From Buddhist monasteries in Thailand and Bhutan to the food markets of Oaxaca and Marrakech, he seeks out the authentic over the obvious, with an instinctive feel for a city’s creative pulse — its restaurants, its design, its music, its emerging neighborhoods. He has a well-honed instinct for discovering emerging destinations and exceptional properties well before they enter the mainstream conversation.

What truly sets Michael apart is two decades at the forefront of the contemporary art world — working directly with artists represented by the world’s leading galleries, advising blue-chip private collections, and cultivating deep relationships across the global art and culture community. That world demands a sharp eye, sophisticated taste, and an instinct for what’s exceptional. He brings all of that to travel, designing journeys that go beyond the expected — an exclusive studio visit with an artist, a private tour of a museum exhibition with the curator, a culturally immersive experience that could only be conceived by someone who has spent a lifetime in that world.

His curiosity extends to the physical world with equal intensity — heliskiing the vast wilderness of British Columbia, seeking untracked lines in the lesser-known backcountry of the Swiss Alps, or chasing swells along the wild coasts of Nicaragua. Adventure, for Michael, is simply another form of exploration — one that requires the same instinct for the authentic and the exceptional.

Through his relationship with industry veteran Julie Palo Hayes and the Ramble + Vine team, Michael has quickly built access to some of the most respected relationships and resources in luxury travel. For clients who care deeply about culture, art, and authentic experience, and whose lives demand discretion and seamless execution, Michael crafts journeys that are as personal as they are extraordinary.

Which destinations are you looking forward to and why?

Botswana is at the very top of my travel list, and the more I learn about everything this destination has to offer, the more I understand why it occupies a singular place in the world of luxury travel. What sets it apart for me is how utterly unique it is — this is not the safari you’ve seen in magazines. The Okavango Delta is a place that defies logic: a massive inland river system that floods the Kalahari Desert each year, creating a labyrinth of waterways, islands and lagoons teeming with wildlife. Trading a game vehicle for a traditional mokoro canoe and gliding silently through papyrus channels while a hippo surfaces ten feet away — that’s the kind of moment that rewires you. Layer on top of that some of the most thoughtfully designed and breathtakingly located luxury camps in Africa, where the word “remote” feels like a privilege rather than an inconvenience, and Botswana starts to feel less like a destination and more like a calling. For my clients who feel they’ve done Africa, this is where I send them next — and I cannot wait to experience it alongside them.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

Choosing just one travel experience feels nearly impossible, but the first that comes to mind is spending a full moonlit evening with my wife and an Incan shaman at Machu Picchu. We had the entire sanctuary to ourselves, the ancient stone terraces bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, creating an atmosphere of pure serenity and magic. As the shaman led us through a sacred ceremony, the energy of the place felt almost palpable — connecting us to the spiritual essence of the land. He spoke in Quechua, the language of the Inca, and even without understanding the words, their meaning somehow reached us. My wife and I felt bound to each other and to the world around us in a way that is difficult to put into words. The vastness of the Andean mountains, the stillness of the night, and the profound sense of history and mysticism made it utterly unforgettable.

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.

Before her foray into the travel world, Emily spent twelve transformative years in the sports industry. Her introduction to the magic of working with a travel advisor came while planning her own honeymoon. After experiencing the exceptional service of a SmartFlyer agent firsthand, Emily was captivated by the benefits and now refuses to plan any journey without expert guidance! As first a traveler and now a travel advisor, she excels at bringing itineraries to life—uncovering the finest restaurants and activities, sourcing hidden gems, and curating unique experiences that reveal a destination’s true essence. Emily’s enthusiasm for details and deep understanding of her clients allows her to create the highest quality experiences built on knowledge and trust.

Emily ensures her clients’ travels are extraordinary, memorable, and uniquely theirs, while maximizing every benefit of booking with Mason Luxury Travel, an affiliate of SmartFlyer. Whether securing that luxury hotel where every doorman knows your name, connecting clients with outstanding guides who immerse them in a city’s rich history, or discovering that restaurant with Bolognese pasta and chocolate torte they’ll reminisce about for years to come.

A native of Arkansas now residing in Columbus, Ohio, Emily’s most cherished travels have included skiing the pristine slopes of Courchevel, witnessing breathtaking sunsets in Santorini, savoring pasta at nearly every meal around Lake Como, experiencing the magic of Christmas in New York City, being enchanted by the iconic Vienna Philharmonic on New Year’s Eve, exploring endless farmers markets in Provence, and embracing the timeless beauty of New England. No matter where she travels personally or sends her clients, her ethos is centered on the idea that travel creates lifetime memories where experiences, keepsakes, and mementos are woven into the fabric of daily life long after we return home.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

One of my most memorable travel experiences was a winter holiday over Christmas and New Year’s in Switzerland and Austria—most notably, New Year’s Eve in Vienna. My husband surprised me with tickets to the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Eve concert (which is like snagging tickets to the Super Bowl!), where we enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime, enriching experience at the Musikverein. The venue, music, and atmosphere truly transported us back in time.

