From New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes to Portugal’s historic villages, Spain’s vibrant culture to Alaska’s Northern Lights—we plan authentic travel experiences across the globe. We provide international travel planning.
We specialize in destinations we know personally, where we’ve built relationships with local guides, trusted accommodations, and unique experience providers. Whether you’re dreaming of one destination or combining multiple countries, we’ll create an itinerary that connects you authentically with the places you visit.
Our Destination Specialties
New Zealand
Experience both islands with a certified Advanced New Zealand Specialist.
New Zealand offers some of the world’s most spectacular scenery—from Milford Sound’s dramatic fiords to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Queenstown’s adventure activities to Marlborough’s world-class wines. As an Advanced Specialist certified through Tourism New Zealand’s official program, I bring insider knowledge and extensive personal travel throughout both North and South Islands.
Why book your New Zealand trip with us:
- Highest-level Tourism New Zealand Specialist certification
- Extensive firsthand experience throughout both islands
- Personal relationships with local guides and accommodations
- Expert guidance on which island(s) to visit based on your interests
- Itineraries that balance iconic attractions with hidden local gems
Perfect for: First-time visitors, adventure seekers, introverted travelers seeking authentic experiences, Lord of the Rings fans, wine enthusiasts, nature lovers
Australia
Discover my homeland through the eyes of a local.
Born and raised in Australia, I bring authentic insider knowledge you won’t find in guidebooks. From Sydney’s iconic harbor to the red heart of Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef to Tasmania’s wilderness, Australia offers incredible diversity across a vast continent.
Why book your Australia trip with us:
- Native Australian with deep personal connections
- Knowledge of experiences tourists rarely discover
- Regional expertise from tropical north to temperate south
- Understanding of distances, seasons, and realistic itineraries
- Access to unique accommodations and local experiences
Perfect for: Outback adventures, coastal escapes, wildlife encounters, wine regions, cultural experiences
Portugal
Fall in love with Portugal’s authentic charm, stunning tile work, and welcoming people.
Portugal captures hearts with its historic villages, dramatic coastlines, and world-renowned wines. I’ve explored Central Portugal extensively—from Óbidos’ medieval walls to Nazaré’s giant waves, Coimbra’s ancient university to the Douro River’s terraced vineyards. Portugal offers authentic European experiences without the overwhelming crowds found elsewhere.
Why book your Portugal trip with us:
- Extensive personal travel throughout Central Portugal and the Algarve
- Douro River cruise expertise
- Knowledge of hidden villages and local artisan experiences
- Wine region guidance in Douro Valley and beyond
- Accommodation selections featuring authentic Portuguese character
Perfect for: Wine lovers, history enthusiasts, foodies, couples seeking romantic getaways, travelers wanting authentic Europe
COMING SOON: Explore Portugal – Detailed Guide
Spain
Experience Spain’s vibrant culture, artistic heritage, and regional diversity.
Spain offers extraordinary variety—from Barcelona’s Gaudí architecture to Andalusia’s Moorish palaces, San Sebastian’s culinary scene to Madrid’s world-class museums. Each region has distinct character, cuisine, and traditions that make Spain endlessly fascinating to explore.
Why book your Spain trip with us:
- Personal travel experience throughout Spain
- Understanding of regional differences and cultural nuances
- Guidance on pacing (Spain rewards slower exploration)
- Wine region expertise
- Connections to authentic local experiences
Perfect for: Art and architecture lovers, foodies, wine enthusiasts, cultural explorers, travelers interested in history
Featured experiences: Flamenco in Seville, Gaudí’s Barcelona, Rioja wine country, Camino de Santiago, Costa Brava coastal villages
Ireland
Discover Ireland’s warmth, storytelling tradition, and stunning landscapes.
Ireland welcomes visitors with genuine hospitality, dramatic coastal scenery, and rich cultural heritage. From Dublin’s literary history to the Wild Atlantic Way’s rugged beauty, the Cliffs of Moher to charming village pubs, Ireland offers memorable experiences at every turn.
Why book your Ireland trip with us:
- Personal travel experience throughout Ireland
- Northern Ireland expertise (including Game of Thrones locations)
- Understanding of Irish hospitality and pub culture
- Self-drive itinerary planning for exploring at your own pace
- Connections to authentic cultural experiences
Perfect for: Ancestry research trips, literary enthusiasts, Game of Thrones fans, nature lovers, travelers seeking friendly welcomes
Featured experiences: Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive, Dublin’s literary pubs, Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, traditional music sessions
Alaska & Northern Lights
Chase the aurora borealis and experience Alaska’s pristine wilderness.
