Family Vacation Planners Professionals to Know 2025

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

At Hourglass Expeditions, we are passionate about crafting group and corporate travel experiences that inspire connection, exploration, and discovery while prioritizing sustainability. Since 2017, we’ve partnered with companies, organizations, and groups of all sizes to design custom journeys throughout the globe. We ourselves have traveled to over 50 countries and territories on all seven continents, so we know a thing or two about supporting your global travel needs. Whether it’s a corporate retreat, incentive travel, or an adventure-filled group getaway, we handle every detail—from flights and accommodations to activities and event planning—ensuring an exceptional, stress-free experience. Our expertise spans both land and sea, offering tailored packages that include cultural explorations, luxury cruises, and active adventures, all curated with meticulous attention to detail. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we focus on working with eco-conscious partners, supporting local communities, and promoting travel practices that minimize environmental impact. Whether you’re exploring the pristine landscapes of Antarctica, relaxing on a Mediterranean cruise, or hosting a multi-city corporate event, Hourglass Expeditions delivers extraordinary travel experiences that meets the needs of your organization or business while creating lasting memories.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

I'm a mom of 2, and travel often with my husband and kids. I've travelled to nearly 40 countries and lived in 7. My website, Tiny Footsteps Travel, reaches tens of thousands of readers each month. With almost 10 years of experience as a school teacher, I create thoughtful, eco-conscious travel guides on my site that are family-friendly and inclusive for kids of all ages. I create itineraries, videos, and resources that make meaningful travel accessible for parents and their children. I primarily cover the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, Scandinavia (especially Sweden, Denmark and Iceland) and the British Isles. I ensure that my readers have a true picture of what their trip entails through honest feedback based on real personal experiences.

Sheila Hayes is a family travel expert and content creator behind SheMamaMaps, a platform dedicated to helping families travel smarter and stress-free. She specializes in real-world travel with teens, budget-friendly strategies, and maximizing points and miles. Sheila has created content across destinations including the Caribbean, Central America, Japan and the U.S., with videos reaching over 3.8 million views. Her insights focus on practical planning, family-friendly accommodations, and making travel accessible for everyday families.

Jennifer Spatz is the Founder of Global Family Travels and a leader in regenerative, community-based tourism. A cultural anthropologist at heart, she designs immersive travel experiences grounded in her company’s mission to Learn, Serve, and Immerse—connecting travelers meaningfully with local communities, cultures, and natural environments. Through partnerships with global and local nonprofits, Jennifer integrates regenerative tourism principles and aligns programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her journeys combine cultural exchange, educational experiences, homestays, and community-driven projects that strengthen social and environmental systems in the destinations visited. Her insights on regenerative travel have been featured in TravelAge West (“Regenerative Meets Family Fun”) and on the podcast Regenerative Tourism: When Sustainability Isn’t Enough. (see all news links here: https://www.globalfamilytravels.com/news)

With 25 years in the travel industry across Europe, I have recently started my own business as a travel consultant. Leveraging my experiences as a tour guide in France, Norway and the Benelux, as well as resort work in other countries, I now help plan itineraries for independent travelers to Europe,

Kayla is an American luxury travel designer based in Puglia, Italy, and the founder of Storia Travel Club. She relocated to southern Italy in 2024 and has built a travel business designing bespoke itineraries for discerning travelers with a particular focus on Italy and Europe. Her lived experience in Puglia gives her access to the kind of local detail that no guidebook captures: which masseria is worth the splurge and which is coasting on reputation, where to find the best bombette in the Valle d’Itria, and why the heel of Italy consistently surprises even seasoned travelers. She works with a select clientele, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, people seeking relocation to Italy, and those who expect their travel to be entirely handled by a professional. Her work has been featured on The Puglia Guys podcast, Condé Nast Traveler and her knowledge of the region, including its food culture, lesser-known geography, and the properties worth staying in, makes her a go-to source for editorial coverage on authentic luxury and slow travel in Italy.

