From a young age, Sariah has been passionate about immersing herself in different cultures and experiences.

Sariah was born and raised in the Philippines and grew up traveling the islands often. Thanks to her father, her love for discovery, adventure, and culture started at an early age. Moving to the United States during her teenage years only ignited Sariah’s wanderlust. This love for travel continued into her adulthood as she traveled extensively around the Americas, Asia, and Europe, seeking the best of each destination. Her favorite moments while traveling have come from connecting with locals and immersing herself in the culture through food and language.

Prior to turning her love of travel planning professionally, she had a 15-year career in finance working in global financial institutions, and mergers and acquisitions. And after years of being the go-to resource for travel and restaurant recommendations for her friends and family, she decided to use her first-hand knowledge from her travels and turn her passion into a career.

Sariah’s love for travel and business resulted in her founding Rhone and Thames Travel Co. (named after her two sons), an affiliate of SmartFlyer. RTT creates bespoke itineraries for all travelers seeking to elevate their travel experience. When planning travel for others, her mission is for her clients to feel an unforgettable connection to their destination, creating opportunities for her clients to have that moment of pure joy–a core memory that lasts a lifetime.

Which destinations do you go back to again and again?

Italy has a special place in my heart! I remember visiting for the first time and coming home wanting to be Italian. I started learning Italian the second I got home and have continued to master the language ten years later. The people, the food, the culture, the wine, the landscape–I love it all, and I keep going back for more. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a haven, and I’d like to live there.

Paris, Tokyo, and New York City are also big-time faves. I’m a city girl through and through. These cities make my heart happy. The food is phenomenal. The shopping is excellent. The art scene is exciting. The history is rich. The transportation is easy to navigate (yes–even Tokyo!). The 7th arr is to Omotesando is to West Village–all are lovely neighborhoods to explore. For tropical, Palawan. There’s no place like home.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting next?

There are so many on the list! My top three would be East or South Africa for a life-changing safari, New Zealand for the stunning landscape and endless adventure, and Peru for the culture, historic sites, and culinary delights.