Samantha’s love for planning, researching, and ultimately exploring new places blossomed into her making a career change built around creating trips tailored specifically to meet her clients’ interests.

After receiving her MBA from Stern, Samantha started her professional journey working in travel marketing for a Fortune 500 company. She worked with travel partners to develop marketing programs and through that opportunity, developed many relationships across the industry. Her unique role in “mystery shopping” some of the top hotels around the world to make sure they were appropriately servicing clients honed her attention to detail and passion for travel.

But it was after an incredible trip to the Amalfi Coast when she decided it was time to shift gears. Since she was always passionate about helping friends and family plan their trips, it seemed like a natural next step to become a travel agent! Samantha loves creating the perfect trip for her clients and no two trips are the same. She thinks first-hand knowledge of a destination is integral to her success and is continually trying to explore and expand upon her experiences. A fun fact? Samantha is also in a race against her family members to travel to all fifty states!

How do you prepare for your trips?

Before I leave for a trip, I always do my research on the destination’s weather, culture, local restaurants, and activities. And I make any reservations that I definitely want in advance. In addition, I always make a list to make sure I do not forget to pack anything which includes passports, chargers, converters, currency, etc.

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

Italy! I can go back and visit Italy every year. There is so much to see and do and eat! The main cities–Venice, Florence, and Rome–are all so different. Amalfi and Capri are two of my favorite places; staying at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, in Ravello was one of the most spectacular settings in the world. There are so many other amazing locations in Italy as well like Lake Como, Puglia, Portofino, and Forte Dei Marmi just to name a few! The list is honestly endless.