Justyna can recommend the amazing little café known only to locals, the most delightful wineries, the best hotels—and equally important, the ones to avoid.
When she’s not in Italy, St. Barts, Aspen, or a newly-discovered spot, Justyna is home in Chicago with her son, daughter, and pug, Chloe. She is honored to serve on the board of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Her love of travel has taken her everywhere from the African Bush to French Polynesia, and many places in-between. In each locale she visits, Justyna devotes time and effort to building warm relationships and connections. Thanks to these deep local networks, insider tips and up-to-date information are only a quick phone call or email away when working with her as your travel advisor.
In her previous career in corporate meeting planning, Justyna coordinated conferences for hundreds of attendees, several times each year. She learned the value of double-checking, triple-checking, and leaving no stone unturned. And because Justyna “sweats the small stuff,” no element of an itinerary is left to chance. Good wasn’t good enough for the corporate world, and it isn’t good enough for her clients today. She specializes in meticulous planning and “boots on the ground” information that can’t be found online.
Justyna especially enjoys planning travel for families with children. Her own son and daughter have held airline status every year of their lives, and she can share proven tips that work. With the right preparation, family travel can be a wonderful experience for everyone. Travel has shaped Justyna’s life in so many ways. Nothing makes her happier than helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences.
Which destinations/hotels do you go back to again and again? Why?
I find myself returning to Italy each summer, and making the tough choice between my favorite properties Hotel Splendido Portofino, Hotel Caruso Ravello, and Villa Sant’Andrea Taormina. To escape the cold Chicago winters, I adore the French flavor and European hospitality of St. Barts (along with the rosé-fueled lunches at Eden Rock). And there’s nothing quite like doing First Tracks with the Little Nell team in Aspen followed by the famous lunch party at Cloud Nine.
What’s your strategy to overcome jet lag?
My family takes a pharmaceutical approach. Starting three days before departure, we take melatonin at the bedtime of our destination and go to sleep an hour earlier each night. We catch an evening flight and sleep on the plane. Works every time!
Travel Tip
- Disconnect from social media while on the ground to truly enjoy the moment...you can share photos while on your flight home.
Testimonials
Justyna found us the experience of our lifetimes truffle hunting in the gorgeous mountains of Umbria. This was followed by a cooking class that featured some of the best food we've ever tasted, and after THAT a 5 course meal! The people at this restaurant were so welcoming and loving. They really treated you like family. Justyna made this possible for us. She was in constant communication with me so I never had to wonder or worry.
-Maria
Working with Justyna was an absolute pleasure. She recently planned and organized our family trip to Italy & Switzerland. While I was somewhat anxious about traveling abroad with our two small children, she helped to ease my concerns and was extremely accommodating to our specific needs. Her knowledge regarding all aspects of travel is extraordinary and the level of service we received was impeccable. We look forward to working with Justyna on many, many more trips to come!
-Kathrin
Justyna was extremely responsive and professionally impeccable. Great knowledge of hotel choices and amenities. Always ready to provide alternatives and solve problems.
-Eli
Justyna made our first family trip easy. We traveled with two kids under two. Her research was thorough and detailed. Well-traveled herself, she was relatable when it came to my inexperience and anxiety. She was accessible throughout the planning process and the trip itself. And she treats every person with kindness and respect. She is the ultimate service professional. We are looking forward to a bigger trip to Italy next summer.
-Julie
I’ve worked with Justyna multiple times on vacations and never does she disappoint. Her attention to detail is amazing and she always knows how to make my experience memorable. She is well traveled and knows exactly where to go and where to stay based on what I’m looking for. I’ve referred her to many friends and they have all had the same experience with her.
-Mary
Justyna always goes above and beyond! She is so helpful and we always arrive to a delightful surprise. She is truly amazing and I appreciate how she always pays attention to all the details!
-Meredith
Justyna did an amazing job for me and my husband. We were totally overwhelmed thinking about where to go for our holiday vacation. After engaging Justyna, she handled everything seamlessly. She suggested the location, flights, resort, and excursions and then sent over the details almost immediately. She recommended a place that was perfect for us. Upon arrival, there was even a handwritten note and a beautiful plate of fruit as a welcome. I'd use her services again in a second and highly recommend her!
-Alisha
