Recognized Luxury Travel Leaders 2025

At the heart of LaVon Private Luxury is a belief that travel isn’t just about going somewhere—it’s about transformation. As Founder, Tiffany Layne has dedicated her career to curating bespoke journeys that are as enriching as they are unforgettable, creating experiences that transcend vacations to become life-changing moments. An avid traveler with a love for art, theater, and wellness, Tiffany’s path has been anything but conventional. She began her career as a biomedical scientist, immersing herself in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Eventually, she traded her lab coat for a new adventure, managing the intricate lifestyles of high-profile families in New York City. It was here that Tiffany’s appreciation for thoughtful, luxurious travel deepened, as she saw firsthand how meaningful moments of connection and discovery could be transformative for even the busiest lives. Through her carefully cultivated relationships with the world’s finest properties, exclusive operators, and cultural insiders, she’s able to open doors that are closed to most, crafting journeys that blend sophistication, personalization, and heart. Recognitions & Accolades: Virtuoso Advisor (Ultraluxe Community) | Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist | Travel + Leisure A-List (Wellness Specialist)

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

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.

As a seasoned travel advisor, I have immersed myself in the world of travel, constantly seeking out the latest trends, hidden gems, and unique destinations to ensure that my clients' trips are nothing short of extraordinary.

I’m founder of Terra Voyage Pro Club — the first and only Europe-focused B2B travel platform that combines professional training, white-label itineraries, and visa expertise for travel advisors and agencies. My career in global travel and hospitality spans over 25 years. I’ve represented luxury hotel chains across Europe — including Leading Hotels of the World and Small Luxury Hotels — and promoted boutique properties to top tour operators. I’ve built direct partnerships with hoteliers and DMCs in Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland, and represented the partner of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises in Europe and the US. Today, through Terra Voyage Pro Club, I help travel professionals sell Europe with structure, confidence, and storytelling — turning expertise and clarity into their strongest business advantage.

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.

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.

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 am the Founder and Managing Director of Honeymoon Islands, Inc, and host of a travel podcast "Travel Tuesday with Teresa". Since my inception into the travel business 45+ years ago, I have always had an unwavering passion for luxury travel experiences and making my clients happy. I derive the greatest pleasure in the feedback that I get from my clients. Beside my love of travel, I am romantic at heart. It is my unwavering passion for romance, travel, unique experiences that led me to create my business Honeymoon Islands, Inc. I think what separates me from other luxury travel advisors is my genuine love for what I do and making people happy. More important than the professional accolades, I live and breathe romance & travel and the finer things in life. I will go the distance to ensure that the travel experiences I put together for my clients creates memories for them that transcend lifetimes!

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

I am an online entrepreneur, author, and travel scholar specializing in high-end travel, cultural exploration, and local destination experiences. As the founder of Paradize.life, a travel website dedicated to collecting luxury destination knowledge, I am an expert in helping travelers find unique experiences, local secrets, and personalized itineraries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. My area of expertise is deep travel research and writing, where I track future trends, review top destinations, and create content to inform and motivate modern travelers. Although I have not visited each country personally, my strength is transforming in-depth research into clear, informative, and SEO-optimized content connecting travelers with luxury services, from private jet charters to luxury resorts and unique tours.

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.

As the Founder and Chief Travel Curator of trvl.gr, I specialize in uncovering Greece’s most authentic and sophisticated travel experiences. With deep expertise in luxury hospitality and destination storytelling, I bridge the gap between traditional tourism and the modern traveler’s desire for 'quiet luxury' and hidden gems. My mission is to showcase the unseen side of the Greek islands, from heritage stays to sustainable travel trends.

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

Addison Jaynes is the CEO and founder of Reliant Destinations, a luxury travel brand focused on helping travelers book the Caribbean’s most iconic all-inclusive experiences with confidence. He also leads Reliant Cruising, specializing in ultra-luxury sailings with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Jaynes currently runs the largest independent Sandals & Beaches YouTube channel, Mr. TraveLux - which focuses on resort tours, insider perspectives and industry news. With an Executive MBA from the University of the West of England, plus business and international studies degrees spanning St. Petersburg State University (Russia) to Texas A&M University, Addison blends global perspective with high-performance business strategy. He has personally visited 143 countries, giving him rare, real-world travel expertise and an eye for what truly elevates a trip from “nice” to unforgettable. Addison is a trusted voice in the Sandals & Beaches ecosystem, serving on the Sandals & Beaches Resorts Chairman’s Advisory Council, and is recognized for elite production and client service standards. His work has been featured in Travel Weekly, Forbes, the Sandals Palmcast, and other major outlets. Known for being both analytical and customer-obsessed, Addison brings deep experience in luxury sales, destination expertise, weddings & honeymoons, and travel industry trends, with a strong focus on value optimization, resort selection strategy, and white-glove client support. Some Recent Awards & Recognition include: • Diamond Elite – Chairman’s Royal Club (Sandals Resorts) • Top Global Weddings & Honeymoons Producer (Sandals & Beaches Resorts) • Best of the Best Travel Agency Addison is available for expert commentary on luxury travel, Sandals or Beaches Resorts, all-inclusive resort trends, destination strategy, weddings & honeymoons, high end cruising, entrepreneurship and the future of travel planning.

