Kristen Meckem Travel

10/17/2024

Portugal! What a gorgeous country. There’s a reason our clients are loving it! 🩵

Though I mixed in some fun and was delighted to meet up with dear old friends, my reason for going was to attend event in the Algarve. I was among 100 luxury travel advisors invited to network with some of the world’s 🌎 best exhibitors; hotels and DMC’s. This type of experience helps me to curate the very best trips for our clients.

08/12/2024

Happy World Elephant Day! 🐘On this day in 2012, World Elephant Day was launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. The day is now celebrated by over 100 organizations worldwide to protect elephant habitats and promote their conservation. 🐘

05/01/2024

It’s Global Travel Advisors Day!

What are we booking for clients? Fiji, Japan, Antarctica, Tahiti, Caribbean, South Africa, Rwanda and East Africa, Greece, Morocco, Spain, France, Mexico, Italy, Vienna, Salzburg, Amsterdam, Yacht Charters, European river cruising, Ocean Cruises, expedition cruises, Rhode Island, Scotland, BVI’s, London and Paris, cruises in Alaska, Italy, East coast in the fall, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, Hawaii… the world is your oyster! 🌎

With a wealth of first-hand experience, we are here to make your trip planning easy. Let the team at Kristen Meckem Travel take care of you! Where do you want to go?

11/03/2023

I’m headed to ’s annual conference, Brownell Academy!

Over the course of next week, I’ll be meeting with a hand-picked variety of the world’s luxury hoteliers and travel suppliers in the heart of New Orleans, hosted by . From intimate one-on-one appointments to exciting cocktail hours discussing what’s to come in 2024, I’ll be keeping my clients top of mind. Have any questions about a specific destination? Reach out, and I’ll source first-hand knowledge from my network of experts!

10/09/2023

What a day❣️🇮🇹
Thank you Botania Relais & Spa and Harlowe Group

09/03/2023

Fancy a snorkel with a humpback whale? 🐋🤿

From July to November in Moorea, French Polynesia, the humpback whales can be found nursing their young and looking for a mate. 🐋

And it is one of the only times and only places in the world that you might get the opportunity to snorkel with them. 🐋

Once I got past the “what to do if we see a shark” talk 🦈, I knew I couldn’t miss this once in a lifetime encounter with humpbacks. 🐋

Here is our our underwater encounter with a BABY (!!!!) whale. 🐋

09/03/2023

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the luxury small-ship the m/s Paul Gauguin, and I had the good fortune of joining them for their 25th anniversary cruise in the Society Islands. 🌸

With deep care for the communities, cultures, and natural wonders that make Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific so alluring, I enjoyed their introduction to, and the discovery of, authentic Polynesia. With maximum 330 guests, this boutique ship provides a vacation in paradise to some of the world’s most idyllic, unspoiled beaches. 🌸

Are you interested in an all inclusive luxury small ship experience to gorgeous French Polynesia? Kindly submit your inquiry through the link in our bio. 🌸

08/10/2023

Our hearts are with our beloved partners and friends across the Big Island and Maui who have been devastated by the wildfires and wind gusts associated with Hurricane Dora🏝️🙏🏼.

07/31/2023

Thinking of a fabulous, warm, luxurious getaway in your own villa over the festive holidays in Anguilla, St Barths, Barbados, Punta Mita, Cabo or Hawaii? It’s not too late, and we still have some availability. Click on the link in our bio to submit your inquiry. ☀️🩵🕶️

07/06/2023

I'm just over the moon and so happy to share with you that Abigail Meckem Batiuk has been recognized as a top advisor in the travel industry; 30 Under 30 Class of 2023!!

Travel Agent magazine proudly announced its latest class of its 30Under30—rising stars in the travel industry, who have earned acclaim for innovative strategies, putting together impressive itineraries, and much more.

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/your-business/travel-agents-30under30

Brownell Travel

06/09/2023

Kauaʻi, sometimes called the "Garden Island," is Hawaii’s fourth largest island. Known for its emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires, and jagged cliffs, you’ll be enchanted by the tropical rainforests, rivers and cascading waterfalls!
🌸🌿

Parts of Kauaʻi can only be accessed by sea or air, and the views are extraordinary. From snorkeling and kayaking to hiking, surfing and zip lining, you’ll want to experience the undeniable allure of this luscious island.

Where should you stay? We’ve got you covered! Whether you would enjoy an ocean view hotel room or a private villa with a plunge pool on a resort property, we have the scoop. Submit your inquiry through the website link in my bio.

05/22/2023

Happy happy 23rd birthday, Wolfie! Your ambition, work ethic, and kind soul inspire me every day. You make me such a proud momma, and I love you oodles! ❣️

04/07/2023

With spring in the air, 🌷 and travel on our minds… 🌎 Please let me introduce you to the team.

⭐️ Michelle Cowell graduated from Brownell’s Mentoring program (we were classmates eight years ago!) Her love for travel is rooted in her passion for helping others, a strong awareness of different cultures, and a natural curiosity for the world. A fun fact about Michelle? She was a yoga teacher (and can still send it on the slopes!)
💛 What will you love about Michelle? Her kindness, generosity of spirit, and her deep knowledge.

⭐️ Abigail Meckem Batiuk specializes in luxury hotels as well as Wine Club Member trips, be they river cruises or custom trips.
A fun fact about Abigail? She has been awarded her Level III WSET; an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for wine enthusiasts. And she completed Cornell’s Ornithology Comprehensive Bird Biology course as a teenager.
💛 What will you love about Abigail? Her infectious joy, span of expertise, and attention to details.

