One of my goals this year is to be more vocal about what I do and share how I’ve transformed the way people travel. To kick things off, I thought it would be fun to give you an inside look at what it’s actually like to work with a travel advisor – through the lens of one of my closest friends, Cristina. She’s not only one of my biggest supporters but also a VIP client who has been with me since day one.

Cristina and I go way back. In college, she indulged my love of food as we tried new restaurants together, and she was always the first to say yes to an impromptu trip. I’ll never forget our first official espresso martini in Montreal at the ripe age of 19 – hah. Later, during my road warrior years, she started turning to me for travel advice, trusting my recommendations every step of the way and even referring me to everyone she knew who traveled.

We’ve truly grown together through all stages of life. From planning girls’ getaways to organizing a healing solo trip after a breakup, to adventurous days exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and most recently, planning her first family vacation with her one-year-old. Every trip we’ve worked on has been a reflection of where she’s been and where she’s headed.

When I first started dabbling in booking travel (already eight years ago!), Cristina played a huge role in my growth. She trusted me to learn and flourish, giving me the chance to dive into the ins and outs of what it truly takes to be a trusted travel advisor. What started with simple restaurant recommendations, turned into booking hotels, managing her business travel, and eventually curating more complex journeys – like a safari. She’s been instrumental in my journey, both personally and professionally, and I can’t wait to share more about what it’s really like to work with a travel advisor – through her eyes.

How has working with a travel advisor changed the way you approach travel?

Working with you has completely transformed the way I travel! You’ve taken all the stress out of planning and turned it into something I actually look forward to instead of putting off. What I love most about is how well you understand me – knowing exactly the type of destinations and hotels that should be on my radar. It makes every trip feel effortless and thoughtfully curated, like all I have to do is show up! Some of my favorite hotels you’ve introduced me to are Heckfield Place and Rosewood Hong Kong. And you’ve even converted my partner, who never realized the value of working with a travel advisor until now. He always says he can’t go back to the way he used to travel now that he’s had a taste of what it’s really like!

What surprised you the most about using a travel advisor?

How differently I’d be treated once I started booking through you! It’s truly a world of a difference when I check into a hotel and they greet me by name, surprise me with an upgrade, or leave thoughtful little touches – like sparkling water and fresh fruit, exactly how I like it! I also didn’t fully understand what VIP treatment really meant before. I remember following up multiple times with the hotel on something with no real progress, but the moment you stepped in, it was handled instantly! It’s like you have a magic wand. (well, more like direct line to management.) Oh, and how could I forget the time you curated my in-room amenity for my birthday? Somehow, you had the Upper House concierge pick out the perfect lipsticks for my palette—it was so personal and thoughtful, especially when I was traveling solo in a foreign country. That’s the kind of detail that makes every trip with you feel extra special. Plus, because you’re so deeply connected in the industry, I’ve often been able to book and stay at incredible hotels before they blow up on social media and become overcrowded (and overpriced!). That insider access alone is a total game-changer.

What’s one destination or experience you never would have thought to pursue without my help?

I always knew I wanted to go on a safari, but the process felt so daunting—when to go, how to plan, which region to choose. You made it so effortless by vetting your top safari partners, ones I probably wouldn’t have even discovered on my own. And their connections? Unmatched. I still remember the panic when we couldn’t find my brother’s vaccination card, and somehow, someway, they were going to make it work! And then there was Singita. You kept recommending it, and experiencing it was like stepping into another world—absolutely unreal. It was the perfect blend of luxury and nature, seamlessly integrated into one of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

What is your favorite travel memory to date?

My safari in Kenya and Tanzania remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Staying in stunning properties within the national reserves, along with the exceptional hospitality and warmth of the staff made every moment even more special. It was more than just a trip – it was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on me. There was something about watching wildlife day and night that completely shifted my state of mind. For the first time in years, I felt truly present – free from stress, anxiety and sleepless nights. It made me rethink how I was living day to day, and I left wanting to be more intentional about finding that sense of peace in my everyday life.

What advice would you give someone considering working with a travel advisor?

You won’t regret it. I can’t count the amount of times Wonnie has hooked me up with exclusive promotions and perks – ones I wouldn’t have access to on my own. And then there are the special experiences, like a complimentary VIP styling session at Samaritaine, that take a trip to the next level. Honestly, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to work with a travel advisor. If you’re worried about fees, she typically doesn’t charge a booking fee for hotels, and when she does charge a planning fee, it’s so worth it—especially for places I’ve never been. The level of knowledge, insight, and connections she brings is priceless, not to mention the peace of mind of knowing someone is looking out for you, handling all the details, and making sure everything runs seamlessly. And let’s not forget your sanity. It’s a relief knowing everything is planned exactly how you want it, without the stress of sorting through endless options. Plus, she just gets me—and that alone makes all the difference.

What’s one travel item you can’t travel without?

Knowing me and my love for shopping, I always pack an extra duffle bag for all the goodies I pick up along the way. Oh, and my compressible packing cubes from Monos. They keep everything organized and save space, so I can fit even more in my suitcase!

Favorite travel tip?

I loved when you hired a photographer for our trip to Venice. Those are memories I’ll cherish forever, and having beautiful photos to look back on makes it even more special.