos; Israel; Ireland; Germany; Czech Republic; Bermuda and Key West, as well as studies in Florence. I’m also a devoted fan of Disney and have visited Walt Disney Resort in Florida seven times; cruised with Disney to Alaska and the Caribbean; and graduated from the travel agents’ Disney College of Knowledge.

If, like me, you have a passion for travel, please contact me and I’d love to help you plan that very special trip!

After a background in Education, I sought out a new career path which is both fascinating and rewarding. I have since been able to travel the United States and the world. Every place I have visited has enhanced my knowledge of the culture and led me to unique locations. This has allowed me to provide in depth service to all my clients.

Even from the time I was a young child, traveling has always been a passion of mine. Whether it was my family’s annual road trip from Illinois to Florida during spring break or my first time out of the country to visit grandparents wintering in Mexico, I have always regarded traveling as exciting and exhilarating.

During my career as an international treasury consultant I was given the opportunity to live in London and travel extensively throughout Europe and the United States. With my family, my travels have continued as I have made numerous trips to various islands in the Caribbean including St. Thomas, St. John and Turks & Caicos as well as to various countries in Europe.

Having worked closely with Direct Travel for my own personal travel needs over the years, I know the level of professional service expected of Virtuoso clients. In addition, knowing how much travel has enhanced my life and that of my family, I am dedicated to providing the same satisfying and exciting experiences for my clients so that they will accrue similar priceless memories.

What I truly enjoy, and love bringing to life for my clients, are those trips focused on individual, intimate couple or family vacations to the Caribbean and Mexico, Europe, Africa and South America with interests of health and wellness journeys, adventure expeditions, and historical and multicultural experiences—as well as restful beach retreats!