Originally from Denver, Keegan lived in Durham, North Carolina, and New York City before ultimately calling Atlanta home. His global mindset was shaped by transformative study abroad experiences in London and Greece and over twenty years of family travels to Mexico. For Keegan, travel is more than just visiting iconic landmarks or staying at world-class properties; it is a force that has shifted his perspective on the world. Experiencing diverse cultures and embracing the unfamiliar has brought him immense personal growth and joy—a gift he now strives to share with his clients.

Keegan’s corporate background at J.P. Morgan Chase and IBM honed his ability to manage high-stakes projects, navigate complex logistics, and deliver exceptional service—skills that now fuel his success in the travel industry. After thriving in a demanding corporate setting, Keegan deeply understands that his clients have limited time and mental bandwidth to dedicate to highly nuanced trip planning. He takes pride in taking the entire planning process off their plate, so his clients can focus on the best part: dreaming, anticipating, and savoring every moment of their journey. Rooted in the belief that travel should be as effortless as it is inspiring, Keegan takes immense pride in curating experiences that perfectly reflect his clients’ individual interests, lifestyles, and dreams—often sure to include a few unforgettable surprises along the way.

Having explored over forty-five countries and counting, Keegan possesses an intimate knowledge of destinations and their cultural nuances, in turn ensuring a trip’s success from conception to execution. A true people person, Keegan thrives on building relationships and surrounding himself with inspiring individuals from all walks of life—a skill that gives him a unique ability to tailor trips to every kind of traveler. Whether planning a luxury safari honeymoon in South Africa, a privately guided backpacking trip through Peru, or finding the perfect villa for an extended family in the French countryside, he settles for nothing less than bringing his clients’ exact vision to life. Keegan’s travel philosophy is rooted in precision, passion, and genuine connection.

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

Italy! What’s not to love? I’ve explored Italy on over six trips, yet each visit still feels like the first—filled with excitement and wonder. From playing in youth soccer tournaments to getting married in Capri, Italy holds a special place in my heart. There’s always something new to discover: a charming village, a hidden trattoria, or a piece of history waiting to be uncovered. The warmth of the people, the beauty of the language, the incredible food, and the depth of the culture keep drawing me back; it’s a place that never stops surprising me.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

My perfect vacation day begins the moment the pressure is off—after the major sights have been seen. It’s that freedom-filled day that follows, when there’s no itinerary, no must-see checklist, just time to truly experience the destination. I love wandering aimlessly through side streets, letting curiosity—not Google Maps—guide the way. It’s about stumbling upon a quiet piazza, browsing a local shop, or discovering a hidden café that wasn’t in any guidebook. I’ll stop for a glass of wine, sit outside, and simply take it all in—the pace of local life, snippets of conversation in another language, the subtle rhythms of a place being itself. It’s unhurried, unscripted, and all about presence. For me, that’s when travel becomes more than sightseeing; it becomes a memory and a feeling.

Coté’s passion for travel was ignited during her childhood, filled with cherished family vacations across the U.S. and Caribbean, which now inspire her dedication to family getaways, group adventures, and unique, personalized experiences. Drawing from her own rich travel experiences and impeccable standards—humbled and enriched since becoming a mom of two—Coté meticulously designs roadmaps to global destinations, ensuring that each trip exceeds expectations.

Specializing in creating bespoke itineraries tailored to her clients’ unique tastes, Coté combines high-touch hospitality with flawless precision to deliver truly exceptional journeys. Before stepping into the world of luxury travel, she cultivated a distinguished decade-plus career with a premier company, specializing in sensitive, high-end placements within senior living. This background sharpened her attention to detail and ability to curate meaningful experiences, qualities she now applies to delivering outstanding travel adventures for her discerning clients.

Through SmartFlyer’s exclusive global network of guides and insiders, Coté unlocks access to extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether it’s a meticulously planned family vacation or a spontaneous luxury escape, Coté transforms aspirations into breathtaking realities with the care and sophistication her clients deserve.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

I spent the summer before eighth grade exploring Costa Rica, embracing adventure, and appreciating the magic of immersing myself in the culture. This was my first taste of travel that would later inform my unique tastes and how I like to plan for my clients, with their itineraries ultimately being simple and seamless!

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

Recharging at beachfront retreats where I love to indulge in world-class spas, savor incredible cuisine, and explore destinations from well-known to off the beaten track —always on the lookout for inspiration for my clients.

Grant is no stranger to creating memorable client experiences. With over a decade of experience focusing on end-user satisfaction in the software industry, his meticulous attention to detail when designing trips ensures a white-glove travel experience for his global clientele. Having lived in major U.S. cities including  New York City, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale, Grant’s first-hand exposure to diverse culinary and cultural experiences continually inspires him to craft bespoke travel experiences that cater to his clients’ unique tastes and expectations. He is dedicated to ensuring every journey he crafts is seamless, from private jet charters and yacht rentals to personalized itineraries that include hidden gems and unique cultural experiences.