Fairbanks, Alaska offers some of the world’s best Northern Lights viewing, with clear skies and optimal positioning under the aurora oval. Beyond the lights, Alaska delivers massive glaciers, abundant wildlife, and authentic frontier experiences.
Why book your Alaska trip with us:
- Fairbanks and Northern Lights expertise
- Seasonal timing guidance for best aurora viewing
- Understanding of Alaska’s unique logistics and distances
- Wildlife viewing opportunities (moose, bears, caribou)
- Winter activity recommendations (dog sledding, ice fishing)
Perfect for: Northern Lights bucket list seekers, wildlife photographers, winter adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers
Best time to visit: Late August through April for Northern Lights (peak viewing: September, March)
Featured experiences: Northern Lights viewing, Chena Hot Springs, dog sledding, ice sculpture festivals, winter wildlife viewing
Additional Destinations We Serve
Pacific Islands
Fiji | Tahiti | Cook Islands
Escape to paradise with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and genuine island hospitality. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or anyone seeking tropical relaxation with authentic cultural experiences.
What we plan: Overwater bungalows, island hopping itineraries, cultural village visits, water activities (snorkeling, diving, kayaking), romantic celebrations
Peru
Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley | Lima
Experience ancient Incan civilization, dramatic Andean landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. Peru offers bucket-list experiences combined with rich cultural heritage and culinary adventures.
What we plan: Machu Picchu visits, Sacred Valley exploration, Lima culinary experiences, altitude acclimatization strategies, train journeys
Costa Rica
Rainforests | Wildlife | Beaches
Discover incredible biodiversity, adventure activities, and pura vida lifestyle. Costa Rica packs remarkable variety into a compact country—perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
What we plan: Rainforest lodges, wildlife viewing, zip-lining and adventure activities, beach relaxation, volcano visits, eco-tourism experiences
Canada
Vancouver | Canadian Rockies
Explore coastal Vancouver’s urban sophistication combined with outdoor adventures, or venture into the Canadian Rockies for stunning mountain scenery and wildlife encounters.
What we plan: Vancouver city experiences, Victoria and Vancouver Island, pre/post-Alaska cruise stays, Rocky Mountain adventures
We Also Specialize in Cruises
Ocean Cruises | River Cruises | Expedition Cruises
As a Virgin Voyages Gold Level First Mate and experienced cruise specialist, we plan exceptional cruise vacations worldwide—with exclusive perks you won’t get booking direct.
Cruise destinations include:
- New Zealand coastal cruises
- Mediterranean (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece)
- Caribbean and Mexico
- Alaska Inside Passage
- Portugal’s Douro River
- South Pacific
Combining Multiple Destinations
Many of our clients combine destinations for richer experiences:
Popular combinations:
- Australia + New Zealand (3-4 weeks)
- Portugal + Spain (2-3 weeks)
- New Zealand + Pacific Islands (add Fiji stopover)
- Alaska cruise + Vancouver pre/post stay
- Spain + Portugal + Ireland (grand European tour)
We excel at creating seamless multi-destination itineraries with logical routing, appropriate pacing, and smooth connections between countries.
How We Choose Our Destinations
We only recommend destinations where we can provide genuine value:
✓ Personal travel experience – We’ve been there ourselves
✓ Local relationships – Trusted guides, accommodations, and experience providers
✓ Cultural understanding – We know the nuances that make each place special
✓ Ongoing education – We continuously update our knowledge through training and visits
If you’re headed somewhere outside our specialty areas, we’ll be honest about whether we’re the best fit or if you’d benefit from a specialist in that region. We’d rather refer you to the right expert than provide mediocre service.
Not Sure Where to Go?
That’s perfectly normal—and exactly what our consultation is for.
Many clients start with:
- “I want to go somewhere beautiful and not too touristy”
- “I have two weeks and a flexible budget—what do you recommend?”
- “I’m interested in wine regions—where should I go?”
- “I want a bucket-list trip for our 25th anniversary”
During your complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss:
- Your travel style and interests
- Your timeline and budget
- Destinations that match what you’re seeking
- Our honest recommendations based on your preferences
No pressure, no obligation—just a helpful conversation about where your next adventure might take you.
Ready to Start Planning?
Book your complimentary 60-minute consultation and let’s explore where we can take you.
[BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION]
Or contact us directly:
- Phone: (619) 642-9813
- Compete our Inquiry Form
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm PT Sunday by Appointment
We work with travelers as cross all of the USA. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to create an amazing trip for you.
Karen Cherrett | Relaxed Travel Escapes
Advanced New Zealand Specialist | California Seller of Travel #2063964-50