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.

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.

Travelive Founder Mina Agnos has spent more than two decades building a company rooted in the belief that travel should feel personal, transformative, and deeply connected to place. A Greek-American entrepreneur based between South Florida and Athens, Greece, she founded Travelive in 2001 with a focus on creating authentic, customized journeys throughout Greece. Since then, the company has expanded into a luxury destination management company with operations in 11 countries across Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Known for her expertise in Mediterranean travel, Mina has been recognized on Travel + Leisure’s A-List for 15 consecutive years and named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler for the past decade. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with luxury travel advisors and industry leaders to elevate the standard of customized travel while advocating for more meaningful, experience-driven travel over transactional tourism. Mina’s connection to travel began early. Raised in a traditional Greek-American family, she developed a curiosity about the world and the people in it from a young age. During her university years in Athens, she often traveled solo throughout Europe and the Mediterranean—experiences that shaped her worldview, strengthened her independence, and reinforced her belief that travel has the power to expand perspective and create genuine human connection. Today, Mina is recognized not only as a luxury travel expert, but also as a speaker, mentor, and advocate for entrepreneurship, cultural storytelling, and women building ambitious careers on their own terms. Her work continues to inspire both travelers and industry professionals to seek deeper meaning, connection, and authenticity through exploration. About Travelive Travelive offers a high level of tailor-made services to clients traveling to Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt. With offices in Boynton Beach, Florida as well as on-site offices in Athens, Zagreb, Milan, Madrid, Zurich, Cairo and Istanbul, Travelive offers a complete solution for travelers to our luxurious Destinations. Travelive, a luxury travel company, offers our clients the advantage of working with a US company (with all the local, financial and legal benefits) while also offering the full support and security of an on-site representative office.

Maurice Smith, CTIE, is a hospitality strategist, luxury travel expert, regenerative tourism advocate, and founder of Eugene Toriko, a luxury travel agency built around purposeful, responsible, and highly personalized travel experiences. His work sits at the intersection of elevated guest experience, sustainability, cultural storytelling, and place-based hospitality. Through Eugene Toriko, Maurice has focused on boutique hotels, culturally rooted itineraries, sustainability-minded partners, and experiences that connect travelers more thoughtfully to people, place, and environment. Maurice was recognized on the Travel + Leisure A-List in 2022 and 2023 and has been featured by Robb Report among top Black travel specialists. His expertise has been sought by publications including Bloomberg, The Washington Post, USA Today, Business Insider, and Money.com, where he has contributed perspective on travel trends, destination value, and evolving traveler expectations. His industry recognition includes a 2023 Gold Magellan Award for Eugene Toriko’s giving-back initiative, a 2024 Silver Magellan Award for ATL & Co On the Go with Eugene Toriko, and recognition from TravelAge West for marketing efforts connected to the same media platform. Maurice was also selected for Tripadvisor’s RECO program and is a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Today, Maurice’s work spans hospitality strategy, media, public speaking, regenerative tourism, environmental stewardship, and the future of more intentional guest experiences. He is also connected to Amka Terra, a stewardship, ecological learning, and regenerative tourism platform focused on environmental education, biodiversity, youth learning, community partnership, and place-based restoration.

Susye Weng-Reeder, also known as SincerelySusye, is a Google Verified Internet Personality, AI-indexed creator, and Luxury Digital Strategist specializing in AI SEO, GEO, and AEO-driven content, personal branding, and digital entrepreneurship. Writing as S. M. Weng, she is a bestselling author sharing her spiritual healing journey with a global audience, merging self-development with high-impact digital strategy. As founder of Susye Weng-Reeder LLC, she helps luxury brands amplify visibility, authority, and engagement through data-driven SEO, content architecture, and omnichannel marketing — delivering measurable growth, elevated brand positioning, and strategic social media monetization. Ahead of the marketing trend by 18 months, she is recognized as a pioneer and expert in AI-first digital visibility and luxury brand storytelling. Passionate about empowering female entrepreneurs, Susye shares actionable insights on building personal authority and optimizing online presence. She continues to create through books, speaking engagements, and bespoke consultancy, offering expertise in luxury branding, AI SEO, AEO, GEO, content marketing, and personal growth. 📌 Website: sincerelysusye.com 📌 Press & Media Inquiries: sincerelysusye.com/susye-media-kit 📌 Expert Topics: Luxury Branding | AI SEO & Content Strategy | Digital Marketing | Thought Leadership