Combining refined taste with meticulous attention to detail, Natasha creates elevated travel experiences that are seamless, personal, and unforgettable.

Natasha’s passion for travel was planted at a young age. She spent much of her life exploring different parts of the world with her family, and her love and curiosity for different cultures later led her to live in Sydney, Boston, Los Angeles, and Mexico City at various points in her life and studies. These experiences further shaped her global perspective and appreciation for meaningful travel. What excites Natasha about her work most is developing firsthand knowledge of a destination and sharing that feeling with her clients through thoughtfully designed journeys.

With a background in international business and an eye for even the smallest details, Natasha specializes in curating bespoke, elevated travel experiences. Whether it’s witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland, experiencing the history and wonder of Egypt, a wellness escape in Bali, an unforgettable safari journey through East Africa, or a summer in Europe, she believes the most memorable trips are the ones that create genuine connection. Known for her polished aesthetic and highly personalized approach, Natasha collaborates closely with trusted hospitality partners worldwide to deliver exceptional service and tailored recommendations to every client.

Before becoming a resident of Chicago’s North Shore over a decade ago, Patricia grew up in Mexico. Her multicultural background helped her develop a deep appreciation for different cuisines, languages, traditions, and ways of experiencing the world. But it was her love for food, hospitality, and discovering new places that naturally led her to a career in travel advising. Before becoming a travel advisor in 2023, Patricia spent years planning trips for friends and family, always enjoying the process of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others.

Today, she combines that passion with a thoughtful, highly personalized approach to planning travel on behalf of her clients. Having traveled to more than thirty countries, Patricia believes the best recommendations come from firsthand experience. She enjoys helping clients discover destinations in ways that match their personal interests, whether through exceptional culinary experiences, cultural immersion, or seamless family vacations. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Patricia is known for her excellent communication, warm personality, attentive listening skills, and ability to truly understand what her clients value most. For Patricia, travel is never just about where you go—it is about how each experience makes you feel long after you return home.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

Climbing the Great Wall of China in Beijing has been my most memorable travel experience. As I made my way up the steep, uneven steps, I was struck by a deep sense of awe—the Wall seemed to stretch endlessly across the mountains, disappearing into the horizon. It felt like I wasn’t just hiking, but stepping through history with every move. The physical challenge made it even more meaningful; each tower I reached revealed a new breathtaking view and a reminder of the scale and ambition behind it. Standing there, surrounded by centuries of history and sweeping landscapes, I felt grateful, humbled, and inspired.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

A perfect vacation day for me combines discovery, movement, and authentic local experiences. I love starting the day by learning something new—whether it’s exploring a historical site, visiting a museum, or learning about a place’s culture through a guided tour. I like to pair that with a physical activity, such as walking through a city, hiking scenic landscapes, or even biking, so I can fully immerse myself in the surroundings. To end the day, nothing beats unwinding at a local restaurant, enjoying regional cuisine, and soaking in the atmosphere. For me, that balance of learning, activity, and connection to local culture makes a day truly unforgettable.

Valentina’s background in art and her deep appreciation of culture and travel were the guiding lights in her discovery that planning travel could be a career. As a travel advisor, she fuels her belief that every destination can be experienced through a curated narrative of aesthetics, emotion, and discovery. Her personal and professional experiences living everywhere from Italy to Mexico have given her a deeply intuitive understanding of place. She has built a career centered on designing travel that feels both authentic and personal.

Knowing that a memorable trip is defined by emotion, detail, and connection, Valentina creates journeys where beauty and intention coexist, and each moment feels considered yet effortless. Her personal travel style is guided by curiosity and a strong aesthetic sensibility. This approach directly informs the recommendations she provides to clients, leading her to curate immersive, culturally rich, and elevated travel experiences.

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

A destination she would always return to is Tuscany, a place that feels breathtaking in every sense. She is drawn to its landscapes, rolling hills, rich history, and deep cultural heritage, all of which create a timeless sense of beauty and grounding. Tuscany also offers an exceptional selection of refined hotels and private villas, making it ideal for both relaxation and immersion. For her, it is a destination that perfectly balances stillness and discovery, suited for those who wish to unwind while also experiencing the richness of place.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

My most memorable travel experience is a road trip through Iceland with my family. We rented a car and drove across the entire country, discovering landscapes that felt almost otherworldly, raw, vast, and endlessly dramatic. For me, the experience captured a sense of freedom and connection, both to nature and to shared moments with family. Iceland remains, to me, the definition of true luxury in travel: the simplicity of the road, the silence of the landscapes, and the privilege of experiencing such untouched beauty.

