A travel advisor for people who’d rather hand off the overwhelm than power through it.
Hi, I’m Karen Cherrett — founder of Relaxed Travel Escapes. I plan trips for anxious and introverted travelers: people who want expert guidance and authentic experiences, without the stress of doing it all themselves. Some of my clients are anxious about the planning. Some are anxious about the travel itself — maybe it’s been years since their last trip overseas, or the idea of somewhere unfamiliar feels like a lot. Either way, that’s exactly who I built this business for.
How I Got Here
I spent years as a corporate project manager before I founded Relaxed Travel Escapes — and I watched too many colleagues burn out with no real work-life balance. I wanted to help people avoid that same stress, starting with their vacations.
That project management background still shapes how I work: delivering on time and on budget, managing complex logistics without drama, and setting clear expectations so there are no surprises — just a trip that happens the way you wanted to experience it.
I’m also a trained facilitator of Byron Katie’s “The Work,” which I use to help clients move through travel anxiety and fear of flying — from paralyzed by fear to genuinely excited about what’s ahead.
How I Work
Authentic over tourist.
I plan trips that move you beyond tourist traps into real local life — accommodations with character, local guides and artisans who share their actual passion, and enough context to understand a place, not just check boxes on an itinerary.
Quality over quantity.
As an introvert myself, I build in breathing room. You won’t find yourself exhausted, sprinting from one stop to the next. You’ll have time to actually be where you are. You’ll get to truly experience the destination, not just say you visited it.
Every accommodation has a view.
I don’t just book a hotel — I select the property and request the specific room. If you live with a view at home, you should travel with one too.
Who I Work With
Anxious & Introverted Travelers
Clear communication, no surprises, and a plan that respects your need for downtime — not a jam-packed itinerary designed for someone else’s energy level.
Families
Certified Family Travel Specialist. From Disneyland to multi-generational international trips, I plan around what actually keeps kids (and parents) happy.
Travelers with Accessibility or Special Needs
Special Needs Travel Certification. I ask about mobility, sensory needs, and medical considerations before I recommend a single hotel or activity.
Celebration Travelers
Honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays — the once-in-a-lifetime trips that deserve expert planning so you can just focus on celebrating.
Where I Take People
I’m often asked which destinations I “specialize” in. The honest answer: my real specialty is the traveler, not the map pin. But since expertise does run deeper in some places than others, here’s where things actually stand.
My primary specialty: New Zealand
New Zealand is where I’ve invested the most time, hold my deepest certification (Advanced Specialist through Tourism New Zealand’s official programme), and maintain the strongest local relationships. If New Zealand is on your mind, you can read the full story of my New Zealand credentials and experience here.
Also deeply experienced
• Hawaii (Advanced Hawaii Specialist)
• Portugal, especially the Central region and the Douro River (Portugal Specialist)
• Australia — my homeland, with lifelong personal connections (Aussie Specialist)
Also personally loved and planned
• Ireland and Spain
• Scotland — including my upcoming Scotland 2027 small-group tour
• Alaska and the Northern Lights
• Peru and Costa Rica
• Cruises worldwide, with Gold Level status as a Virgin Voyages First Mate, and Celestyal Certification for Mediterranean and Greek Isles sailing
And if you’re dreaming of somewhere that isn’t on this list — Italy, or truly anywhere else — that’s exactly the kind of conversation I love having. Tell me where you’re headed, and let’s talk about how to get you there.
Certifications & Credentials
• Advanced New Zealand Specialist — Tourism New Zealand
• Advanced Hawaii Specialist — Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau
• Aussie Specialist — Tourism Australia
• Portugal Specialist
• Certified Family Travel Specialist — Family Travel Association
• Special Needs Travel Certification — Special Needs Group
• Virgin Voyages Gold Level First Mate
• Celestyal Certified
• Disney Certified Professional
I’m also the founder of Travel Advisors Traveling Together (T.A.T.T.), a professional development travel program that keeps me directly connected to emerging destinations and industry innovation — not just secondhand research.
Ready to Start Planning?
Let’s talk about where you’re headed — and how to get you there without the overwhelm.