We learned that to properly celebrate New Year’s in Vienna, everyone in the city waltzes when the clock strikes midnight. We returned to our hotel and opened our windows to look down at the streets, where everyone was dancing to The Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss. We also discovered that it’s tradition to exchange marzipan pigs—our hotel even gave us two to take home and share with loved ones. It was such a special and unexpected experience.

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

I will never tire of making return trips to London, New York City, and Paris. All three cities have so much to offer in so many different ways, at all times of the year! They make songs about Paris in the spring for good reason; it is impossible not to be joyful during Christmas time in NYC, and the grace and grandeur of London are unmatched. The history, romance, and cuisine found in all three cities alone will keep you occupied for years to come. When I feel like I didn’t get to all of the destinations or restaurants I wanted to, I always have to remind myself, “I will be back!”

As far as hotels (if I have to pick one!), Claridge’s in London—or any property within the Maybourne Hotel Group—are non-negotiables to return to. Their kindness, attention to detail, and level of service are extraordinary.

With over a decade of experience in storytelling and communications across Silicon Valley and beyond, Sarah spent years helping others find and share their voice—until she felt called to follow her own, back to the ancestral villages that shaped her family’s roots. What began as a personal pilgrimage soon became a professional calling: to craft journeys that slow travelers down and draw them into the rhythms of real life.

Sarah understands that true luxury today isn’t defined by opulence, but by the depth of a real connection—meals cooked by nonnas, wines poured by the winemaker and their family at the kitchen table, and stories passed down through generations. Her signature style blends authenticity with refinement, curating seamless, culturally rich experiences that feel both intimate and expansive. She works closely with local hosts—artisans, chefs, vintners, and historians—to offer travelers a living history, steeped in beauty and belonging. Whether it’s truffle hunting in the forest, private tastings in family-run wineries, or exploring ancient villages untouched by tourism, every journey is designed with purpose, heart, and meticulous detail.

A native Californian, Sarah now splits her time between Italy and the U.S. When she’s not in the Southern Italian village of Irpinia scouting new experiences or walking the vineyards with local producers, she’s dreaming up new ways to help others come home to a place they’ve never been.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

A perfect day on vacation starts slow, with the morning sun spilling through the windows of a boutique hotel that reflects the spirit of where I’m staying. I sip espresso on a quiet terrace, savoring the stillness before the day begins. Breakfast is simple, local, and seasonal: fresh breads, homemade jams, and ripe fruit are always a go-to.

The day unfolds without rush—maybe a guided walk through the countryside, time relaxing on the water, or a visit with a local artisan—something rooted in conversation, not just sightseeing. I love lingering over lunch at a family-run restaurant, where ingredients are sourced with care and transformed into dishes that tell a story, always paired with local wines. After a quick espresso, I make time for a nap, a book, or simply doing nothing.

As the sun begins to set, I love being in a local piazza, enjoying aperitivo and dinner with friends—new and old—or even on my own, feeling like I’ve stepped into a scene from a film.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

It’s impossible to name just one, because each journey has offered something entirely its own. As I tried to think of the trip, a flood of beautiful images and memories came to mind. Of course, that first visit to Irpinia—the one that convinced me to move here and share this magic with others—was transformative. But just as unforgettable are moments like sipping wine with a winemaker in their private cellar in Burgundy, sharing a meal cooked alongside generations of family in Italy, wandering the streets of a new city with my best friends of over thirty years, or gliding along the coast on a private boat. Each experience stopped me in my tracks in its own way. That’s the beauty of travel done with intention: no two journeys are ever truly the same, and the most meaningful moments are often the ones you never planned for.

After spending her formative years in Southern California while earning a degree in Economics/International Area Studies at UCLA, Rebecca worked in luxury merchandising and retail positions for brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Burberry for two decades. This path in the fashion space allowed her to live and work across the world including stints in Sydney, Paris, London, Rome, and Florence. A fascination with history and the arts combined with a deep appreciation for wine inspired Rebecca’s extensive travel throughout the European continent in pursuit of knowledge — right down to that perfect glass of pinot noir.

