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meet the travel
guru herself
I grew up a small-town Ohio farm gal (yes with the cows, chickens, and more!) Growing up, small-town living definitely fueled my passion to see the world. My travel itch began at a young age while watching my grandparents travel for World Ploughing Competitions. Many of my core childhood memories are sorting through their international currency and collectibles, flipping through their travel photo albums, and even meeting many of the friends they have around the world and exchange Christmas cards with. These moments will forever inspire me to fill my life with good people, great food & wine, and unique experiences!
Today, I've traveled 30+ countries and am constantly in the air headed to the most exciting destinations world wide with my clients upcoming travels in mind.
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it's an education for living
travel is not a reward for working
it's an education for living
Most memorable travel experience?
The one trip I tell clients not to miss is Safari.
My first safari was a solo trip to Zambia & Botswana post graduation and it changed my life forever. I witnessed a leopard drag a freshly killed gazelle up a tree, watched a pack of 5 baby lion cubs follow their mama through the plains... there's just nothing like witnessing the circle of life in that way. Safari doesn't need to be once in a lifetime, either. I've now been to 7 countries in Africa, and it just keeps getting better & better!
Honorable mentions-- trekking with mountain gorillas, a plunge in Devil's pool at the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia, sailing the Thai Islands with my whole fam in early 2024 via liveaboard catamarans, walking the streets of Kyoto before the sunrise, a stay in remote lodge in Patagonia (I felt like I was living in the ice age!).
What's on your radar next year?
In 2025: Africa was my focus. I was in Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
In 2026, I'll be switching my focus to Italy. I'll be spending 10 days in the Spring on an intensive trip to the Top 30 Luxury Hotels on the Italian Coast-- Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri, and Ischia. It's a hot selling destination and ever changing. You can rest easy knowing I'm taking the time to ensure I'm TRULY outfitting clients in the best of this region!
What's on your travel playlist?
I'm a big podcast lover when I travel. I always love having 2-3 downloaded for killing time at the airport!
For music-- I'm a country girl through and through-- some old school Shania, Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, Montgomery Gentry to name a handful. But, I'm also a sucker for some Mat Kearney, Noah Kahan, and Quinn XCII.
If you consider yourself an avid concert goer make sure you plan a trip to Denver to see your favorite artist at Red Rocks!
Travel tip?
I don’t believe in “some day” It’s never guaranteed. Plan those trips now, take the flights, and spend days living with your favorite people! Pushing your bucket list trip down the road for "when life is less busy" only means you'll wake up and realize life is STILL busy. We only get so much time on this Earth -- if you're a lover of travel go get out there and experience it!
For travel specifically: Compression socks are a must for those long flights, if you're a reader buy the Kindle, and don't forget to hydrate (that includes your skin!)
If you weren't a travel advisor
what would be your dream job?
I think I'd thrive as a winemaker. Though I know nothing about making wine!
I grew up a small town Ohio girl, daughter to three generations of popcorn and soybean farmers, and entrepreneurship always felt right. The wine part? Honestly, my friend Claire got me started on my wine journey early in college..."Trust me you're a wine girl, Baylee." and she wasn't wrong. It took a bit of convincing, however after many wine nights in and a handful of trips to Napa/Sonoma later, I think there's still a shot at bringing those farm roots back to fruition. I do have a life goal to become a certified Sommelier ... in all my free time ;)
What makes a hotel stand out to you?
I’m a sucker for a boutique/family owned hotel- multi-gen staff, centuries of history, and a plus if they have fabulous views from the rooms. The staff is best buds with the restaurant down the street & the local boutique around the corner. They hang locally sourced artwork & celebrate their culture. They welcome travelers visiting with open arms, and they’re always ready to share a story or recommendation. I’m also a sucker for a big bathtub with a view or an outdoor shower... and turndown service is a must for me.
I always prioritize properties that give back locally or focus heavily on conservation efforts. Our travel footprints can be pretty damaging & there are so many properties around the globe putting the money we spend in tourism to great use!!