Nicola Evans is the founder of 6Teen Summers, a boutique luxury family travel advisory based in Newport Beach, California. She specialises in designing high touch family and multigenerational trips for busy parents who value ease, thoughtful pacing, and meaningful shared experiences. British born and now US based, Nicola brings a transatlantic perspective to family travel planning. With a background in executive leadership and marketing, she applies a strategic, detail driven approach to curating journeys across Europe, the USA, and beyond. Her expertise includes school holiday travel, multigenerational logistics, and selecting hotels and experiences that genuinely work for families rather than simply looking good online. Nicola is part of the Virtuoso consortia. Nicola is known for her honest, straight talking advice and her ability to filter through overwhelming options to recommend what is truly the right fit. Through long standing preferred partner relationships with leading luxury hotel brands and destination partners, she secures added value, upgrades, and insider access for her clients. She regularly advises on trends in luxury family travel, common planning mistakes parents make, and how modern families are prioritising time, connection, and ease over deal hunting. Her work reflects a forward thinking view of luxury travel that is intentional, personal, and grounded in real family needs.

I’m the founder of Limitless Morocco Tours and a Morocco travel expert with hands-on experience designing private tours, desert adventures, and cultural journeys across Morocco. I specialize in helping travelers experience authentic Morocco through customized itineraries, local guides, and immersive desert experiences in places like Marrakech and Merzouga. I regularly share expert insights on Morocco travel, safety, itineraries, and best practices for first-time visitors.

Patrícia is a Portuguese wedding planner specializing in elopements, micro/intimate weddings, and vow renewals. Fluent in Portuguese and English, she has been part of Peach Perfect Weddings since March 2023, working with couples from around the world to plan their celebrations in Portugal. She is particularly known for her attention to timelines, thoughtfully structuring each day to ensure a seamless flow of events. Read more: https://peachperfectweddings.com/wedding-planner-in-portugal

Vanessa Kromer is an award-winning luxury travel advisor, founder and Editor in Chief of Maison Voyage Magazine, podcast host, and luxury travel creator with more than 16 years of experience designing bespoke journeys for discerning travelers worldwide. As the founder of a seven-figure luxury travel business, she specializes in luxury hotels, Europe, Italy, France, luxury cruises, safari, and emerging high-end travel trends. Vanessa is recognized for her expertise in boutique and independently owned luxury hotels, destination strategy, premium air travel, luxury rail, expedition and ocean cruises, and personalized itinerary design. She works closely with luxury hospitality brands and tourism partners around the world while helping affluent travelers discover exceptional destinations beyond the obvious. In addition to advising hundreds of clients each year, Vanessa leads the editorial vision for Maison Voyage Magazine, where she writes about luxury hotels, destination trends, culinary travel, wellness escapes, and meaningful travel experiences. She also hosts the Maison Voyage Podcast, interviewing global travel experts, hotel leaders, and destination specialists. As both a travel advisor and media publisher, Vanessa offers a unique perspective on how luxury travel is evolving. She regularly comments on luxury travel trends, consumer behavior, hospitality, boutique hotels, cruises, destination strategy, travel planning, creator partnerships, women in business, entrepreneurship, and building a modern luxury travel brand. Her work has been featured in regional and national media, and she is frequently sought after for expert commentary on the future of luxury travel, premium hospitality, and the experiences today's affluent travelers value most. Based in St. Augustine, Florida, Vanessa continues to inspire travelers through editorial storytelling, strategic partnerships, and expertly designed journeys that celebrate authentic luxury and meaningful connection.

I’ve spent over seven years at Yonder Travel Insurance mastering the 'fine print' so travelers don't have to. My expertise lies in deconstructing complex policy language into clear, actionable advice, whether I’m recommending the ideal plan for a unique itinerary or guiding a client through the intricacies of the claims process. By maintaining key partnerships with top insurance providers, I stay at the forefront of industry trends to provide unbiased, expert insights that help travelers maximize their benefits and navigate the unexpected with confidence. I use this experience to craft insightful responses on behalf of Yonder to further educate the public on travel insurance, which you can explore in my featured articles section.

