A foodie at heart, Maureen’s passion for cuisine has led her to delectable meals everywhere from the Amalfi Coast to the beaches of St. Barth’s.

In her previous life, travel for business afforded Maureen the opportunity to see places that opened her eyes to endless possibilities. Soon enough, she was completely bitten by the travel bug, taking her family on vacations inspired by her work. As she continued planning her own extensive itineraries, friends caught on and began seeking her expert guidance. It was then that Maureen decided to take a chance and pivot from her business in the catering world to take on another part of the hospitality space as a travel advisor.

A decade of managing her own company prior to her career change provided Maureen the tools to appreciate that attention-to-detail makes all the difference. As a travel consultant with SmartFlyer, her determination and network of support ensure that her clients experience authentic and unforgettable experiences, no matter where in the world they go. Maureen has an eye for crafting customized itineraries, specializing in family vacations, honeymoons, romantic getaways, and small group trips.

What destination keeps you coming back?

Although I prefer to visit new places, Italy has drawn me back in on numerous occasions. There is so much life and character there, each city so different but so spectacular. The culture and history throughout the country is extremely diverse, really allowing visitors not only to experience the landmarks but the hidden gems as well. Everything about Italy is so warm and welcoming, as if the people themselves are not strangers, but an extended family! And it goes without saying that the food is incredible, including the access to local markets with farm fresh ingredients. And don’t even get me started on the gelato!

Where are you looking forward to visiting and why?

I love adventurous destinations that are rich in culture, so I feel drawn to Morocco. Plus, the history there is so vast, it makes me feel as if visiting would be like traveling through a history book. But whether it’s Marrakech or another spot on my bucket-list, I love the idea of being transported to a place that is so different than Brooklyn where I was born, raised, and currently live.