Courtenay Wallach

Hailey Petersen — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:19:06 +0000

An enthusiasm for travel coupled with meticulous attention to detail drives Courtenay’s unwavering commitment to crafting travel experiences for each and every client.

Courtenay spent the past twenty years raising two daughters and working alongside her husband at their recruiting firm. During this time, she nurtured her interest in the hospitality space by staying in-the-know of the latest travel industry trends, sharing her knowledge with friends and family, and planning extended family trips as a hobby. During one of these adventures, when her sister’s passport had expired, Courtenay navigated the nuances of expedited passport renewal during the holidays seamlessly; her sister was only a day late to the festivities! It was then she knew she needed to make the change to become a travel advisor.

Now, Courtenay channels her passion into meticulously handling every aspect of her clients’ journeys with a thoughtful approach to planning. Whether it’s a familiar destination or an unexplored one, Courtenay dedicates herself to extensive research, ensuring she has comprehensive knowledge to curate the ultimate trip for her clients.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

For me, it’s not always about the destination, but rather the company I keep and the cherished memories we create together. That’s why the multi-generational trips I’ve shared with my family hold a special place in my heart. We take large festive trips every year as a family, visiting Israel to Aspen, we’ve ventured far and wide. These family adventures have strengthened the bonds between grandchildren, despite the distance that separates us living along the Northeast Corridor. Additionally, experiencing travel through the eyes of my children alongside my parents has been especially meaningful to me.

How do you prepare for your trips?

I like to learn about the destination before departing. I invest time in thorough research, exploring the dining options and experiences that are offered by our on the ground partners. Once I arrive, I greatly appreciate the insights shared by the knowledgeable hotel concierge teams. They not only possess valuable local expertise, but also exhibit a remarkable ‘savoir faire’ when it comes to recommendations, making them an exceptional resource.

Mackenzie Peyser

Kayla Douglas — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:51:44 +0000

Combining her passion for travel with her degree in interior architecture, Mackenzie loves to help others discover the beauty of the world.

From a young age, Mackenzie was drawn to traveling. The ancient cities, grand estates turned hotels, famous pieces of art and gorgeous gardens were a constant inspiration to her. This interest led her to get a degree in interior architecture. But during her years spent in the world of design, she kept finding herself planning travel for friends and family. Realizing she could combine both of her passions, she happily transitioned to being a travel advisor. Although she loves traveling with her own growing family, Mackenzie’s primary focus is helping couples plan unforgettable trips; honeymoons, anniversaries, and bucket list travel are full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that she curates for each couple.

Mackenzie is a proponent of slow travel, settling in and really getting to know a place rather than moving to a new location each day. For her, this kind of travel starts with selecting the perfect hotel or villa. She believes that your trip is enhanced by where you choose to call “home” while you’re away, especially if you are staying for a while. You’d be surprised how often she designs an entire trip around one particular hotel that is a perfect fit for her clients rather than around a destination.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

Without a doubt, it was waking up to an unexpected view in New Zealand. Blanket Bay was the final stop on our honeymoon and we arrived after dark. Imagine my surprise and delight when we woke up the next morning to breathtaking views from our balcony overlooking the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu with the snow-capped peaks of mountains reflected in it.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting and why?