The seeds of pursuing a full-time career in travel were planted when Rebecca spent her six-month career sabbatical fulfilling a dream of exploring Southeast Asia. Her journey started and ended in Australia with the months in between spent on her thoroughly researched and planned trip crisscrossing Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bali. This immersive experience led her to pivot her career into the world of travel in 2019.

While her destination knowledge spans the globe, Rebecca’s mainstays include Italy, France, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Whether it’s a repeat visit to a favorite place or discovering somewhere off-the-grid with friends, Rebecca’s recommendations are constantly being updated through her boots-on-the-ground research. In turn, her affiliation with SmartFlyer only further amplifies her destination knowledge thanks to relationships with an elite network of industry insiders who enable her to provide clients with unique itineraries and experiences.

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

If being a cliche and answering “Italy” is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. The irony is that when I set out to work in this industry and decide upon specializations, Italy was very much not on my list for the simple fact that I did not think the world needed another Italy specialist. Fast forward a few years and resistance was apparently futile. I jump at any chance to spend time in Italy and am fortunate to now consider some of my Italian hospitality partners very dear friends. History, art, culture, fashion, romance, food and wine, la dolce vita – Italy has it all.

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting? Why?

On my wishlist at the moment are the beaches of Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Senegal as well as the desert and Skeleton Coast of Namibia. I’m also keen to visit the Faroe Islands. Closer to home I’d like to visit Jamaica and Bequia. I prefer spots that might be a little less luxe but what they may lack in 5-star accommodations they make up for in personality, authenticity, and natural beauty.

Alyson Sohigian joined SmartFlyer as a way to help friends and family plan their vacations. Years later, Jetaway Guru serves as a culmination of her passion for creating immersive and memorable travel experiences. Being based in New York City for the past decade in addition to some time as a digital nomad, Aly’s interest in other cultures, people, and food only continues to grow. She finds traveling to be one of the most life-affirming acts throughout her trips to over 70 countries and all seven continents! Her extensive travel experiences paired with her passion for hospitality and background in design, allow her to tailor travel itineraries to her clients.

Aly mindfully designs each itinerary to cater specifically to every client she works alongside. She has found success in getting to know each of her clients so that every moment of their vacation–whether a one-day staycation or a three-week excursion–is perfectly planned according to their unique needs and interests. She ensures every booking and reservation is handled with care to ensure her clients’ vacations are as relaxing as humanly – or divinely – possible.

When she’s not traveling the world, she is doing her part to care for it, as she heads her own environmental nonprofit. The Kay Pacha Initiative carries the name of the physical realm of the world we reside in, in the Incan belief of the three realms, or pachas. The Kay Pacha Initiative aims to provide assistance during emergencies caused by climate change.

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

There are several destinations I return to again and again. Africa is a magically diverse continent, where vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient people are enchanting every time I return. It’s also relatively easy to get to the Maldives when visiting Africa, and I love to couple the two. The Maldives has pristine turquoise waters and a vibrant marine life – which I particularly enjoy since I have my PADI certification. Also, the white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts offer a lovely respite!

If I’m looking for both an escape and a bustling city, I venture to Thailand. There are megacities like Bangkok, adorned with ornate temples but also pristine beaches, lush jungles, and mouth-watering cuisine can be found everywhere. My list would be incomplete if I didn’t mention Italy, where I love diving into the history, art, culture, and cuisine.

How do you prepare for your trips?

As a last-minute packer, I may be ready-ing my suitcase the night before my flight, but I always stay up to date on travel requirements well in advance of departure! I always have my passport on me and ready to go, with six months of lee-way until expiration as most countries require. I also make sure I am up to date on visas and vaccines as well as any purchasing travel insurance.

After over a decade as a luxury hotelier, Emily’s path career path took a turn with a relocation to Washington, D.C. where she resided with her husband and two dogs before moving to New York City. The appeal of the “other side” had always interested her, and her knowledge of the behind-the-scenes workings of hotels allows her to craft the perfect itineraries for her clients.

Emily’s travels have taken her around the world, including a 7-day hike through Iceland and 10 days climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. She has swum with whale sharks in the Maldives and gone on safari (multiple times!) to her favorite place in the world, South Africa. She loves to plan everything from a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon to a quick weekend getaway where clients make one of SmartFlyer’s amazing hotel partners home, even if only for just a few days.

What’s your strategy to overcome jet lag?

Plan ahead! Get on your new destination’s time zone when you are on the plane – this may involve staying up later than you want to, or sleeping when you think you should be awake. Once you arrive, don’t even think about what time it is “at home” and focus on eating and sleeping at the times that align with the local clocks. This strategy will get you sorted quickly!

Which destinations are you looking forward to visiting and why?

Funny enough, I did a report on Egypt in 4th grade and it has been on my bucket list ever since! I’m looking forward to visiting Egypt in the near future.

