Recognized Festival Travel Leaders 2025

Founder of festivalabroad.com—building discovery for the $100B music tourism market. At Festival Abroad, we precision-engineer discovery. By leveraging deep user preferences and Spotify integration, we match high-intent travelers with the experiences they deserve across a curated directory of 2,800+ festivals in 86 countries. Our focus is the High-Value Traveler: This is the audience that values quality, invests in the journey, and seeks real-life connection over screen-time. They bring the vibes and the budget. Moving past the status quo: Combining a lifelong love for music with high-growth startup experience, we help festivals integrate deep-data personalisation and immersive design to scale their business without diluting their culture. In a world glued to screens, we're building the infrastructure for real-life connection. Let’s talk: The future of music travel, data-driven discovery, and the 2026 festival economy.

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

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.

Augustin Ndikuriyo has 20+ years in premium travel, helping luxury brands—cruises, safari lodges, boutique resorts, and hotels—turn stories into content that inspires, engages, and converts. Founder of The Digital Travel Expert Hub, he’s worked with Celebrity Cruises, Dream Yacht Worldwide, Orlando Vacations, SentientJet, TEFL Org, and Mardi Gras New Orleans, combining storytelling, AI SEO, and digital growth to build trust, authority, and high-value bookings.

Niraj Pancholi is an award-winning writer and director based in Los Angeles, known for his internationally recognized short film Cosmic Light. The film earned accolades including the Gold Remi at WorldFest-Houston, Semi-Finalist at the Columbus International Film and Animation Festival (USA), and Special Jury Mention at the Rajasthan International Film Festival (India). It was also selected for prestigious festivals such as the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, Long Island International Film Expo, Glendale International Film Festival, and Silicon Beach Film Festival, among others. The feature-length screenplay of Cosmic Light has garnered recognition as a Finalist at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, a Semi-Finalist at the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, and a nominee at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. In 2025, Niraj served as a judge at both the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival and the Cambridge Film Festival, evaluating a wide range of films, music videos, and screenplays across genres. With a background in computer engineering, Niraj is available to provide expert commentary on filmmaking, screenwriting, movies, the entertainment business, the global film festival circuit, and the role of technology and AI in creative industries. He was recently quoted in TechRound as an expert on AI’s impact on the film industry.

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,

Sandals #1 US Travel Agency... Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rivage Travel Consulting & www.BestCaribbeanResorts.com is a boutique travel consultant group owned by husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Angela Patton. As Sandals specialists with over 15 years of expertise, we have personally visited every resort and booked over 2,000 client trips to Sandals, earning recognition as the 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency in the USA and ranking among the top seven travel advisors nationwide. Being in the top 1% of all US travel advisors, our Diamond Elite status with Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club means we have insider knowledge and experience when it comes Sandals & Beaches resorts. TRAVEL AWARDS & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Sandals Resorts Awards 2026 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2025 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – USA 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – South East 2024 Top Sandals Butler Elite Travel Agency 2024 Top Sandals Island Routes Agency - Worldwide 2024 Top 10 Independent Sandals Travel Agency – Worldwide 2024 Sandals Million Dollar Club 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club

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.

Turning the world into words Travel writer and journalist specialising in solo adventure and story-led travel for women. I'm Nika—a journo, adventurer and author with a 25+ years of experience across radio, TV, print, digital and social. My passion is solo travel and slow adventures—not just seeing places but getting under the skin of them. Walking my way to stories - my feet are wiser than my head, finding cultural connection and a deeper understanding through the people who live there: local families, creatives, journalists. And always, the taste of place. I've worked with global media and brands, including the BBC, Emap, News UK, DMGT, Bauer, Wizja TV, Foxtel, Expedia Group, Weber Shandwick, Havas and Publicis Groupe. 12x book babies on health & wellness. I mentor journos through the NUJ and host a Writers' Café in Hastings & St Leonards. Work and collaborate with me → https://nikatalbot.io Since 2020, I've been building Bold Types, recommended by Hotflash Inc. as “a helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many of us.” 🌐 Bold Types Adventures in journalism, from a GenXy writer who walks. Your weekly hit of optimism and grit. Join us → https://www.nikatalbot.io Professional memberships National Union of Journalists (London Freelance SoMe officer), Women in Journalism, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Digital Creator Association, The Media Society, Talking Travel Writing, TravMedia. Wall of Love “They should frame this newsletter in the Louvre—simply a joy to read!” – Eoin Whyte, Chief Revenue Officer & co-founder, Savvy. Here to fix your content gaps! 💎 “Two things to say from all of us… BRAVO & AMAZING! It was really engaging and fun to read. This is the reference we should keep for upcoming work.” — Daniel Mondragón, Global Brand Lead, Nestlé, The Science of Growing Up Happy Book "Recommended reading for Workforce Futurists!" - Andy Spence, Founder, Workforce Futurist “I was impressed with how much you connected to people and the place when you were here. You’ve got a gift for it. Not everybody is like that – comfortable striking up conversations with strangers.” — Marianne Lehnis, Founder, The Green Techpreneur Gold star for reading this far 🤩 Working in travel media? I'd love to connect. Get in touch - nika@nikatalbot.io.

Founder of TRAVI World, a comprehensive travel guide platform covering 17+ destinations worldwide. With expertise in global tourism trends, destination insights, and travel industry analysis, I provide in-depth knowledge on hotels, attractions, and experiences across Dubai, UAE, Bali, and other popular destinations. Passionate about helping travelers discover authentic experiences and make informed travel decisions.

