Crafting Distinctive Journeys for Discerning Travelers Welcome. I am so happy you are here!
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Are you looking for a tailored approach and personal touch in travel planning? Are you yearning to have cultural experiences that include food, wine, and history, that are both truly immersive and unique? Do you crave experiences that celebrate the best of your destination—and that feel distinctively 'You'? Where do you begin, and who do you trust with an investment and a dream like this? The Dist
inctive Travel Designs experience goes far beyond simply making a reservation for your travels. I'm not content to simply maximize your travel investment; your needs, desires, and long-held travel dreams always come first. I build long-term relationships with my clients that help establish the confidence that you can trust me with every small detail, and every last question you have. To me you are never just a number: you’re a Discerning Traveler with dreams to see the world and a VIP who will get personalized attention and service from this Travel Advisor who’s deeply invested in every step of your journey.
07/11/2024
🌙✨ A Glorious Nighttime Stroll by Duomo di Siracusa ⛪️
Last night, I took a magical walk past the Duomo di Siracusa, and the experience was nothing short of glorious. Bathed in soft, golden lights, the cathedral transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece under the night sky. Its majestic façade and baroque architecture cast captivating shadows, weaving history and mystery into the warm Sicilian evening. 🌟
Strolling through the piazza, surrounded by the quiet hum of the city and the gentle breeze, was a beautiful reminder of the timeless elegance and charm of Siracusa.
06/11/2024
More to come!
04/11/2024
Tomorrow we are off to Agrigento with a stop in Sant’Angelo Muxaro.
04/11/2024
Lunch and another dessert after our tour. We decided to skip dinner, lol
04/11/2024
A view from Monreale of Palermo
04/11/2024
🎭✨ A Stroll by Teatro Politeama Garibaldi
Today, Claire and I enjoyed a lovely walk around the stunning Teatro Politeama Garibaldi in Palermo. Even from the outside, this architectural masterpiece is truly captivating, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city. 📸
We couldn’t resist taking a moment to admire its grandeur and snap a few photos. It was a perfect piece of Palermo's vibrant urban landscape and a nice touch of culture on our day out!
04/11/2024
🍷🌋 Savoring the Essence of Benede Wine from Mt. Etna! 🇮🇹
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Benede Wine, a true gem from the slopes of Mt. Etna. Known for its unique terroir, the volcanic soil imparts a distinct, rich character to every sip. Each glass echoes the vibrant flavors and robust spirit of Sicily.
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a great vintage, Benede Wine offers a taste of Mt. Etna's enchanting landscape. Have you tried it yet? Share your thoughts below! 😊
BenedeWine
04/11/2024
🍽️✨ A Culinary Delight at Locale in Palermo! 🇮🇹
Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at Locale in Palermo, and wow, what a treat! Every bite was more delicious than the last, showcasing the rich flavors and vibrant culinary heritage of Sicily. From the freshest seafood to exquisite handmade pasta, it was a feast for the senses.
If you find yourself in Palermo, a meal at Locale is an absolute must-try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
DiningInPalermo
04/11/2024
Last night was our first official night of our group’s tour. 🐝🚗 we got to Explore Palermo's Charming Streets in a Bee Buggy! 🇮🇹✨
If you've ever wandered the vibrant streets of Palermo, you may have spotted the delightful "Bee Buggy" buzzing around. Known locally as the "Ape," this three-wheeled wonder is a staple of Sicilian life, zipping through narrow alleys and bustling markets with style. Originally designed post-WWII for economical transport, it remains an enduring icon of Italian culture. 🌆
More than just a vehicle, the Bee Buggy epitomizes the spirit of Sicily—resilient, colorful, and full of character.
02/11/2024
🏛️✨ Explore the Timeless Beauty of the Doric Temple in Segesta! 🌿🇮🇹
Perched against the stunning Sicilian landscape, the Doric Temple of Segesta invites you to reflect on ancient mysteries and marvel at its architectural grandeur. Imagine strolling among its historic columns, where nature and history beautifully converge.
DoricTemple
02/11/2024
🌿Discover the Hidden Gem of Sicily: The Acropolis Theater in Segesta 🇮🇹✨
Are you ready to time travel? Lose yourself in the breathtaking scenery and incredible history of Segesta's Acropolis Theater. Nestled in the Sicilian hills, this ancient theater offers a stunning glimpse into the past. Imagine sitting among its stones, contemplating the stories that once played out here, surrounded by views that seem to stretch endlessly. 🏛️💫
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or someone who simply loves beautiful vistas, this theater is a must-visit wonder. You’ll want to bring your camera, your imagination, and a love for discovery! 📸🌄
AcropolisTheater
02/11/2024
Today we had lunch at La Cambusa in Castellammare del Golfo. A Beautiful Oceanside/Marina restaurant. I had the Spaghetti al pesto Siciliano', a tribute to the intense and genuine flavours of traditional Sicilian cuisine. This delicious dish is based on a fundamental ingredient: spaghetti. The sauce that characterises this preparation is a Sicilian pesto, enriched with a generous amount of onion, garlic and chilli pepper. This combination of flavours creates a bold and passionate flavour profile, typical of Sicilian dishes
02/11/2024
We’ve arrived in Palermo!
08/04/2024
🇮🇹✈️ I'm Heading to Sicily in November 2024! 🍇🌟
I have some thrilling news to share: This November 2024, I’ll be embracing the vibrant soul of the Mediterranean by heading to Sicily! Imagine wandering through places where every stone tells a millennia-old story, where every meal is a testament to the joy of Italian cooking, and where landscapes leave you simply breathless. 🌋🏛️🍽
But why Sicily, and why November? Imagine the beauty of autumn in Italy, the crowds of summer a distant memory, the harvests bringing the countryside alive, and the mild weather crafting the perfect backdrop for exploration. 🍂
➡️ I invite you all to stay tuned as I plan to dive deep into Sicily’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and gastronomy. From its ancient ruins to its mesmerizing coasts, I’ll be sharing the stories, tastes, and sights that make Sicily a true jewel of the Mediterranean. This trip is a celebration of luxury wrapped in the warm, authentic embrace of Italian hospitality, and I can’t wait to bring you along for every discovery.
