Photo by Glenda Mitchell
After years in a typical 9-to-5, where travel meant weeklong vacations and stressful work trips, I left my job and traveled by sailboat for 15 months. We covered nearly 10,000 miles, from San Francisco Bay, down the Pacific coast, through the Panama Canal and across the Caribbean to Key West.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but this journey completely changed the way I think about travel.
And no, it’s not that after living on a sailboat I now prefer 5-star resorts (although I do!), or that I’m on an endless search for amazing beaches.
When we stepped off the boat, we were immersed in locals living their daily lives. We ran errands at the same markets and stores on the same buses, and when it was time to relax, we all visited the same beaches and restaurants.
When we returned to land life and resumed planning vacations, I realized my travel preferences had changed. I love sightseeing, but it wasn’t enough. I became more interested in finding an authentic taste of each destination through amazing local guides, hiking paths I’d never find on my own, and meeting local artisans and farmers.
I realized something important: Experiencing new cultures, appreciating art and history, and making unique lifelong memories… these were the important reasons why I traveled.
To find these authentic tastes, we started hiring travel professionals! Our vacations went from great to spectacular. After experiencing the benefits of partnering with a travel advisor, I became inspired to build on my own passion for travel planning and begin my journey as Particular Harbor Travel. I’d love to help you create the most unforgettable trips — with details and destinations that are particular to where you would like your travel adventures to take you!
Like so many other travel lovers, at first I wondered why I should work with a travel advisor. Why give up the fun of research? The anticipation of planning? But quickly I realized that travels advisors have access to truly special experiences, they take the stress out of getting the details right, and they can serve as a go-to resource while I'm actually on a trip.
DIY Trip Planning
With a Travel Advisor
Save Time & Stress
When you DIY: Spend hours researching and sifting through information online, with pressure to plan the perfect trip.
With a Travel Advisor: Leave the planning and logistics to someone else and have a seamless trip. Enjoy peace of mind knowing someone else will handle the details.
Access
When you DIY: Limited to what you can find online.
With a Travel Advisor: Access to in-destination partners who don’t work with travelers directly. We specialize in experiences you can’t find online.
Expertise
When you DIY: Hope what you find online matches reality — after you’ve spent countless hours and thousands of dollars.
With a Travel Advisor: Get unbiased recommendations from my experience and from knowledgeable vetted travel partners and on-the-ground locals. Enjoy handpicked accommodations and experiences that match your interests and budget.
Travel support
When you DIY: On your own when something goes wrong.
With a Travel Advisor: If any issues arise during your trip, I’ll provide reliable go-to support to minimize disruptions.
Particular Harbor Travel is an independent affiliate of Uniglobe Travel Center — a member of Virtuoso®, a global travel network that specializes in luxury and experiential travel. This means I have access to the world’s best travel brands, perks, and experiences, and you’ll benefit from all these relationships. For example, booking your hotel with me means you’ll be at the top of the list for available room upgrades, and receive other perks like hotel credits and complimentary breakfast.
Just enter your email below and I’ll send you all the details about how we can work together.
