Leading Retirement Travel Experts

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’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 a luxury travel advisor and the founder of Deliberate Detours, where I plan highly personalized trips with a particular focus on the Mediterranean, ski destinations, travel near water, boutique hotels, and yacht travel. I pivoted to travel after more than 25 years in healthcare marketing and PR, including leadership roles, so I tend to look at the travel industry through both a business and consumer lens. I’m fascinated by the ways people spend their time and money differently, and by the shift away from simply checking destinations off a list toward travel that feels more personal, restorative, and worth the effort. I can speak to luxury travel trends, changing traveler preferences, destination and hotel trends, Mediterranean and ski travel, experiential travel, yacht travel, and what affluent travelers are actually looking for from a travel advisor today. I’m also interested in the bigger conversation around career reinvention. I made a significant career pivot in my 40s, leaving a long corporate career to build a business in an entirely new industry. I have firsthand perspective on the practical, and sometimes messy, process of figuring out what you want your next chapter to look like and having the nerve to build it. I’m especially happy to contribute a candid, experience-based perspective rather than a generic “travel expert” take. I’m less interested in repeating what’s already being said about travel, and more interested in sharing what I’m actually seeing and hearing from travelers.

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,

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.

Why do some travel experiences stay with us for the rest of our lives while others disappear before we've even unpacked? That question has shaped my career. As a Travel Sommelier and founder of Hidden Travel™, I explore what transforms an ordinary trip into an unforgettable experience. After years of firsthand exploration and an earlier career in alternative medicine working with elite athletes, executives, and performers, I came to see travel differently. The most memorable journeys aren't defined by a single landmark or luxury hotel—they're shaped by hundreds of intentional decisions working together. Today, I combine that systems-based perspective with years in the field to help travelers, destinations, and hospitality brands create experiences that are more meaningful, immersive, and memorable. My work spans editorial storytelling, destination ecosystems, custom travel design, and Ageless Explorer, a movement built on the belief that our greatest adventures shouldn't have an expiration date. Learn more at JenAhana.com or contact me directly at jen@jenahana.com for media opportunities and collaborations.

Amy Kilbreath is a luxury travel advisor, Virtuoso affiliate, and founder of Port and Passport Travel, based near Seattle, Washington. She has more than 15 years of experience, has sailed 35+ cruises, toured 50+ ships, explored 40+ countries, and booked more than 200 Alaska cruises for clients. She works with well-traveled adults — many of them Gen X and empty nesters — who want better trips without spending months comparing every ship, hotel, or itinerary. Amy specializes in luxury ocean, small-ship, yacht, river, and expedition cruising, with particular expertise in Alaska, Antarctica, Europe, and the South Pacific. Her expertise comes from firsthand experience: sailing the ships, touring cabins and public spaces, walking the ports, and paying attention to the details that don't show up in a brochure. Amy is frequently quoted by Travel + Leisure, Parade, 425 Magazine, and Virtuoso on cruise and luxury travel topics. She frequently comments on luxury and small-ship cruise trends, Alaska cruise itineraries and ship selection, expedition cruising, and the differences between cruise lines and ships. Her approach is practical, plain-spoken, and based on firsthand experience — helping travelers understand the real differences between their options before they book. She is based near Seattle and works with clients nationwide. Amy frequently comments on: • Luxury travel and cruise booking trends • Small-ship, river, and expedition cruising • Antarctica ships, ice class, and expedition access • Alaska cruise itineraries, Glacier Bay, port timing, and ship selection • Common cruise booking mistakes • Embarkation-day travel and cruise logistics • Overnight cruise ports and pre- and post-cruise stays • Solo travel for women over 50 • How Gen X and empty nesters are changing luxury travel • When a travel advisor can save time, prevent mistakes, or improve the trip • The differences between cruise lines that appear similar online

Throughout my eight-year career, I leveraged my marketing and communications experience to grow small businesses. At the end of 2018, I left my full-time job to "retire" and enjoy life more, which led me to launch a blog with my husband aimed at helping others reclaim their own time, just as we were doing.On our blog, Trip Of A Lifestyle, we write about how saving money and traveling can go together on the journey to financial independence and retiring early. We share practical tips, life hacks, and mindset-changing advice so other people can become financially free and do whatever makes them happiest.

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)

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.

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!

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

Jacki Norrie is the founder of Adventure Afoot, a travel planning and inspiration brand that helps travelers choose better destinations, plan smarter trips, and feel less overwhelmed by the research process. Through Adventure Afoot, Jacki creates practical, beginner-friendly travel guides focused on destination inspiration, trip planning, where-to-stay advice, hotel guidance, cultural experiences, itineraries, travel styles, and bucket list travel ideas. Her work helps travelers understand not just where to go, but what kind of trip they actually want to have. Jacki’s travel expertise centers on making complex travel decisions feel approachable. She specializes in helping travelers compare destinations, choose neighborhoods and hotels, understand travel seasons, avoid common planning mistakes, and match trips to different travel styles, including adventurous travel, culturally immersive travel, and leisure or luxury-focused travel. Her perspective is especially useful for travelers who feel overwhelmed by too many tabs, opinions, and conflicting recommendations. Adventure Afoot was built around the idea that travel planning should feel exciting, not chaotic. Jacki’s guides combine practical logistics with the emotional side of travel: atmosphere, timing, culture, comfort, energy, and the small details that shape how a trip actually feels. Jacki writes about destinations across the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and beyond, including Rome, Paris, Venice, Kyoto, Seoul, Las Vegas, Mexico City, New Orleans, Banff, Aruba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Santorini, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Barbados, Ambergris Caye, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is available to comment on travel planning, destination selection, trip-planning overwhelm, hotel and neighborhood choice, travel styles, itinerary building, bucket list travel, family travel planning, first-time visitor mistakes, Caribbean travel, European city travel, and European city breaks. Her guiding belief is simple: the best trips are not always the most expensive or the most packed. They are the ones planned with enough clarity to leave room for curiosity, comfort, and memorable moments.

Passionate traveller and co-founder of CheckinAway.com, where I share detailed reviews and guides for upscale hotels and unique destinations. Exploring the world one trip at a time—here to share insights and help you plan unforgettable adventures!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

A leading expert on motorhome holidays in New Zealand. Offering practical tips, hidden-gem itineraries, and commentary on travel trends for your story, with a focus on sustainable travel. With 20 years of experience helping thousands of people explore New Zealand on the ultimate road trip. Our focus is on high-quality, sustainable travel. Available to provide expert commentary, tips, or full quotes on: New Zealand travel trends, the best self-drive itineraries (both North & South Island), tips for first-time motorhome travellers, sustainable tourism and travel in NZ, the New Zealand tourism industry