A fifteen-year career building strategic partnerships in the tech industry informs Maggie’s passion with the skill to deliver a detail-oriented, client-focused approach to travel. She seamlessly translates complex planning into thoughtful, personalized experiences. Maggie’s love of travel—and approach to trip planning—was born from many international trips with her parents when her favorite childhood game was “playing travel agent.”

Those formative experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the power of exploring new places to create lasting family memories—something she now prioritizes in her own life with her four young children. Maggie has traveled extensively across Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. Some of her most unforgettable journeys include exploring Machu Picchu with her mother, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and basking in the wonders of the Taj Mahal.

Today, her perspective is further enriched by experiencing the world alongside her children, giving her an instinctive understanding of how to design journeys that feel both seamless and deeply considered for clients at every stage of life. She approaches each itinerary with a discerning eye, crafting journeys that feel effortless—whether it is a romantic escape for couples, a young family adventure, or multi-generational travelers seeking exceptional experiences.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting? Why?

I’m especially looking forward to experiencing Japan during cherry blossom season, returning to Africa for safari — this time with my children — and continuing to explore Europe more deeply, from the Greek islands to lesser-known corners of Italy, along with favorite Caribbean destinations.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

My perfect vacation day starts slowly, with coffee and a view, followed by time spent exploring — whether that’s wandering a local town or being out on the water. When traveling with my family, it’s that balance of adventure and ease that makes the day feel special. A relaxed lunch leads into an easy afternoon by the pool or beach, and the day ends with a great dinner, good energy, and everyone happily exhausted.

Living and working across Europe, the U.S., and Brazil attuned Aline to the different paces and perspectives around the world. Over the course of her life, Aline has moved cross-continent twelve times with three kids and a dog. This experience has given her a global perspective, first-hand knowledge, and deep cultural understanding that informs every single itinerary she curates. For almost two decades she has been designing personalized travel experiences for friends and families who value exceptional service, world-class cuisine, meaningful experiences, and authentic local immersion.

With a specialization in wellness and foodie destinations, family luxury travel, and romantic escapes, Aline believes that the most memorable trips are those that foster connection, inspire discovery, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Aline is meticulous in her attention to detail ensuring that travel is seamless and stress free, managing every element from start to finish. She believes that exceptional service is not just about what you experience, but how it makes you feel both during the journey and long after you return home.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

The St. Regis in Punta Mita really ticked all the boxes for my family on a recent trip. It’s a stunning, somewhat still untouched destination, that combines understated luxury, utter relaxation and wellness, exceptional service, a wide breadth of experiences for adults and children and superb local cuisine. Privately tucked within a protected expanse of untouched rainforest, the hotel feels more like a sanctuary than the typical glitzy resort. The architecture blends into the environment and the facilities, rooms, butler service, and amenities signal a retreat into refined seclusion. Attention to detail and personalized service are carefully weaved into your stay. Every experience within the resort reinforces connection to the environment without sacrificing comfort.

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

The Hamptons, Jackson Hole, Ireland, and Puglia and Sicily in Italy, hold a special place in my heart. I believe that what all of these places have in common, besides their natural beauty and connection to nature, is how they make me feel while visiting them. These are true wellness sanctuaries offering a variety of experiences and superb hotels and resorts for the entire family.

Nicole’s approach to travel planning was shaped by organizing her own honeymoon to South Africa. She front-loaded the trip with rest and relaxation in the Winelands. Then, high energy thrill for Cape Town’s mountain hikes and shark dives. She capped it all off with the grand finale: tracking the Big Five in Kruger. Nicole now specializes in this kind of artful balance. Weaving an itinerary that blended cultural immersion, adventure, and sophistication felt like solving a complex puzzle and as a result, she developed a sharp eye for detail and the desire to uncover a destination fully.

Drawing on her tenure as an executive assistant at a luxury hotel group, Nicole brings a natural knack for organization. Her unique perspective on style and service is applied to every itinerary she crafts on behalf of clients. She thrives when partnering with clients to tailor journeys that reflect their personal tastes and vision. Her goal is for every client to return home feeling enriched, in turn, carrying indelible memories that last far beyond the flight home.

When she isn’t scouting new destinations around the globe, Nicole can be found enjoying life in Ridgefield, Connecticut with her husband and their two children, or exploring nearby New York City and coastal New England.

How do you prepare for your trips?

