Justyna Della Valle

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 husband, son, and therapy dog, 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 young son has held airline status every year of his life, 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!