This isn't a one type of client fits the bill biz. I LOVE working with clients from all walks of life. The well-travelled, the never travelled, the afraid to hop on planes traveler--each client brings something new and exciting to my day-to-day! (My husband's grandma's first flight was to our wedding in Mexico!) These little milestones make it ALL worth it! Ultimately my ideal client is the client that *trusts* my vision. To the clients that come to me and say "We really don't have a destination in mind. Where would you tell us to go if we were looking for XYZ?", you just fuel my fire a bit more ;)
back to faq
We consider this planning fee a design services fee that shines two fold throughout your in destination experience. Travel itineraries are not one size fits all. This process is CUSTOM and TAILORED to you and your likes, dislikes, wildest dreams, dietary preferences, level of activity, NEED for an outdoor shower (same), etc. The hours of time, research, and crafting that is behind the scenes on each itinerary will show during your in destination experience. Not only the time behind the computer, but it would be lost on us all if we forgot about the thousands of dollars and hours spent on the ground experiencing the world through the eyes of our clients. I'm incredibly dedicated and focused on tailoring each piece of the trip to my clients. So, while it may look like I'm frolicking around Italy eating cheese & sipping cabernets, what you don't see is the 8am-10pm work days visiting properties, meeting with partners (yes, the ones welcoming you to their country!), and establishing the relationships that will take your trip to new heights. It's well worth the small cost upfront to get the most value out of your travel budget.
back to faq
While we don't have a minimum trip cost, we will assist in the educational piece surrounding budgets. As a luxury travel advisor we are only selling the properties we confidently believe service our clients the best. So, I won't be booking any 3 star or below properties, airbnbs, vrbos, etc. During the inquiry phase, I'll ask for your ideal travel investment and will go into more detail on our consultation call sharing what a trip with that budget would look like and if we're a good fit to move forward planning!
back to faq
It's recommended that we connect ASAP on your trip request! Typically 6-8mos in advance is ideal. There are instances where 12+ mos is more comfortable (i.e. peak safari season, Great Migration, Amalfi coast, etc.) as rooms can book up quickly. We do take last minute requests and will evaluate them on an ongoing basis. Please know for any request within 30 days of takeoff higher fees can be associated in order to prioritize over other current clients!
back to faq
faqs
Whose your ideal client?
Why do you charge a planning fee?
Is there a minimum trip cost to work with you?
What's the ideal lead time before my trip to reach out to you?
This isn't a one type of client fits the bill biz. I LOVE working with clients from all walks of life. The well-travelled, the never travelled, the afraid to hop on planes traveler--each client brings something new and exciting to my day-to-day! (My husband's grandma's first flight was to our wedding in Mexico!) These little milestones make it ALL worth it! Ultimately my ideal client is the client that *trusts* my vision. To the clients that come to me and say "We really don't have a destination in mind. Where would you tell us to go if we were looking for XYZ?", you just fuel my fire a bit more ;)
faqs
Whose your ideal client?
Why do you charge a planning fee?
Is there a minimum trip cost to work with you?
What's the ideal lead time before my trip to reach out to you?
I consider this planning fee a design services fee that shines two fold throughout your in destination experience.
Travel itineraries are not one size fits all. This process is CUSTOM and TAILORED to you and your likes, dislikes, wildest dreams, dietary preferences, level of activity, NEED for an outdoor shower (same), etc.
The hours of time, research, and crafting that is behind the scenes on each itinerary will show during your in destination experience. Not only the time behind the computer, but it would be lost on us all if we forgot about the thousands of dollars and hours spent on the ground experiencing the world through the eyes of our clients.
I'm incredibly dedicated and focused on tailoring each piece of the trip to my clients. So, while it may look like I'm frolicking around Italy eating cheese & sipping Chianti Classico, what you don't see is the 8am-10pm work days visiting properties, meeting with partners (yes, the ones welcoming you to their country!), and establishing the relationships that will take your trip to new heights. It's well worth the small cost upfront to get the most value out of your travel budget.
faqs
Whose your ideal client?
Why do you charge a planning fee?
Is there a minimum trip cost to work with you?
What's the ideal lead time before my trip to reach out to you?
While I don't have a minimum trip cost required to work together, I will assist in the educational piece surrounding budgets. As a Luxury Travel Advisor, I am only selling the properties I believe service my clients the best. I won't be booking any 3 star or below properties, airbnbs, vrbos, etc.
During the inquiry phase, I'll ask for your ideal travel investment, and on our consultation call we'll go into more detail sharing what a trip with that budget would look like. If we mutually agree that we're a good fit to move forward, I'll collect the planning fee and get to work designing your itinerary!
faqs
Whose your ideal client?
Why do you charge a planning fee?
Is there a minimum trip cost to work with you?
What's the ideal lead time before my trip to reach out to you?
It's recommended that we connect ASAP on your trip request! Typically 4-8mos in advance is ideal. There are instances where 12+ mos is more comfortable (i.e. peak safari season, Great Migration, Amalfi coast, etc.) as rooms can book up quickly.
In addition, the sooner you reach out the better as I'll have more time to reserve the best of the best options for you! Waiting until the last minute often means less hotel selection, last choices on tour times, less desirable dinner reservations, etc.
I do take last minute requests and will evaluate them on an ongoing basis. Please know for any request within 30 days of takeoff higher fees can be associated in order to prioritize over other current clients!