After receiving her MBA from Stern, Samantha started her professional journey working in travel marketing for a Fortune 500 company. She worked with travel partners to develop marketing programs and through that opportunity, developed many relationships across the industry. Her unique role in “mystery shopping” some of the top hotels around the world to make sure they were appropriately servicing clients honed her attention to detail and passion for travel.

But it was after an incredible trip to the Amalfi Coast when she decided it was time to shift gears. Since she was always passionate about helping friends and family plan their trips, it seemed like a natural next step to become a travel agent! Samantha loves creating the perfect trip for her clients and no two trips are the same. She thinks first-hand knowledge of a destination is integral to her success and is continually trying to explore and expand upon her experiences. A fun fact? Samantha is also in a race against her family members to travel to all fifty states!

How do you prepare for your trips?

Before I leave for a trip, I always do my research on the destination’s weather, culture, local restaurants, and activities. And I make any reservations that I definitely want in advance. In addition, I always make a list to make sure I do not forget to pack anything which includes passports, chargers, converters, currency, etc.

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

Italy! I can go back and visit Italy every year. There is so much to see and do and eat! The main cities–Venice, Florence, and Rome–are all so different. Amalfi and Capri are two of my favorite places; staying at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, in Ravello was one of the most spectacular settings in the world. There are so many other amazing locations in Italy as well like Lake Como, Puglia, Portofino, and Forte Dei Marmi just to name a few! The list is honestly endless.

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky Sarah studied classical oboe in Northern Michigan, New York City, and Lucca, Italy. A former private practice attorney, she is a planner by nature and very detail-oriented. Sarah credits her passion for exploring new places to her grandparents and parents who took her on adventures growing up – through their trips, she was introduced to opera, orchestra, and theater before the age of four! Decades later, she has passed on this love for travel to her son and looks forward to sharing it with her second son on the way!

Today, Sarah and her husband, Aaron, are avid food and wine seekers and build their personal trips around experiencing wining-and-dining. This led to her compiling countless Google Docs of recommendations for those also seeking memorable moments over food and drink and eventually, Sarah’s foray into becoming a luxury travel advisor.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My husband and I went on our honeymoon in Italy (with help from a fellow Smartie!) and had a once-in-a-lifetime experience touring Rome, staying in a rural town in Tuscany, and attending the Palio Di Siena. We can’t wait to go back but until then, I’m having the best time using my expertise to build client itineraries to Italy.

How do you prepare for your trips?

I’m a pretty meticulous planner–I usually start a packing checklist almost a month in advance so I can add or edit as needed. Then, I typically begin packing the week before departure. I perpetually overpack, so I usually go back and forth with myself on what I really need to take on any given trip…like that dress that’s been in my closet for a year that I never wear at home but maybe I’ll wear on vacation? Probably not!

With her most vivid childhood memories stemming from family travels, it was no surprise that Beth decided to pursue an international career path. As a young adult, Beth studied and lived abroad in Spain; she fell in love with seeing the world during weekend and summer trips around Europe. Beth began her career in international development with a degree in Latin American Studies, but couldn’t keep the travel bug at bay. Her background served as a natural transition when she entered the travel industry specializing in travel to Latin America and Europe.

Now with over a decade of experience planning luxury travel, Beth prides herself on developing long-term relationships with her clients. She loves to get to know travelers and she appreciates that–even for an experienced traveler–needs for each specific trip may differ. Sometimes it’s a multi-generational trip with a wide range of ages to satisfy, sometimes it’s a romantic weekend getaway, and other times it’s a celebration with a group of friends. That’s why no two itineraries are just alike!

Beth is proud to be named to the Travel+Leisure A-List of top travel advisors for nine consecutive years. She has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and Travel+Leisure. Growing up, Beth’s family valued travel as an extended classroom for their kids. Today, Beth and her husband are paying it forward, committed to the importance of travel in raising their daughter. When she’s not working or traveling, Beth enjoys practicing yoga and eating her way through DC’s fantastic dining scene.

What’s your strategy to overcome jet lag?

Get on the local time as soon as you take off! Set your watch or phone to the time in your destination and try to sleep when it’s the appropriate time for your destination, and stay awake accordingly. Sometimes that means going *right* to sleep–eye mask on, no meal, no drinks! Other times, it means keeping yourself up for a while. Trust me–it’ll be worth it once you get there.

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

I studied abroad in Madrid and fell in love with Spain. I try to get back as often as possible. In this profession, where seeing new destinations and having been “everywhere” is important, I still find great value in returning to places that speak to you, where you can really settle in and feel “home away from home.”