Authentic Luxury Travel

I love to travel, but I make a lousy tourist.

I want to wander off the beaten path and walk, browse, hike, bike, and kayak at my own pace. I like hearing from locals and appreciate their insider advice. I enjoy the stories of long-time residents,  staying in lodging that reflects the local culture, and dining on regional dishes. I want to savor the beauty of exotic environments in peace and quiet.

Like other advocates of authentic luxury travel, I also want my creature comforts. These may - depending on the destination –  include high-thread-count bed linens, room service, and air-conditioning. In any case, I am especially fond of clean, well-equipped bathrooms.

Authentic luxury

You bet we can. As the travel editor of a luxury lifestyle magazine, I’ve learned that the Third World and the Four Seasons are not mutually exclusive. Travelers can have authentic experiences without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

I have enjoyed the hospitality of New Zealand farmers, “glamped” in Denali National Park wilderness, visited remote Hmong villages in North Vietnam, and watched Kuna Indians making molas in Panama’s San Blas Islands.

These real, very untouristy experiences do not require a youth hostel card and a backpack. I happily forgo tours and cruises, but don’t compromise on lodging, meals, and modes of transportation – and always come home smarter, happier, and full of new ideas.

The mission of this site – Authentic Luxury Travel – is to make it easy for travelers to connect with the local culture wherever they go. I write about lodging that is off the beaten path, browsing in farmers’ markets, learning to cook the regional cuisine, watching wildlife with a native guide, celebrating the destination’s national holidays, and much more.

Authentic Luxury Travelers value custom itineraries that lead to meaningful adventures, so I recommend travel experts in various destinations who plan customized, totally flexible, itineraries. These trips avoid the touristy must-see spots and focus on real experiences.

Need help with an authentic luxury itinerary?

Still not sure how to plan and execute an itinerary for an authentic trip? Please don’t panic and book a tour or cruise. I can – and would be happy to - help plan your trip.  There’s nothing I enjoy more than helping other travelers fulfill their travel dreams.

I’m happy to share my insider tips and personal travel experiences because I think that connections made while traveling can be life changing. In fact, I believe that travelers who have real contact with another culture can help build a safer, more peaceful global community.

Cheers and happy travels!