The word ‘ardor’ –  meaning zeal and passion – encompasses Mary’s ethos for travel planning.

Despite never having imagined a career in hospitality, Mary has always enjoyed traveling and possesses an innate talent for planning.  In her previous life, she worked in banking and mortgages before transitioning to the fashion industry, where she owned her own boutique and discovered a knack for helping clients find the perfect gift to suit their needs. As she began to consider her next chapter, a close friend suggested Mary apply her tailored approach to servicing clients to help plan their vacations.

While exploring the travel industry, Mary discovered that it combined her passions for developing personal relationships with clients, running a business, and traveling all in one. She officially made the move to becoming a travel advisor in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. For Mary, one of the most rewarding aspects of her affiliation with SmartFlyer is being a part of a wider travel community and contributing to life-changing moments. She appreciates the process of tailor-making every itinerary to her clients by truly getting to know them and anticipating their travel needs

Mary has a particular affinity for hotels, sometimes letting the hotel guide a destination choice. Her expertise lies in Europe, with a deep knowledge of Italy and Spain. However, she also loves Asia and is eager to expand her expertise in that region.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting? Why?

I’m looking forward to going to Africa, and most likely, I’ll start with a safari. I’ve wanted to visit East Africa for as long as I can remember, and I’m planning to make it happen in the next year. I’m particularly excited about seeing the wildlife, especially the gorillas in Rwanda. The idea of looking into their eyes and observing them in their natural habitat is thrilling; I’m manifesting the opportunity to see them.

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

I keep returning to Spain. I recommend folks to take a closer look; it’s family-friendly, with fantastic beaches, and the culture, the food, and the people are so welcoming. There’s something for everyone, and it’s especially great for those conscious of their budget. I know that I will spend more time there. Additionally, I’m eager to learn more about the United States, travel closer to home, and explore some of my favorites while also discovering some new spots, too.