We’ve all done it. You open your laptop to "start planning" your next trip and - boom - three hours disappear into a black hole of travel blogs, influencer reels, TripAdvisor reviews, and hotel booking sites. You emerge glassy-eyed, unsure if Santorini is overdone, if that 4-star hotel in Paris is a hidden gem or a tourist trap, and wondering why the same resort has both five-star raves and one-star horror stories.
The truth is, Google is a great place to start. But when it comes to making the leap from dreamy Pinterest boards to a real, meaningful vacation that suits you? That’s where things get personal. And that’s where someone like me comes in.
I’ve been travelling professionally for over two decades. I’ve planned celebrity weddings, solo adventures, luxury honeymoons, and multi-generational safaris. I’ve visited most countries in the world, and I never send a group anywhere I haven’t been myself. I spend days - sometimes weeks - scouting hotels, trying restaurants, meeting guides, and testing everything from pillows to porters, so I can answer the questions that don’t show up online.
Because here’s the thing: travel is not one-size-fits-all. What one person sees as rustic charm, another sees as basic and remote. A hotel that looks perfect on a website might have a sweeping staircase to a treetop lodge - which sounds magical, unless you’re like me and hate stairs! There’s a huge difference between pretty pictures and practical fit.
Not all star ratings are created equal
Let’s talk about those stars. We tend to treat hotel star ratings like an international truth, but they’re far from consistent. In some countries, stars are awarded based on things like elevator access, room size, or if the hotel has a shoeshine service - yes, really. Meanwhile, some of the most luxurious boutique properties I’ve stayed in don’t qualify for five stars at all because they lack a spa or 24-hour reception.
I once stayed at a so-called “5-star” resort on paper that served buffet food reheated from the night before. Compare that to the truly spectacular Jade Mountain in St. Lucia - no TVs, no Wi-Fi in the rooms, but pure magic with sweeping Caribbean views, a private infinity pool, and personal butler service. That’s luxury. And it doesn’t fit neatly into a star system.
Reviews are just opinions—and often misleading
Online reviews can be helpful - but they can also be dangerous. People have different standards, expectations, and travel styles. I run Lemonade Cottages in rural County Clare, Ireland - a peaceful cluster of beautifully restored homes surrounded by farmland. Some guests adore the tranquility, the silence, the views, and the need for a car to reach the ferry or the shop 1.5 km away. Others have left reviews wishing we were more central. Same property. Totally different experiences.
That’s because travel is subjective. It’s why I read reviews with a trained eye. A family with toddlers will have a different lens than a retired couple. I also know which reviews are legitimate - and which are influenced by hotel incentives or booking site algorithms. And if I don’t know, I find out.
The room matters more than the hotel
Even if you choose the right hotel, the wrong room can ruin your trip. Ocean view? Great—unless it’s from a corner of the balcony if you squint. Renovated room? Lovely, unless you’re next to the elevator or over the nightclub.
This is where personal relationships matter. I know which rooms to request. I know which ones get sunset light, which are furthest from the generator, and which are in the quietest wing. And I know how to get upgrades, added perks, and flexible check-in—all things you miss when you click “book now” online.
It’s all about you (and yes, I ask the right questions)
A search engine won’t ask you if you like napping after lunch. It won’t think to ask if you prefer to walk or take taxis, or if you're sensitive to noise, gluten, or too many activities packed into one day. But I do.
I plan for multi-generational groups, solo travellers, romantic escapes, and everything in between. I once had a client who wanted a hotel that served only local food, had zero TVs, and had no lobby music (she couldn’t stand it). Another family wanted connecting suites, an early check-in after a red-eye, and a kitchen stocked with snacks upon arrival. These are the things that make or break a trip.
Cruises: The perfect example of personal preference
Cruises are a perfect reflection of how different we all are. Some travellers love the energy of big ships—nonstop entertainment, multiple restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and sea days that feel like a floating resort. Others, like Keith and me, prefer something quieter and more refined. We love small-ship cruising, like Emerald Sakara, a new luxury yacht with under 100 guests, incredible cuisine, and more time in port than at sea. We want to explore, eat well, and avoid the crowds.
At the same time, I have clients who love sea days so much they don’t even get off the ship. They book itineraries with minimal stops so they can soak up spa time, order room service, and read by the pool for hours. Again—there’s no wrong way. It’s just about finding the right cruise for each individual.
(Tip: If you love food and destination-focused cruising without crowds, look into Emerald, Oceania, or Scenic Eclipse. If you’re bringing the whole family, Celebrity or Princess
We’re there when you need us most
When you travel with us, you're never alone. We’ve personally stepped in during stressful situations—like escorting a client from the South of France to Paris when his passport was stolen, or helping travellers shop for essentials after their luggage vanished somewhere over the Atlantic. These aren’t rare scenarios. Things happen. And when they do, it makes all the difference having someone on the ground who knows what to do, who to call, and how to make things right quickly and calmly.
You don’t get that from a booking engine.
My top insider picks right now
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Hotel: Villa Franceschi, Mira, near Venice – A stunning retreat in the Brenta Riviera, Relais Chateau Gem run totally by family. Love Love!!
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Cruise: Emerald Sakara – An elegant new small ship with excellent service, refined dining, and immersive port stops across the Mediterranean.
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Hideaway: Lemonade Cottages, County Clare – For travelers who value peaceful landscapes, fresh air, starry nights, and a true sense of escape.
The bottom line
Planning travel isn’t just about booking flights and hotels. It’s about curating an experience that fits you. That’s why I don’t just “sell travel”—I test it, tailor it, and make it personal. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or just a change of pace, I’ll help you find the right place, the right style, and the right people to trust when you get there.
Because Google may have all the answers. But only someone who’s walked the walk can help you ask the right questions.
Join Me in Tanzania November or January
Ready to make solo travel your next adventure? Join me in Tanzania this November for the Great Migration. Whether you’re travelling on your own or with a friend, this trip promises unforgettable experiences, incredible landscapes, and a welcoming group to share it all with. Details here.
Dont forget if you are looking to travel I still own a TICO registered travel agency in Ontario and will be happy to help. Always the best way to reach me is by email as I mostly work remote and I can either set up a time to meet you or suggest a perfect local agent to help you.
Email me at [email protected]
Check out some travel ideas, stories and videos at lorrainesimpson.com
Email my Ontario Based Agents Michelle Lucy or Lauren Preston
Check some travel info at www.conciergetravelgroup.ca
