Carol Mccarthy
Are you the kind of traveler who prefers to go exploring on your own and look for something a bit different from the traditional tour? Let me make sure that all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted and your experiences are the best they can be.
When I do your personal itinerary, I think through every decision for you and present plenty of options. You’ll know where you should fly versus take a train and where you might best benefit from hiring a private guide. Depending on your interests, I can suggest and arrange exclusive activities such as cooking classes with a master chef or touring a vineyard and having a private tasting hosted by the owner.
Everything will be carefully planned so that you move seamlessly from place to place. Additionally, as a Protravel International agent, I can arrange for perks such as late checkout, complimentary breakfasts and Wi-Fi and upgraded rooms when available, and other extras at most top hotels.
Most importantly, I will tailor your itinerary to your interests and wishes. I recently planned a two-week trip for two couples for a two-week trip around France. At each hotel, I arranged for the best rooms and views, including a view of the Louvre in Paris. Since they were interested in Van Gogh, we hired a private guide for a full-day driving and walking tour in Provence that included Arles and Saint-Remy. The tour allowed them to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps to see the places where he created many of his paintings. And to satisfy the foodies and wine-lovers in the group, I arranged for them to spend three nights at the Hostellierie de Levernois, a Relais and Chateaux hotel in Beaune with a Michelin-starred restaurant and to have a special wine tasting in the area.
I arrange travel for a lot of multigenerational groups. A trip can be wonderful bonding experiences for families. The challenge is planning one that fits the budget and appeals to everyone in the party. For those who can afford it, safaris, Galapagos cruises and family-oriented programs like Tauck river cruises and Bridges programs can be mind-expanding and fun for everyone. A beach getaway at the right resort can also provide space for everyone to do what they enjoy, along with the kind of educational opportunities that many parents and grandparents love to share with their kids.
I also plan a lot of honeymoons. Because family and friends often contribute to the trip as their wedding gift, it’s often the first time a young couple can do a dream trip to exotic locales. One of the most fun trips I planned recently was for newlyweds who planned a far-ranging trip to Italy and Croatia. They came back thrilled—and of course, so was I. And we’re already planning their next trip!
Whether you have a special trip in mind or are looking for ideas, I’d love to help bring your travel dreams to life.