I am an innovator with a storm of disrupted ideas in the luxury travel industry. I have 15+ years of experience with UHNWI/F and I am truly passionated about Real Estate and UHNW travel experiences. Ncg Experience offers SY Assistance, Luxury Homes & Private Islands Rentals and unsurpassed experiences in the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mykonos, Ibiza, St Tropez, St Barths. “Sensational memories for life. Dreams are never big enough” AD X

Sam Doyle is the founder of Pixie Dust Wanderlust, a Disneyland Paris planning resource built from 13+ personal trips to the parks. Her planners have won Best Specialist Themed Holiday Planner 2025 at the Best of British Getaways Awards (SME News) and Travel Planning Services of the Year from Corporate Livewire. Her advice on ticketing, hotels, transport, and money-saving strategies has also been featured in Forbes. She helps UK families cut through conflicting advice and plan Disneyland Paris trips with confidence, and is available to comment on park news, ticketing changes, booking strategy, and the practical realities of visiting with kids.

Emily Asher is a family travel writer, content creator, and founder of Family Wayfare, a travel publication dedicated to helping parents explore the world with confidence. Drawing from firsthand experience traveling with her children on both family and solo-parent adventures, she shares practical insights on family-friendly destinations, travel planning, child-friendly accommodations, travel safety, budgeting, and stress-free vacations. Her work focuses on providing trustworthy, experience-based travel advice that helps families create meaningful and memorable journeys together.

I am a Central America Travel Specialist and Luxury Itinerary Designer at Mayan Gateway, with deep expertise in curating high-end, experiential journeys across Guatemala, Mexico, and the region. My focus is on connecting discerning travelers with authentic cultural heritage, sustainable luxury, and private, off-the-beaten-path expeditions. With a professional background in project management and customer experience, I specialize in the logistics of luxury travel in remote locations—from private helicopter transfers in the Mayan biosphere to exclusive access to indigenous artisan cooperatives. I am passionate about promoting Central America as a world-class destination that balances exclusivity with deep cultural respect and environmental conservation.

Hello, I’m Steven Callas, founder of Gilded Travels. As an independent travel agent based in Chicago, I cut the stress out of DIY booking by being your human advocate. Someone who knows your itinerary inside out and can fix problems before you even know they exist. Before I started designing trips for couples, families, and close friend groups who travel together, I spent years managing complex film productions across multiple countries. Moving crew and equipment through unfamiliar cities on a tight schedule requires absolute precision and reliable local contacts. When things go wrong, you need a plan that holds. That skill set carried over when I left Hollywood. Today it’s what goes into your bespoke vacations. An algorithm can’t tell you that the ocean-view suite actually overlooks a cargo port. It can’t reroute your family of five when a ferry strike shuts down the Greek islands. And it can’t call the concierge at your hotel in Kyoto to confirm that the room is ready before you land. Close the browser tabs. Stop negotiating with a chatbot. Let’s plan your trip with someone you can actually build a relationship with.

Andrea Napiontek | Founder & CEO, Second Star Wishes Andrea Napiontek is the founder and CEO of Second Star Wishes, a boutique travel agency known for crafting magical, meaningful, and meticulously planned vacations around the world. With more than a decade of experience in the travel industry, Andrea has built an award-winning agency that specializes in luxury family vacations, romantic getaways, and bespoke itineraries that balance comfort, connection, and creativity. Under her leadership, Second Star Wishes has grown into a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its concierge-level service, deep destination expertise, and a personalized approach that turns travel planning into an experience in itself. Her team of advisors is known for curating unforgettable trips to destinations including Disney, Universal, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, European cities, Caribbean escapes, and beyond. Andrea is a visionary businesswoman, mentor, and strategist dedicated to helping other travel advisors build thriving, purpose-driven careers. She’s known for blending data-driven business acumen with a heartfelt, service-first philosophy...earning her industry partnerships with leading travel brands and consortia. With an eye for storytelling and a passion for helping others see the world, Andrea continues to inspire both travelers and fellow entrepreneurs to pursue experiences that create lifelong memories.