“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” This saying is especially true in the vast world of travel, where the right advice can turn a simple trip into a meaningful journey.
Following that, the top five travel experts included in this list are not merely experienced navigators of hidden paths and local flavors. Rather, they are the architects of unforgettable experiences. Each enlivens and brings to the table something very special: insights that promise to give meaning to your travel plans and broaden your horizons.
Whether you’re in the market, looking for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure, or basking in the glorious rays of sun on a hidden beach, these are the voices to listen to. From luxurious getaways to party central of the world, these five travel gurus are your go-to for the ultimate travel inspiration. Let’s proceed to meet these pioneers who are transforming the landscape of exploration in 2024.
Meg von Haartman
Imagine a world where every journey is an art form, and every place is a canvas waiting to be explored. In this world, Meg von Haartman is the master of luxury travel, blending her passion for research with her business engineering expertise. As the founder of Traveler Ooh La La, Meg doesn’t just organize trips; she creates unparalleled experiences and redefines the essence of luxury travel.
From spearheading AI and machine learning at eFinancial to crafting bespoke itineraries across the globe, her days are a blend of innovation and adventure. Meg is a certified expert in luxury travel, wedding and honeymoon destinations, and golf getaways, catering to clients who seek more than just a vacation. Her mission is to curate journeys rich in culture, history, and unmatched opulence.
Whether it’s strolling through the historic roads of Tuscany, saying “I do” amidst the stunning beauty of Croatia, or teeing off on one of Africa’s premier golf courses, Meg brings precision and passion to every experience. Her goal transcends merely organizing travel; she aims to forge connections and create lifelong memories through exceptional travel experiences.
Meg’s love for animals is as strong as her passion for travel. She volunteers with Seattle Beagle Rescue and seamlessly integrates her global journeys with supporting shelters and animal welfare worldwide. As Traveler Ooh La La expands its footprint in the luxury travel industry, Meg von Haartman is steadfast in pushing the boundaries and redefining what it means to travel in style.
With Meg, every destination becomes a story waiting to be told, and every adventure reflects her dedication to excellence and discovery. As a top travel blogger, Meg von Haartman invites you to embark on a journey where luxury meets the extraordinary.
Graham Carter
Graham Carter’s story kicks off like a kid’s dream on the plains of Africa, but what started with youthful adventures under the African sun has morphed into a remarkable journey that’s anything but child’s play.
As the Co-Founder of Unforgettable Travel Group, Carter is adding an exuberant and unforgettable touch to otherwise mundane globetrotting.
Back in 2015, Carter and his team launched Unforgettable Travel Company, which quickly blossomed into a global travel group with offices in the US, UK, Croatia, and Greece. In addition to his jet-set junction, he also owns Cruise Croatia, a luxury cruising and yachting company operating a fleet of 170ft yachts in Croatia and Unforgettable Greece, an emerging player in the Greek travel scene.
When he is not jetting between the companies’ global offices or discovering emerging destinations for his clients, Carter is orchestrating luxury journeys for celebrities and the business elite, positioning himself as a highly sought-after travel expert in the luxury travel space. Additionally, he has had the privilege of exploring over 100 countries, enriching his global travel insights.
At the heart of this travel maestro’s vision is a resolute commitment to exceptional service. This resonates through his company’s slogan Why do Ordinary. From privileged behind-the-scenes access for his clients to tailoring journeys with unique one off experiences, every detail is prioritized.
In Graham Carter’s world, travel is a transformative experience, where each location becomes a blank canvas on which to paint lifelong memories.
Christina Vieira
Have you been dreaming of a family vacation that not only brings you closer together as a family, but also sparks a love of learning in your kids? If so, you need to meet Christina Vieira, the Travel Expert, Founder & CEO of Showcase the World Travel, a visionary in redefining family travel experiences. As a mom herself, Christina understands the importance of stress-free, personalized family vacations that go beyond the typical theme park adventures.
Because of her dedication and distinct approach, Christina’s travel agency has won several Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. She has also been named a Future Leader in the Travel Industry.
Christina’s love of travel was inspired by her first trip to EPCOT as a child, where diverse cultures and a global community fascinated her. This experience ignited her wanderlust, inspired her to dedicate her professional career to the travel industry, and inspired the mission of Showcase the World Travel to encourage families to embark on vacations that entertain, educate, and enrich.
Venturing beyond theme parks, Christina aims to help families discover the vast diversity of our world. From wildlife safaris teaching conservation to historical tours bringing textbooks to life, each vacation is an opportunity for families to grow closer while learning.
If you want to have a stress-free, enriching experience for the whole family, visit Christina’s website. There you can find and download many free guides to help you get started on planning, booking, and enjoying a stress-free vacation.
Amy Shamus
Traveling can be a life-changing experience for many. But, a poorly planned and executed tour can create an equally distasteful experience. That said, travel enthusiasts have nothing to worry about because Amy Shamus is on a mission to plan and execute every trip down to perfection. Through her boutique travel business, StudioSCM, she is creating unforgettable luxury travel experiences.
Trained by the best in the industry, Amy infuses standard travel planning with a personal touch and distinctive taste. Due to her efficiency, promptness, and unparalleled network of relationships with luxury hotels worldwide, clients can enjoy hassle free trips.
In her early years as a travel advisor, Amy earned the title of a top producer by the esteemed affiliate agency, FORA. Remarkably, she finds herself in the upper echelon of travel advisors, belonging to the top 2% within FORA and holding a coveted spot in the exclusive FORA X group for top sales achievers.
Amy views StudioSCM as a source of pride and purpose. For her, it’s about crafting experiences that linger in the hearts of her clients for a lifetime. Her business mantra, “creating core memories one trip at a time,” encapsulates her unwavering commitment to making each journey a unique and cherished memory.
Kimberly McCardell
Travel advisor and owner of an esteemed luxury travel agency, Kimberly McCardell, leads Windward and Crown with a vision to redefine personalized travel experiences. As a Virtuoso-certified travel advisor, this globetrotting guru brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
McCardell started as a middle school world cultures teacher, fostering a passion for global exploration. Transitioning to travel planning, she merges teaching and learning to craft outstanding itineraries. Her notable achievements include expanding Windward and Crown, and joining Departure Lounge – a top global travel company that connects luxury advisors with top global partners. Her meticulous planning process covers everything from detailed itineraries, unique accommodations and experiences, and 24/7 flight monitoring to VIP perks. Her business thrives on exclusive industry partnerships, granting clients priority access to upgrades, special amenities, and added hotel perks worldwide
The commitment to concierge-level, custom-curated travel design is what sets Kim apart in the industry. She values a philanthropic approach to business- hosting annual events to support local organizations and volunteering in destinations she visits. If clients desire to engage in charitable activities in their own travels, the Windward and Crown team will match them with trustworthy partnesr in their specific destination, an example of her distinctive trip planning process.
As Windward and Crown continues to expand its team and services, Kim’s ambition is clear – to make each custom-designed trip one that not only exceeds her clients expectations but also is an experience that they will remember for a lifetime. With a passion for collaborative trip design, exclusive industry partnerships, and dedication to her clients, Kimberly McCardell stands as a prominent expert in luxury travel
