With over a decade of experience in international travel design, operations, and lifestyle management, Richard thrives in creating exceptional leisure itineraries and providing seamless concierge support for discerning clients.

Richard is a seasoned travel expert with a deep passion for crafting extraordinary journeys and assisting clients in maximizing their world travels. His career began in Bangkok, where he honed his skills in operations while leading a tour operator specializing in travels to Asia. After five years in Thailand exploring Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures, Richard moved to Dubai to work directly with clients from all over, primarily Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. Now based in California, Richard operates under his brand, Zirimiri, an affiliate of SmartFlyer, where he tailors bespoke travel experiences and assists frequent travelers in efficiently managing their time on the road.

While Richard has a deep appreciation for hotels with exceptional design and service, his true passion for travel lies in immersing himself in the essence of a place—wandering through town and city streets to discover unique shops, charming squares, inviting cafes, and captivating stories. His curiosity and appreciation for the global cultures drive him to consistently create new and memorable experiences on behalf of his clients.

Among his most memorable trips planned include a private tall ship journey to Shark Island in Sydney Harbour for a cultural production, an Alaskan sea and sky expedition featuring a private yacht and seaplanes, a Costa Rican wildlife adventure, and an Amazing Race-inspired birthday journey through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Beyond leisure travel, Richard excels in managing complex itineraries for private and executive clients. He is also an accomplished travel photographer, with his work published in Travel and Leisure, Lonely Planet, CNN, Hodinkee, and more.

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

Thailand—specifically Bangkok—will always feel like a second home each time I return. The city stretches endlessly, with countless beautiful pockets and neighborhoods full of life, food, art, and community. It’s just as easy to find a lush green park or cycle the canopy-covered trails of Bang Krachao as it is to navigate colorful markets or catch up with friends at an amazing restaurant on the Chao Phraya riverside.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

Havana is a special city, and I was lucky enough to see The Rolling Stones perform in front of a crowd of 500,000 during an exciting time in Cuba. The show turned into a citywide party, and the week was complemented by a road trip to Trinidad on the south coast, where I scuba-dived and strolled along cobblestone streets lined with pastel-painted houses and shops.