fbpx

From planning family road trips at age eight to taking on a career as a luxury travel advisor, travel planning is in Shari’s blood.

Unofficially beginning her career in travel at the age of eight, Shari planned elaborate family vacations with her younger brother. The itineraries she constructed back then included driving in the family station wagon from New Jersey to Florida and, while the trips have changed she says, the thrill of travel has stayed the same.

Friends of Shari joke that she and her family of six are always on the move. So much so, that her friends were constantly asking for advice on where to travel, eat, and sleep. So, after twenty-five-plus years in the fields of speech pathology and special education, she decided to pursue a career in travel—officially.

Shari’s passion for planning trips, combined with her extreme attention to detail, love of research, and great organizational skills make each excursion one to remember. She prides herself on curating experiences that not only her clients love but that her family and friends can share and reflect on for years to come. For Shari, there’s simply nothing better than exploring new places and cultures with the people she cares deeply for.

What’s your most memorable travel experience?

My most memorable travel experience was a recent family vacation to Hawaii. I was with my husband and 4 kids in tow, as we visited Kauai, Maui, and The Big Island. Of course, I engaged in my typical favorite vacation activities like eating great local food, lounging by the pool or beach with a good book, exploring the islands, and checking out the spa. On this trip, however, I really stepped outside of my comfort zone (at the request of my kids) and became quite the adventurous mom! I hiked through beautiful bamboo forests and took a helicopter ride filled with unspoiled views I would not have otherwise seen. I swam through icy cold water to a gorgeous waterfall and even went night snorkeling with enormous (but gentle) manta rays. What makes these adventures truly memorable is experiencing them with my family.

What would your perfect vacation day look like?

My perfect vacation day begins by waking up early enough to go to the gym and grab breakfast, but not as early as I get up on a day-to-day basis at home. After a great workout and a delicious breakfast, I would go down to the beach to meet the captain of the boat my family and I chartered for the day. We would all get on board and set sail to explore the area by sea. Next, time to explore several beautiful spots for swimming and snorkeling and perhaps even stop at a great spot to dock and grab lunch at a local restaurant. We would then sail for a few more hours while enjoying some champagne and watching the beautiful sunset. To end my perfect day, we would go back to the hotel to prepare for a fantastic dinner, where we would reminisce about the beautiful day we all experienced together.

Travel Tip

  • Plan activities that cater to everyone's interests and actively involve your whole group in the planning process to create great shared memories and bonding moments.