Chantel Lanier is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Three Times Journeys, where she helps people stop waiting and start going. She designs custom international travel experiences for U.S.-based families, couples, and travelers marking a big moment in life, all built around one idea: that the world is more accessible than most people think. For a lot of travelers, the barrier isn't desire — it's the overwhelm of where to start, the fear of getting it wrong, or not knowing if travel is even possible for them. Chantel removes those barriers. She turns complicated, intimidating trips into something that feels doable, personal, and worth every bit of the anticipation. Chantel's strength is turning the overwhelming into the obvious. She helps travelers cut through the noise and build trips that actually reflect how they like to explore. She then backs it up with on-the-ground partnerships and a planning process that takes care of details most people don't even know to think about.

My name is Kristen and I have traveled, lived and worked all across the globe for over a decade. In 2013, after nearly a decade building a career in corporate marketing in NYC, I left it all behind to travel solo across 3 continents and 26 countries. From there I became a scuba diving instructor, and spent the next 10 years living and working in Thailand, Mexico, St. Croix and Florida. In 2017, I was voted PADI's Inspiring Woman Diver of the Year. Beginning in 2024 I joined Fora as a luxury travel planner and have launched my own travel brand and blog, Dear Destination Travel, so that I could help inspire others to make their travel dreams and goals come to life. I have now traveled to 6 continents and over 35 countries. My website, deardestinationtravel.com, is a complete travel resource and inspiration hub.

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, 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.

I am a business owner, event producer and live experience specialist with a 13+ year track record of building some of the biggest brands in electronic music. My passion lies in discovering new ways to create world-class experiences for event-goers, music artists, content creators and brands in an evolving world where marketing, culture and technology all blend seamlessly into one. Areas of focus include:Live event experience consulting, experiential content conceptualization, on-site festival and event management, music artist management, media production project management, live stream creative direction and oversight, lifestyle branding, digital marketing, email marketing, e-commerce marketing, merchandise design consultation, domestic and imported merchandise sourcing, on-site activation management along with business to business and direct to fan/consumer relations.Awesome people, brands and events I've worked with:Excision, Lost Lands Music Festival, Bass Canyon Music Festival, Live Nation, Madison House, SGE (Synergy Global Entertainment), Subsidia Records, Liquid Stranger, Wakaan Records, Sullivan King, Midnight Tyrannosaurus, Dion Timmer, The Emazing Group (Shark Tank), iHeartRaves, Freedom Ravewear, Monstercat, Wooli, Protohype, Champagne Drip, Madison Ivy, Destroid, Com3t, Darksiderz, Alt Zero, Excision Liquids, Bear Grillz, Figure, Ms. Easy & many more.Owner and Co-Founder of lifestyle apparel brand Scummy Bears | www.scummybears.com

With 10+ years of experience in the cycling travel industry, Romuald Barboteau is the Co-Founder of Veymont Travel, a boutique agency specializing in fully-supported, private cycling tours across France and Europe. Based between the Alps and Provence, he helps North American travelers discover the 'hidden soul' of France through slow luxury and off-the-beaten-path routes. From the iconic climbs of the Tour de France to secret vineyards, his focus is on merging premium logistics with authentic cultural immersion. His expertise spans from France’s most legendary destinations to its most secluded, hidden gems.

Susan Johnston is the Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival, an internationally recognized event that honors stories worth telling across all media while celebrating innovation in storytelling and emerging technologies. Long before “new media” entered the public vocabulary, Johnston foresaw its impact and created a festival introducing formats such as VR, AR, AI, and blockchain. A visionary in New Media and Technology, she blends entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability to spotlight innovation across global creative industries. Knighted in Rome for her contributions to arts and humanity and serving as an Emmy Awards Blue Ribbon Panel Judge since 2010, Johnston is a trusted authority for journalists seeking insights at the intersection of media, technology, and cultural innovation. Her career spans producing, festival direction, and advocacy, with films curated from over 40 countries. Johnston has been honored globally for advancing culture and creativity, underscoring her standing as a respected leader in the entertainment industry. Specializations & Expertise • Early adoption and foresight in new media technologies • Championing independent filmmakers and global storytellers • Curating and producing content across film, television, VR, AR, and digital platforms • Building bridges between creatives, investors, and technologists Notable Accomplishments • Founded the New Media Film Festival in 2009, now recognized internationally as a premier event for innovation in storytelling • Knighted in Rome (2017) for contributions to arts and humanity • Emmy Awards Blue Ribbon Panel Judge since 2010 • Honored with awards for industry leadership and festival excellence, including recognition from major media outlets • Spotlighted AI, blockchain, and immersive media years before they became industry buzzwords • Advocated for sustainable practices in filmmaking and created opportunities for underrepresented voices Education Johnston studied at Rhode Island College and the NYU Extension Program, complemented by private tutoring from leading entertainment professionals. This mix of academics and mentorship gave her both a strong foundation and insider expertise, enabling her to anticipate and champion new media innovations ahead of the mainstream.

I am the founder of Latin Adventures, a boutique Destination Management Company specializing in luxury, sustainable, and tailor-made travel across South America. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, I design high-end journeys that combine comfort, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism in destinations such as the Galápagos Islands, Peru, Patagonia, the Amazon Rainforest, and Easter Island. I work closely with travelers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, creating personalized itineraries that balance exclusivity, authenticity, and seamless logistics. My expertise includes luxury adventure travel, multi-country itineraries, wildlife experiences, and sustainable tourism practices that support local communities and conservation efforts. I am frequently consulted for insights on luxury travel trends, safe and responsible travel in South America, and how travelers can experience iconic destinations while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.

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’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.

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)