Research, but make it count. While Google and social media can provide plenty of inspiration, there is a lot of noise to weed through. I like to look beyond the ‘top ten’ lists in search of the truly unique. I collaborate with fellow advisors to gather different points of view. Then I coordinate with my trusted local partners to ensure I have the most up-to-date recommendations with top-notch drivers and guides. Never underestimate how much the quality of the people you surround yourself with can impact your trip. P.S. I also love a good destination-inspired Pinterest packing board!

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

Renting a car upon arriving in Italy and learning what a huge mistake it was to be navigating a new country while jet lagged! Long before I became a travel advisor, my husband and I decided to self-drive from the airport in Rome to our romantic Tuscan retreat in Montepulciano. We don’t speak a word of Italian and our directions were vague at best. We ended up driving through a pedestrian-only area, nearly barreling down a staircase into a crowd full of people, and found ourselves sweating it out while reversing down a one-way street with a steep cliff alongside us. What an incredibly stressful way to start the trip! We laugh about it now, but trust me when I advise you to take that private transfer on arrival!

Sarah began her career in high-end events and wedding planning before transitioning into the luxury hospitality sector—this experience gave her the ability to anticipate needs, streamline the planning process, and make every trip feel equally effortless and magical. She draws inspiration from her own travels. Sarah fondly recalls driving through Sardinia, discovering charming small towns, savoring homemade gelato, and hopping from beach to beach to swim in turquoise waters. Those little moments are what Sarah is passionate about creating for clients, informed by her depth of industry knowledge.

While living in London, she joined a boutique hotel investment firm specializing in acquisitions and asset management of luxury full-service and lifestyle hotels. It was here that she developed a passion for hotel design and hospitality and an eye for the features that can elevate a stay from ordinary to exceptional.

Adding to her deep knowledge of the travel industry, Sarah earned a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University, graduating with honors. From there, she began her career as a Guest Relations Manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and later joined Cheval Blanc St. Barth. Sarah’s time working in management roles at top luxury properties translates into indispensable knowledge she applies when planning her clients’ travel.

Sarah’s years of hospitality experience, fluency in French, and deep familiarity with favorite destinations, brings a well-rounded perspective to her role as a SmartFlyer Travel Advisor.

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

Europe and its endless possibilities. Being French makes traveling through France easy, and even though I grew up there, I love going on roadtrips through Champagne, Normandy, Bordeaux and Provence. Of course London and Paris are always fun to go back to because there is always a new restaurant, hotel or speakeasy to discover, but also because both cities feel like home. Italy and its incredible variety of regional cuisines all are so unique, but Sardinia is my favorite! I love the simplicity and character of it. The beaches and landscapes are breathtaking, and the locals will make you want to go back again and again.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

My most recent memorable travel experience was embarking on my very first cruise, as someone who wasn’t sold on the idea. My husband and I went on an Explora Journeys cruise through the Caribbean. Each day, we woke up in a new destination. Each location was stunning, but it is the level of excellence onboard the magnificent ship that wowed us the most. It was intimate, never felt crowded, the staff was above and beyond incredible, and the culinary offerings were exceptional! It felt like a five-star hotel on the water. It was the most relaxing and peaceful vacation we had in a long time. A week after being back, we booked another Explora Journeys sailing and invited family and friends to join us.

Teresa built Gallivant to deliver extraordinary, seamless travel experiences for executives and families who are deliberate about how they experience the world, in turn, enriching their lives through discovery and connection. With Teresa’s team of destination and concierge experts, she crafts detailed and refined itineraries based on the custom needs of each client.

Growing up in rural Kentucky, Teresa dreamed of seeing Paris. Today, she has traveled to over fifty countries spanning Europe, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Oceania, South America, and North America alongside her family. Teresa parenting philosophy has always been guided by immersing her children in this awe-inspiring world. As a former biotech executive balancing a demanding career, Teresa understands firsthand the challenge of finding travel and lifestyle support that truly reflects a family’s needs, dynamic personalities, and pace.

As a result, she founded Gallivant in 2016 with the belief that discerning travelers deserved more. Her highly personalized approach is grounded in relationships cultivated worldwide over more than a decade—the kind that unlock a chef’s private kitchen, a historian’s personal archive, or a local’s genuine welcome.

Teresa weaves these moments quietly and purposefully into every journey. Shaped by her Southern warmth and hospitality, Teresa ensures the planning and travel experience is both effortless and inspirational for her clients—never transactional. Known for her discretion and ability to anticipate needs before they are expressed, she serves not simply as a travel advisor, but as a trusted partner advocating on behalf of her clients experience the world.

