No matter how many beautiful hotels I visit or incredible places I get to experience, it still feels special to me. I still get excited about checking into a new hotel, exploring somewhere I've never been, and sharing those experiences with my family. I know how fortunate I am to travel the way I do, and it's something I never take for granted.
I was fortunate growing up, but travel wasn't something my family prioritized spending money on. Most of our vacations were to Florida, and I have wonderful memories of those trips. We didn't travel internationally very often, and I certainly didn't grow up staying at luxury hotels around the world. That was a world I discovered later in life, which I think is part of why I still appreciate it so much.
That just wasn't part of my childhood, and I think that perspective has stayed with me. Even now, when I board a plane with my family or check into an incredible hotel, I still find myself thinking, How lucky am I that I get to do this?
Of course, I appreciate beautiful hotels. I love thoughtful design, exceptional service, incredible food, and waking up somewhere with a breathtaking view. Those are all things that make this industry so exciting to be part of. But as much as I appreciate the hotels themselves, I've realized that what matters most to me is what these experiences make possible.
(Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
To me, luxury isn't simply about five-star hotels, beautiful suites, or exclusive experiences. It's about having the freedom to explore the world and create memories with the people I love. One of the greatest joys has been taking my daughters to places I never experienced growing up and watching their curiosity about the world develop along the way. It's the little moments that stay with me.
(Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
Those are the experiences I know we'll remember long after we've forgotten the details of a hotel room. And I recognize how fortunate we are to have them. Being able to travel this way is a privilege, and I never want to lose sight of that. If anything, I hope I'm always the person who pauses before walking into a beautiful hotel to appreciate where I am.
I've never viewed luxury travel as a symbol of status. For me, it's about the experiences it creates, the people we share them with, and the memories that stay with us long after a trip ends. That's what makes being a luxury travel advisor so meaningful to me. Beyond recommending beautiful hotels and planning incredible vacations, I love helping people create moments they'll still be talking about years from now. Whether it's an anniversary dinner overlooking the Mediterranean, a family safari, or simply a week away to reconnect, these experiences become part of a family's story.
I'm incredibly grateful for the places I've visited, the people I've met, and the memories I've made with my own family. No matter how many beautiful destinations I explore, I hope I never lose that sense of excitement and appreciation. Because to me, one of the greatest luxuries is never losing your sense of gratitude.