With an in-depth knowledge of the world’s most exclusive destinations, five-star accommodations, and elite services, Grant parlays his background in user experience to ensure every moment of travelers’ time away is well spent. As an affiliate of SmartFlyer, his agency Upgrade Travel is able to leverage decades-long, on-the-ground local relationships to ensure that no detail is overlooked or nuance not taken into account. Beyond the destination itself, Grant’s understanding of each clients’ personality and preferences sets him apart. He takes the time to learn about each traveler’s interests—whether it be fine dining, adventure sports, or wellness retreats—and tailors their trips to create unforgettable memories. With Grant’s guidance, clients not only travel the world but do so in style and comfort, knowing that every detail has been expertly finessed.

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

Amalfi Coast has an undeniable allure, and much the same as my clients who are magnetized to its charms, I find myself returning to this slice of Italian paradise often. With its striking coastline and beaches, mouth-watering seafood, and culture-rich stories shared by Italian locals, it is a place that creates memories for a lifetime. Whether learning how to make pizza and pasta in a local cooking class, spending a day on a Gozzo boat in the Gulf of Naples, or simply taking a dip in Positano Spiaggia, the relaxed Italian way of life—or lo struscio—in this region makes it a destination I crave year-round.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting? Why?

The top of my bucket list is visiting South Africa because it offers the chance to experience a dynamic blend of traditions, languages, and communities coupled with breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the scenic Garden Route, the country’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The opportunity to experience a safari in Kruger National Park is an absolute dream of mine. I am eager to see and experience the raw interactions with wildlife in their natural environment, savor the cuisine, and engage with the warm and welcoming locals.

With a long-held fascination around how humans have plotted geography on globes, Elana has always enjoyed looking at and studying maps. From crossing state lines on the Pacific Coast Highway out west to walking the old city roads of Jerusalem, she often ponders how people similarly use maps to discover new places, and in turn, connect with others. To Elana, this is also her purpose as a travel advisor.

Elana prioritizes getting to know each of her clients to seamlessly curate itineraries that are tailored to their individual preferences. As each traveler has their own distinct tastes and desires, she understands that no two trips are exactly alike. It is through her “get-to-know-you” approach and paying attention to the details that Elana has evolved into a self-proclaimed “Memory Maker.”

With three kids of her own, Elana also understands that there will never be a perfect time to travel with kids or, for that matter, aging parents. But once you make the decision to travel, she will take care of the rest! Creating travel memories with those you love creates an opportunity for personal growth and expanding horizons, reminding oneself of their deeper purpose as a person, parent, friend, and beyond. While planning for time away may not always be easy, Elana encourages you to take that leap.

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

I moved to New York City immediately after graduating college, and Manhattan will forever have my heart. Since moving away, I’ve revisited New York more times than I can count, and it still lights me up every time I return. The energy is indescribable. You can stay in TriBeCa with your family, or uptown with girlfriends and have two wholly distinct experiences. It’s the perfect romantic getaway, especially when you make time to indulge at the finest restaurants. The world renowned accommodations are countless and each has their own unique vibe. What I love most is that I can have a different experience each time I visit, just by selecting a new hotel for my stay.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

When I’m in a new destination, I love to absorb the culture of the area, but I also don’t want to overdo it! I love starting the day with a relaxing hotel breakfast. Especially if the spread is served on a patio, where I can observe local life. Then, I like to spend a half-day of touring, as I don’t want to miss out on learning about a place’s history. Afterwards, I plan some time to aimlessly wander on my own–there’s a synergy between spontaneity and presence that’s magical. When I freshen up and change for dinner, I often like to have a pre-dinner cocktail at a different nearby hotel, and then I’ll head to dinner, where I can enjoy the local cuisine. To finish my evening, I’ll walk around, see the city at night, and get back to my hotel leisurely.

Growing up in Atlanta, Wilson planned trips and traveled with her family from a young age. In college, she studied abroad in Austria which further ignited her passion for travel. Fueled by a deep curiosity to experience new places and cultures, Wilson continues to travel frequently to stay abreast of destinations both popular and off the beaten path. The variety of trips she’s taken allows her to make prime recommendations for her clients whether it is booking an Amazon River cruise aboard Aqua Expedition’s newest boutique cruise ship, where to catch the best sunset view in Santorini, or which Caribbean hotel is the best fit for your honeymoon.

Wilson listens to clients to understand their wants and needs and manages all the behind-the-scenes details to provide each client with a personalized and authentic experience. One of her favorite tips when traveling is to get restaurant recommendations from your guide or driver (and have your advisor make the reservations!) so that you can be sure to try local cuisine and dishes unique to each destination.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My honeymoon to French Polynesia was so full of unforgettable experiences: horseback riding through the pineapple fields, hiking Mount Rotui for sweeping views of Cook’s and Opunohu Bay, diving off our overwater bungalow’s private dock and so much more. I love designing client honeymoons because I know that trip will become one of their favorite lifetime memories too!

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting and why?