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

I love revisiting hotels that make me feel truly at home in the world — Brown’s Hotel in London, J.K. Place in Paris, Villa des Orangers in Marrakech and the Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina. With their cozy bars and warm, personal service, I could spend days at each while exploring some of my favorite places.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

Without question, my most memorable experience was being guided through Angkor Wat in the late 1990s, when it was still remarkably difficult to reach. Our guide — a poised young scholar of Khmer culture who had lost his parents during the Khmer Rouge era — left me humbled and awestruck.

Her love for travel began before Caroline could even walk, earning her wings with frequent flights and an upbringing across five states before fifth grade. Constantly on the move, Caroline fostered a deep curiosity about the world—its places, people, and cultures which in turn gifted her the ability to feel at home wherever she finds herself.

With a discerning eye for detail and an adventurous spirit, Caroline is drawn to wandering off the beaten path, discovering hidden gems, and savoring the small details that make every destination unique. Professionally, prior to becoming a travel advisor, she spent a decade as a brand strategist, weaving compelling stories for world-class companies.

Now, she channels that same creativity and precision into designing bespoke travel experiences. For Caroline, exceptional planning means crafting a thoughtful framework for exploration while leaving space for spontaneity—be it an impromptu free afternoon that turns into a cherished memory or a life-changing meal at a tucked-away restaurant only locals know.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

My perfect travel day starts slowly, with breakfast at the hotel and a double shot cappuccino, before heading out for some fresh air. I love beginning the day with a walk through the city or an activity that gets me moving—whether that’s exploring a new neighborhood or hiking. From there, I’m usually drawn to experiences that feel cultural and hands-on: a cooking class, visiting a local market, or learning something about the place I’m in. I often end the evening with a delicious dinner that lasts late into the night.

How do you prepare for your trips?

I’m a big believer in doing the thoughtful work ahead of time so the trip itself feels effortless. I keep running lists of places I want to stay, neighborhoods to explore, and restaurants recommended by locals. I also have packing lists that make getting out the door easy. Once I arrive, I usually structure each day around one event—maybe a great lunch reservation, a museum, or a cultural experience. Then I leave the rest of the day open to wander, explore, and see where the day leads.

Drawing on over fifteen years in high-level consulting and her firsthand insights from collaborating with top global travel partners, Lauren masterfully combines precision, organization, and authentic hospitality into her planning process. Lauren believes that travel is a powerful medium for connection, and she dedicates herself to understanding the unique desires of each client to craft journeys that resonate on a personal level. Her warm and intuitive style makes clients feel understood and cared for from the very first conversation.

Lauren’s greatest expertise lies in creating exceptionally personalized travel for families and couples, with a deep focus on how shared experiences have the power to bring people closer together. She is a firm believer that the most cherished memories are born from those unscripted moments of connection, and her itineraries are thoughtfully designed to foster just that. Lauren meticulously balances iconic destinations with hidden gems, curating a pace that allows for both exciting discovery and treasured downtime. Every element is chosen to inspire wonder and create a backdrop for unforgettable shared moments.

Whether she’s planning milestone celebrations to bring generations together or orchestrating a quiet, romantic escape for two, Lauren ensures every detail is handled with the utmost care and sophistication. Her proactive and thoughtful planning leaves her clients free to fully relax, unwind, and immerse themselves in the joy of the journey. By taking care of everything behind the scenes, she affords her clients the ultimate luxury: the freedom to simply enjoy their invaluable time together.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting? Why?

Japan is a destination I have long dreamed of experiencing firsthand. Growing up, my father worked for a Japanese-based company, and his trips abroad often brought pieces of that culture back into our home. Some of my favorite childhood memories came when his Japanese colleagues visited the United States with their families.

Cultural exchange happened in the most joyful ways: cheering together at Atlanta Braves games, sharing meals, and trading Japanese and American candies. Those early experiences sparked my lifelong curiosity about Japan and a deep appreciation for how travel brings people and cultures together.

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

Greece is a destination I would happily return to again and again. After spending three weeks traveling through the country with my husband last May, I developed a deep appreciation for the balance Greece offers between relaxed island living, incredible food, and rich history. From charming seaside villages to some of the most beautiful hotels overlooking the Aegean, the experience reinforced why Greece remains one of Europe’s most sought after destinations. What stood out most to me was the warmth and hospitality of the people, along with a food culture that rivals anywhere in the world.