Let's ignite our wanderlust together and who knows, by the time we unveil the layers of Sicilian charm, you might be dreaming up your own Italian adventure. Here’s to a journey of discovery, inspiration, and unforgettable moments!
🌺✨
SicilianDreams
28/08/2023
Yesterday I had my first pumpkin spiced latte of the season.😋
16/08/2023
Everyone knows about the Eiffel Tower, but do they really? In this week's 'Lens of Discovery,' I invite you to delve deeper into the captivating allure of this iconic Parisian landmark. Experience the enchantment of the Eiffel Tower, a Parisian masterpiece that effortlessly weaves together beauty, h...
16/08/2023
Have you been following our captivating "Lens of Discovery" series over the past few weeks? If not, now is the perfect time to jump on board! 📚🌍
For a limited time only, I am giving you the exclusive opportunity to gain access to the latest edition of "Lens of Discovery" before it is released to my beloved Distinctive Travel Designs family. Experience the magic of discovery firsthand and be the first to delve into the hidden secrets and awe-inspiring destinations I have in store for you! 🎉💼💎
Don't miss out on this extraordinary chance to be part of my elite community. Click the link below to join me on this exhilarating journey of exploration. 📲🌟✈️
Everyone knows about the Eiffel Tower, but do they really? In this week's 'Lens of Discovery,' I invite you to delve deeper into the captivating allure of this iconic Parisian landmark. Experience the enchantment of the Eiffel Tower, a Parisian masterpiece that effortlessly weaves together beauty, h...
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Videos
Duomo di Siracusa
🌙✨ A Glorious Nighttime Stroll by Duomo di Siracusa ⛪️
Last night, I took a magical walk past the Duomo di Siracusa, and the experience was nothing short of glorious. Bathed in soft, golden lights, the cathedral transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece under the night sky. Its majestic façade and baroque architecture cast captivating shadows, weaving history and mystery into the warm Sicilian evening. 🌟
Strolling through the piazza, surrounded by the quiet hum of the city and the gentle breeze, was a beautiful reminder of the timeless elegance and charm of Siracusa.
#DuomoDiSiracusa #NighttimeWonders #SicilianMagic
Sipping my favorite beverage while watching the sunrise is just the perfect way to start my Monday morning in North Myrtle Beach, SC!
The first impressions of our Balcony Cabin. Does this look like a cabin where you could hang your hat for a week?
I have to be honest, I’m afraid of heights, but white-knuckling it through the single lane windy roads was worth these views. There are no words that can describe how beautiful the Douro Valley is. It’s an experience you have to have in person to understand the magnitude and beauty of this region (and by the way, there are over 30,000 vineyards to explore).
Today we explored Salamanca, Spain. The architecture of Salamanca Cathedral is incredible, and the beautiful part was there was a musician playing Ave Maria outside while I filmed it♥️🇵🇹
I have to be honest, I’m afraid of heights, but white-knuckling it through the single lane windy roads was worth these views. There are no words that can describe how beautiful the Douro Valley is. It’s an experience you have to have in person to understand the magnitude and beauty of this region (and by the way, there are over 30,000 vineyards to explore).
We've Had So Much Interest In Our Hosted Holland & Belgium ~ Active & Discovery River Cruise In April 2022 That We Decided To Put Together An Evening of Discovery Where We'll Talk About River Cruising & Our Hosted Itinerary.
Here's Your Video Invitation to our Wednesday, May 19th at 6pm EST Event AND Here Is The Link To Sign Up: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOGpqjkoEtUz6W8ja5hedL40hs1aK9VW
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Our Story
For me, learning to embrace my inner explorer started early. I spent three years living in Japan as a pre-teen, with my family. It was a culture shock, for sure—but one I welcomed! I loved being able to go ice skating at the base of Mt. Fuji, slurp up homemade ramen noodles in bustling Tokyo restaurants, and explore the tranquil, graceful Buddhist temples that dotted Japan’s countryside.
Those formative years cemented my love of exploring—beyond just the well-trod tourist sites.
And those early years were what first led me on my path toward designing a life around meaningful travel. After graduating from travel school, I spent the next few decades exploring as much of the world as I could—including a seven-year stint in England with my family—and then put my knowledge to work when I opened my own travel agency in 2012.
When I founded my travel agency, I knew I wanted to do things differently. Because all too often, when you plan your own travel experience, you end up feeling like just another number. Just another seat on the plane, just another generic hotel reservation, just another tourist crammed onto a packed sight-seeing bus.
There is a better way to travel. A way that celebrates the best of your destination—and that feels distinctively “you.”
That’s the type of travel journey I design for my clients. Drawing on my decades of industry experience and network of exclusive travel contacts, I craft an itinerary that fully immerses you in the culture (and that pampers you with a few luxurious surprises along the way!).
And above all else, I put your needs, desires, and long-held travel dreams first. I strive to build long-term relationships with my travel clients, so they can trust me with every small detail and every last question they have. The Distinctive experience goes far beyond simply booking your travel.
Because at Distinctive Travel Designs, you’re not just a number. You’re a discerning traveler who deserves personalized attention, VIP service, and a travel advisor who’s deeply invested in every step of your journey. Ready to experience the Distinctive difference for yourself?
I invite you to connect with me on your complimentary consultation call—it’s your first step toward a refreshingly distinctive way to travel!
