Knowing that travel is the most meaningful investment one can make in a life well lived, Mariel’s love of travel began long before it became her career.
Growing up, Mariel’s parents believed the greatest gift they could give their children was exposure to the world, investing in family trips filled with culture, adventure, and nature. Her bedtime stories weren’t fairy tales but pages from The Travels of Marco Polo, inspiring dreams of faraway places and a lifelong curiosity about the world. Today, having visited more than seventy countries across six continents, Mariel has transformed that passion for travel into a career designing extraordinary journeys for others.
As a SmartFlyer travel advisor, Mariel specializes in creating thoughtfully crafted itineraries that balance seamless logistics with meaningful experiences. She believes the most memorable trips are not necessarily the most straightforward ones, but those that challenge, inspire, and leave travelers with a deeper connection to a destination. Her own travels have taken her from remote islands in Japan to the Mount Everest Base Camp, reinforcing her appreciation for experiences that combine adventure, culture, and authenticity.
Whether planning a honeymoon, a multigenerational family journey, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, she approaches every itinerary with the same philosophy: travel is one of the most valuable investments a person can make. Mariel is passionate about helping her clients experience the world not just as visitors, but as curious travelers creating memories and stories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
My most memorable travel experience to date was gorilla trekking in Rwanda with my parents in 2026. It had been a dream of mine since childhood, and after years of traveling together and going on safaris around the world, it felt like the final piece of a shared bucket list. What made the experience so special was that it had to be earned—hiking through dense forests and immersing ourselves in the gorillas’ habitat rather than simply observing wildlife from a vehicle. Watching them interact with one another was incredibly moving; their family dynamics, curiosity, and tenderness felt remarkably human. Beyond the trekking itself, Rwanda left a lasting impression on me. It is a country that has transformed itself with extraordinary resilience, and I was struck by the kindness of its people, its sense of order, and its commitment to peace. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you return home.
Namibia is at the very top of my travel bucket list. I’m drawn to its dramatic landscapes, from the towering dunes of the Namib Desert to its rugged coastline and vast open spaces that make it feel unlike anywhere else in the world. What excites me most is the sense of remoteness and adventure; it feels less like a traditional vacation and more like an expedition. I’ve always been passionate about destinations where nature takes center stage, and Namibia seems to offer a rare combination of breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and solitude. Until a few years ago, it felt like one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, but I’ve noticed growing interest among travelers looking for experiences beyond the classic safari circuit. For me, Namibia represents an unmissable blend of adventure, beauty, and discovery, and I can’t wait to experience it for myself.
Keep up with the places that deserve more than a bookmark, but a check-in.