I have so many destinations on my bucket list and am always adding more with each trip I plan for clients. I’ve been to many countries in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean but haven’t been to Africa yet. I’m looking forward to going on a safari in South Africa with my family and then spending a week decompressing in one of the hilltop ocean-view suites with a private plunge pool at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.

Andrea traveled extensively with her family at a young age, but it was a school trip to Russia that ignited her passion for travel. With a deeply embedded curiosity around exploring unfamiliar places and experiencing new adventures, she continues to travel with her family. She brings her experience–including a degree in Marketing–to each itinerary planned for clients. Andrea is organized and detailed-oriented, saving her travelers what could be weeks worth of time when she partners with them to plan their trips. She manages all of the behind-the-scenes details that go into an unforgettable itinerary, making each trip that much more enjoyable.

Andrea loves helping travelers put their travel dreams into action, whether it’s a sunset cruise in Santorini, a private bicycle tour through the vineyards of Tuscany, or simply arranging an overnight getaway, no trip is too big or too small.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My most memorable travel experience was our family trip to Italy this past summer. There is no greater gift than experiencing a place for the first time with your children and seeing their reactions. The architecture, history, art, culture, and food left a lasting impression on all of us.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting and why?

The bucket list continues to grow daily, but on the top of the list right now are the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, and an African safari.

Paige started in the travel industry in 1996 as an event planner for Fortune 500 companies. For the next few years, she embraced the opportunity to plan and execute group travel for up to 2000 people throughout destinations such as Puerto Rico, Scandinavia, and England. After a few years, she transitioned into the hotel world working “the other side of the desk.” She loved gaining a better understanding of selling lodging and event space to the corporate client, as well as professional athletic teams.

Once Paige and her husband started a family, she switched gears, focusing on their girls while simultaneously heading up a small gardening business over the course of a seven year period. This time allowed the family to focus on their collective passion for traveling, fully believing that the best gift you can give your children is the gift of travel! From North America to the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and an unforgettable 17-day journey in Africa, Paige’s trips have only furthered her passion to assist clients in planning their own adventures.

What are your most memorable travel experiences?

Buzzing the air strips in Africa to scare off wart hog or zebra, walking through fields of shoulder height sunflowers in Tuscany, seeing the Blue footed Boobies do their mating dance in the Galapagos, swimming with the rays in Belize, skiing the peaks of Whistler in British Columbia, and riding horses to a Condor rehabilitation facility in the Andes.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

An adventure with local immersion, finished by a fabulous dinner featuring the local food and wine.

In Alison’s former life, she worked in luxury hotels with a focus on entertainment and high-end leisure guests; so, there are few requests she can’t tackle with this background! She is extremely accustomed to working with clients who expect perfection, and Alison brings that same level of attention-to-detail to all the trips she plans.  Traveling with her own two young children gives Alison great insight in to all of the nuances in planning family travel, as well.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My honeymoon in Argentina remains my best travel experience (so far!). Every moment, from Malbec tasting in Mendoza to hiking glaciers in Patagonia and learning to tango in Buenos Aires, was pure bliss.

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

Having grown up in Mandeville and Montego Bay, Jamaica, the island holds a special place in my heart! Montego Bay has always been our family’s favorite vacation spot and remains as much of a home to us as Atlanta is today. I wholeheartedly encourage my clients to fully embrace the culture of any destination they visit. There are incredible experiences waiting beyond the confines of the resort walls!

My passion for travel was planted at a very young age. I fondly remember taking summer road trips, driving East to West and North to South across the U.S., visiting family and friends, and seeing the sights along the way. Growing up in the hotel business, I spent time “helping out” in various capacities and eventually served as the hotel’s Director of Marketing, before moving to Washington, DC to pursue a Master of Business Administration. I lived and worked in DC for over a decade – traveling extensively, both for business and pleasure. My travels took me across the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. Now, living in Atlanta, I continue to plant the travel seeds with my family.

What’s your strategy to overcoming jet lag?

A lot of water, a long walk, and peppermint essential oil. The scent of peppermint is invigorating and always wakes me up.

Anne-Marie enjoyed a career as a recruiter in Atlanta and Chicago for almost 10 years. After her second child was born, she and her husband moved them back to Atlanta to be closer to their extended families. She spent the next years managing the family, volunteering, and raising her daughter and son while her husband traveled extensively with his consulting career. Every chance they got, they took time away to travel both on family adventures exploring new places with their children, and on romantic getaways by themselves.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

Some of my  most memorable experiences include: getting lost in the hills of Tuscany and eating crusty bread and pecorino in a poppy field; swimming with turtles in Waterlemon Cay on St. John, USVI; hiking through the jungle of the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Sanctuary in Belize;  wandering the art and antique markets of Clignancourt outside of Paris; and holding the capuchin monkeys in Akumal, Mexico.

What inspired you to become a travel agent?

I love research, planning, and organizing. I have used these skills to find the perfect new hire for corporations in my previous career and also in many volunteer roles planning and running non-profit functions. But what I loved the most over the years was planning and researching for our own travel. When the time was right, I decided to get back to the business world and use these talents to work with clients to craft unique, personal adventures for couples, groups of friends, and families.