Client-centric and detail-oriented by nature, McKenzie is passionate about exceeding even the most discerning clients’ expectations.

From a young age, McKenzie was passionate about hotels and collecting experiences. During his childhood, he crisscrossed the globe to destinations like Myanmar, India, London, and Paris, igniting his passion for travel, fine dining, and different cultures. Before his foray into the travel industry, McKenzie excelled in the Hollywood talent agency world and Fintech Sales at Mastercard. His success in these high-pressure environments prepared him to apply his knowledge of the world and bespoke travel experiences, assisting clients in planning their own culturally immersive journeys.

McKenzie was inspired to become a luxury travel advisor after realizing that his meticulous attention to detail would align with the mission of KAX Lifestyle, an affiliate of SmartFlyer. KAX is a distinguished and esteemed travel and lifestyle advisory organization cherished by clients for its transparency, sincerity, and forging reciprocal and trustworthy relationships. KAX believes travel isn’t an article for sale; it’s a life-changing journey. While every one of us construes luxury differently, KAX’s approach permits clients to discover their true selves as they align the destination with their needs.

McKenzie splits his time between the West Village in New York City and Miami Beach. He specializes in family travel, as well as high-touch itineraries in destinations across the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia – a place near and dear to him as he lived in Hanoi, Vietnam for a year – and beyond. He has vast knowledge of the most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and within the continental US – and is well versed in all things skiing and scuba diving.

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

I keep going back to Park City, Utah because it’s a skier’s dream, especially when there is a lot of powder. You have both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort, offering a range of skiing options for all levels and abilities, along with a unique array of luxurious five-star properties – my personal favorite is the Stein Eriksen Lodge – with to-die-for spas. And, of course, there’s a vast selection of dining options!

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting? Why?

The first on my list is Uganda and Rwanda; I want to see and experience trekking with the mountain gorillas along with the breathtaking volcanoes. Japan is on my list; I want to experience Aman Tokyo, have endless Omakase experiences, and immerse myself in the art culture coupled with Tokyo’s neighborhoods and markets. And, of course, the bullet trains! After that, I would like to scout the epic skiing at Niseko Mountain.