⭐️ Suzette Mack is a luxury family and adventure travel specialist. She has a special interest in wildlife experiences, water sports, and expedition cruising, with over 25 years of professional experience. Suzette is practically a legend in the travel industry. A fun fact about Suzette? She is kind of obsessed with sea glass. You’ll find her on her fave beaches several times a month, especially if there’s a good low tide, (which she tracks on a calendar!)
💛 What will you love about Suzette? Her tranquil demeanor and gentleness, along with her wide breadth of adventure travel experience.

Click on the link in our profile to submit your inquiry. Let us get you somewhere special.

04/04/2023

We’re proud to announce that Kristen Meckem Travel, as an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, has been named one of the first Forbes Travel Guide Endorsed agencies!

FTG is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. Their commitment to offering verified and reputable travel experiences match the standard we hold for Kristen Meckem Travel.

Thank you to Brownell Travel for paving the way forward toward extraordinary experiences and passionate entrepreneurs. We are honored to be recognized by the global authority on luxury hospitality for a commitment to providing our clients with exceptional experiences.

02/24/2023

Happy 8th Anniversary to me! 🌎

Eight years ago I started Kristen Meckem Travel. I cannot believe it has been eight years, can you? WOW! I count it as one of the best decisions of my life.

❣️I love you, my clients.
❣️ I love you, my team.
❣️ I love you, my Brownell.

And I love this fabulous wonderful world where we get to make all of the memories. 🌎 Let’s all go see more of it!

01/14/2023

Travel is good for your soul.
It just is.

(And a little ☀️ helps, too.)

01/07/2023

BVI Trip Part One

My first stop was Guana Island. Guana Island is an all-inclusive resort with the most magical private beach. The food is outstanding, the staff is fabulous, and the views are spectacular!

Is this the best BVI fit for you? Let’s talk. 🌸🌿

Brownell Travel
IslandLuxe - Places of Personality
Guana Island

12/24/2022

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
🥂🍾💛
With all of our love from Kristen Meckem Travel, we wish you the very best for an outstanding 2023! May all your dreams come true!
From Abigail, Michelle, Suzette and Kristen

11/14/2022

My bags were packed, but Florida was not meant to be. So I went to see Mum and Daddy instead. ❤️

11/04/2022

Great News Friday! I'm delighted to announce the addition of the fabulous Suzette Mack to our team!! 💛

Suzette Mack is a luxury family and adventure travel specialist, with over 25 years of professional experience. Formerly a Silicon Valley engineer, she has traveled with her children since they were infants, taking them on everything from camping and adventure tours, to dude ranch and luxury resort getaways. As her children have grown, her business has expanded to include planning for all ages.

Suzette has a wide breadth of adventure travel experience, with a special interest in wildlife experiences, water sports, and expedition cruising. Some of her most memorable travel experiences are interacting with gray whales and their babies in Magdalena Bay on a private expedition with Sven Lindblad, backpacking with llamas in Wyoming, night snorkeling with manta rays in Hawaii, and participating in an elk safari at a luxury ranch in New Mexico.

Suzette has a special passion for Alaska, and has travelled from the Inside Passage to the Arctic Circle multiple times. She has backpacked and kayaked around the state, stayed in backcountry lodges, and had many memorable wildlife experiences. Her knowledge of the complex logistics of traveling throughout the state allow her to design itineraries that allow clients to get the most out of their trip.

While not out on an adventure, Suzette also appreciates history and culture. She’s visited wineries around the US and in Italy and France, has watched fireworks over the Grand Canal in Venice, explored the forts of Old San Juan, and visited Stonehenge and other archeological sites in the English countryside. She was also certified as a Virtuoso Wanderlist specialist to guide clients in long term bucket list planning.

10/20/2022

Some fun travel highlights with my kiddos on the blog today!

Brownell Travel

And then take them after they leave the nest, too.

10/14/2022

Fun news to come regarding our team at Kristen Meckem Travel! Stay tuned to hear who is joining!

She has interacted with gray whales and their babies 🐳 in Magdalena Bay on a private expedition with Sven Lindblad himself, backpacked with llamas in Wyoming, 🦙night snorkeled with manta rays in Hawaii, 🤿 and participated in an elk safari at a luxury ranch in New Mexico.

More to come!

09/01/2022

National Geographic Resolution was docked in Long Beach, CA today!

Kristen Meckem Travel team member, Michelle, took an early morning jaunt down to see this magnificent purpose built exploration vessel! She toured the entire ship from the Bridge to the Penguin Door! Reach out and find out how you can walk through the Penguin door; it is a portal to the natural world that very few experience in person!

She is a beauty from elegant well-appointed cabins and suites, to lovely staff and top-notch expedition guides. Have you ever wanted to sleep in an igloo onboard a ship, learn to use a professional camera with a long lens, watch polar bears from the bow of a boat, enjoy the best locally sourced food and drink, and see science in action every day?

You can do all of this and more from the refined luxury of this ship! A true pleasure and a beautiful ship!

08/10/2022

Legend…
wait for it….
dary!!!
I am delighted to be given this honor by Celebrated Experiences.

“Dear Kristen,
 
Congratulations! It gives me so much joy to recognize you as a Celebrated Legend! This is the highest honor we can bestow upon a travel advisor, and you deserve this recognition. There are only 212 Celebrated Legends. This is only about 5% of all the advisors who have worked with us in the past 5 years. We will continue to keep this elite club to just around 5%.

Our industry has been through a lot, and what you have achieved through a global pandemic is nothing short of inspirational…and dare we say it, legendary.”

Thank you, ! I love working with and and the whole team
❤️

07/15/2022

Imagine embarking on your private gulet (goo-let), sailing through the pristine Aegean Sea. As the deck hands prepare your sun bed and deliver your favorite drink to you, the chef is preparing Turkish cuisine (with all dietary requirements noted and accommodated), and the Captain is navigating you t