Why My Travels Matter to Yours

Private water taxi to the Doge's Palace - Venice

In the world of luxury travel, the details matter. Every texture, every flavor, every hidden corner of a destination can transform a journey from ordinary to extraordinary. This is why travel advisors who specialize in luxury experiences make it a priority to personally explore the places, properties, and services they recommend to clients. One of the most effective ways to do this is through what the industry calls a “FAM trip.” Short for “familiarization trip,” these journeys are designed specifically for travel professionals to experience destinations firsthand. For clients, the value of these trips cannot be overstated, even though it might not be obvious at first glance.

When I embark on a FAM trip, I’m not simply vacationing. I’m working—immersing myself in the experience with my clients’ needs and desires in mind. Think of it as research, but the kind of research you can only do by walking the cobblestone streets of a medieval town, stepping into a private villa, or sampling the tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Reading about a hotel in a brochure is one thing, but feeling the weight of the linens, noticing the attentiveness of the staff, and experiencing the flow of the property gives me insights that no website could ever provide. My goal is always to return home with a wealth of knowledge that will help me design seamless and memorable trips for the people who trust me with their travel dreams.

Another key element of a FAM trip is the behind-the-scenes access. On these journeys, I am invited into spaces that an average traveler might not see, like touring a suite that is usually booked solid, sitting down with the general manager of a resort to understand their philosophy of service, or previewing upcoming amenities that aren’t even on the public’s radar yet. These exclusive opportunities give me a deeper perspective on what makes a property or destination special, and I can pass that insight directly to my clients. Imagine being able to suggest the exact villa at a resort that best balances privacy with ocean views, or knowing which room category offers the most generous balcony for sunset cocktails. Those small touches come from firsthand experience, and they are what elevate a trip from pleasant to unforgettable.

FAM trips are also about forging personal relationships. In the luxury travel world, who you know matters. During these experiences, I connect with hoteliers, chefs, private guides, and local experts who become my partners in creating custom itineraries. These personal contacts mean that when you book through me, your name is known, and your arrival is anticipated. That welcome bottle of champagne, the special table in the restaurant, or the surprise amenity in your suite isn’t random—it’s the result of relationships nurtured on these journeys. And in moments where flexibility or special requests are needed, those relationships can make all the difference.

Beyond the logistics and amenities, FAM trips help me understand the intangible qualities of a place. How does it feel to stroll through a city at night? What is the rhythm of a particular resort—lively and social, or calm and secluded? What makes one safari camp’s storytelling different from another’s? These are nuances that can’t be captured in glossy marketing materials but are deeply important in matching the right traveler with the right destination. When I recommend an itinerary, it isn’t just a collection of accommodations and activities—it’s a carefully considered match between my client’s personality and the essence of the place.

It’s also worth noting that travel is not static. Properties renovate, new experiences launch, and destinations evolve. What was true five years ago—or even one year ago—may no longer apply today. By participating in FAM trips, I ensure that my knowledge remains current. This means that when you’re planning a special journey, you’re benefiting from up-to-the-minute insights, not outdated impressions. You don’t have to worry about booking a hotel that has lost its shine or missing out on a newly opened gem that hasn’t yet made it to the guidebooks.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of traveling on a FAM trip to Italy, which remains one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I revisited one of my favorite cities, Venice, and had the chance to see it through a slightly different lens—touring new properties, connecting with guides who specialize in art and history, and experiencing the quieter corners away from the crowds. Venice has always enchanted me, but knowing exactly which hotel offers the best Grand Canal view or which guide can unlock a hidden artisan’s workshop allows me to bring my clients experiences that are far beyond the standard postcard moments.

From there, I explored Liguria for the very first time. It was a revelation—a region of colorful seaside towns, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills that felt both quintessentially Italian and refreshingly unique. One of the highlights was a cooking class in the hills above Camogli, held in the home of our local guide and led by her mother. We spent the afternoon preparing traditional Ligurian dishes, learning family recipes passed down through generations. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a window into the heart of Italian culture and hospitality. Experiences like that can’t be staged for tourists—they come from the personal connections I make during these trips. Now, when a client tells me they want something authentic in Italy, I can recommend opportunities that I’ve lived myself, ensuring their journey is rich with genuine moments.

Another layer of value comes from efficiency. Planning a luxury trip is not a simple task—it involves countless decisions, from selecting the right flight times to ensuring dietary preferences are communicated to the chef at your resort. By personally testing transfer services, spa treatments, dining venues, and even excursions, I eliminate guesswork for my clients. I can advise you on whether a day trip is truly worth the time, which spa treatments live up to the hype, or whether a certain activity is best suited for morning or late afternoon. This level of detail creates smoother, more enjoyable journeys for travelers.

Some clients ask whether these trips mean I get to “travel for free.” The truth is that FAM trips are not free vacations; they are working journeys with structured itineraries, site inspections, and full days devoted to learning as much as possible. Of course, there are moments of beauty and joy—I am experiencing wonderful destinations, after all—but the focus is always on bringing back actionable insights for my clients. Think of it the way a food critic samples dishes not for their own enjoyment, but to guide their readers toward the best dining experiences. My role is similar, except instead of restaurants, I’m evaluating entire journeys.

The ultimate value of these trips shows up in the stories my clients bring back. When someone returns from a river cruise and tells me that the private vineyard dinner I arranged was the highlight of their trip, or when a family shares that the villa I recommended gave them both togetherness and privacy, I know that the time I’ve invested in these FAM experiences has paid off. It allows me to listen to my clients’ dreams and then match them with experiences I’ve personally vetted, ensuring not only satisfaction but delight.

Travel is an investment, not just of money but of time and emotion. Most of my clients don’t take dozens of trips a year—they take a few that truly matter. That’s why it’s so important that each journey is carefully tailored, thoughtfully curated, and impeccably executed. My FAM trips are part of that process, a way to make sure that when you entrust your travel dreams to me, you are receiving not just knowledge but wisdom, not just a trip but an experience.

And while each FAM trip enriches the breadth of my expertise, it also adds to the excitement of what’s to come. Every destination deepens my ability to weave new possibilities into the journeys I create for clients. My spring adventure in Italy is still inspiring me, but I already know there’s more to uncover. Later this year, I’ll be heading back to Italy for another FAM experience. I’ll be exploring regions, properties, and encounters that I can’t wait to bring to life for my clients. But I’ll save the details for later—you’ll just have to wait and see what Italian treasures I’ll be bringing back to share.