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Annie Kolber

Chicago
11 Years of experience

With an unwavering commitment to personalized service across the globe, Annie aims to recreate the warm, genuine hospitality she grew up with in her family’s restaurant.

Annie spent much of her childhood accompanying her dad to work at their family’s restaurant, unknowingly absorbing the essence of hospitality. She continued this journey by studying Business at Babson and launching her career in Business Development. Armed with the tricks of the trade, she returned to Los Angeles, spending the next six years further expanding the family business.

Upon relocating to Chicago with her husband, Annie did not know she would also be embarking on a new path in her career, into the world of travel. Known among her friends as the go-to source for vacation recommendations, dining hotspots, and city exploration, she initially crafted itineraries as a hobby. It wasn’t until a family friend suggested she turn it into a full-time career that she realized her true calling.

As a travel advisor, Annie combines her passions into a remarkable career, blending her innate talent for exceptional service with the joy of introducing people to new worlds through the art of hospitality. To her, taking care of clients across the globe, thanks to her extensive network of connections, evokes the same feeling as working in her family’s business, which initially ignited her passion for this industry.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My most unforgettable travel experience was my inaugural trip to Asia, a stark contrast to my childhood trips to Greece. Tokyo and the Philippines, and the latter’s diverse destinations like Manila, Boracay, and Palawan, pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a new world of travel.

This journey exposed me to both remote, untouched locations and bustling urban hubs, reshaping how I looked at the world. It ignited a deep desire to explore even further, with destinations like the Maldives, Singapore, and Dubai always on my travel radar.

Which destinations or hotels do you go back to again and again? Why?

Since I have young children, I keep returning to properties around the globe that understand what traveling as a young family entails. There is a luxurious approach to the attentiveness of kids’ needs, which ensures that not only do my kids have an enjoyable trip, but my husband and I do as well. It’s a relief to not have to second-guess about the quality of our stay. Our family travels have taken us to special destinations like Rosewood Miramar Beach, numerous Four Seasons Resorts, and Baha Mar; they go the extra mile with dedicated children’s areas, offering amenities like children’s robes, family-friendly pools, and thoughtfully crafted kid’s menus. They’re not just kid-accommodating; they’re genuinely kid-accepting, making us always feel comfortable and at home during our getaways.

Travel Tip

  • There's always a secret packing item that can make every trip so much more enjoyable, whether it's bringing water shoes for the rocky beaches of Greece or packing tall socks for comfort while hiking the tea trails in Sri Lanka. Often these are second nature to hotels so it won't make an FAQ page; but as a travel advisor, I never skip these details and always inform my clients about the 'secret packing item' prior to their departure.