With the popularity of the internet these days, it is fairly easy for someone with internet navigation skills to book a holiday – from the plane ticket, to land tours, to hotels or air bnb accommodations, and even to research things to do and restaurants to eat in in their destination. For apps, there is looloo, booky, foursquare and swarm* which makes it easy for fellow travels or gourmets to leave reviews about which restaurants to dine at.

Not too long ago, I established a travel agency, which offers something outside the box. “Curated Travel Experiences”, gives you knowledge that is beyond what the Internet or guidebooks can offer. Think local EXPERT Knowledge. Think about where you would really like to go beyond the usual tourist sights. Think about where you would like to eat beyond what the restaurant apps recommend. Think about doing everything in your own time, without rushing from one place to another because you did not account for local traffic or local transportation quirks. Think about an unforgettable, personalised, CURATED travel experience as only “Curated Travels” can offer you.

My travel agency is not your ordinary travel agency. From the onset I ask you where you want to go and why you want to go there. I ask about the kind of things you like doing, and what activities in particular you wish to do once you get to your destination. So whether you want a laid-back, luxurious travel experience, or an action-packed but still luxurious travel with glamping in mind, Curated Travels can CUSTOMISE these for you.

We pride ourselves as providing top-notch local experiences. You will not be traveling with a group of strangers, for one. So whether you are a group of two or twenty, Curated Travels can cater to your every need – or whim.

From touchdown to goodbyes, Curated Travels will be with you every step of the way. We can book your airline tickets, arrange for seamless airport to destination transfers and arrange your preferred lodging. A dedicated driver and car hire can also be at your service if needed, or a local guide if necessary.

Tell me what sort of memories you want to come away with and we can tailor-fit an itinerary for you, arranging even the tiniest details such as the best places where to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even afternoon tea. What’s more, with our experienced local contacts, you minimise the risks and discomforts unsuspecting travelers might experience if they were to experience local thrills themselves.

Think of me as your travel genie : your wish is my command. A personalized virtual travel concierge will be available to you through a local mobile phone so we are within reach anytime of the day, anyway of the week during the entirety of your trip with us. On occasion, personalised valets may also be available on certain properties to cater to your every need. When we hook up, you will be asked to download an app, which has your personalised travel plan on it, so you can travel seamlessly, fearlessly.

Here’s a sampling of what I offer:

A sophisticated young couple wanted to travel to New Zealand. They are experienced world travelers, used to taking cruises and flying by business class. The husband had always wanted to experience hunting in New Zealand. The wife is also an avid outdoors person and wanted to experience “glamping” and hiking among the many trails that New Zealand is famous for.

I arranged a week of hunting, hiking, and fly-fishing for them at Poronui Lodge near lake Taupo in New Zealand. Part of the arrangements included their domestic transfers from Auckland International Airport to the Lodge, a 5 night stay at the Lodge, and a 2 night stay at one of the Property’s rustic glamping “huts” beside historic lake Taupo*

I also arranged for the husband’s “stalk and hunt” activities including his hunting license. Part of the itinerary included carving and packing the meat of his kill and shipping it to the global destination of his choice. I arranged for taxidermy of the head of his kill and also for its shipping to his home country, including licenses and quarantine permits.

When not hunting, both husband and wife also went on several trail walks with a local guide from the lodge. There was also a local fly fisherman who went with them on fly-fishing tours around the thousand-hectare property of the Poronui resort.

The adventurous couple wanted to try heli-fishing, so a helicopter hire was arranged to bring them and local guides to a remote location where they experienced salmon and trout fishing. And at night, the fish they caught were served to them at dinner, together with some handpicked local wines, which New Zealand is known for.

In another instance, I arranged a sightseeing trip for a group of twenty doctors to Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Da Nang. As a side trip, they wanted to visit a hospital some 2 hours away from HCM and we also arranged that for them, including a local interpreter and guide. No request is too extreme or too complicated, I can make it happen!

Whether it is an instagram-worthy trip you want, or a low-key private holiday equivalent to what celebrities or superstars prefer to have, Curated Travels can definitely arrange it for you.

Our staff and local guides have years of experience and training in the travel industry and our extensive network of contacts ensure that you get the best experience of any country in any season.

Whether it’s off-season skiing in Australia, a 10-day itinerary in Lapland, or an African Safari Let “Curated Travels” arrange it for you. Avoid long hold-ups at customs as we ensure you are briefed about what you can and cannot bring in or out of the countries you are visiting. I also arrange for shipping of goods or products you may have accumulated on your travels, so there’s less stuff for you to bring home – just a lot of memories and instagram worthy-photos, if you wish.

Not sure wheelers you can go? Tell me what you want to experience and perhaps I can even suggest an itinerary for you!

I can arrange for shipping of your luggage before departure, so everything is ready upon your arrival. Forgotten something? No worries, just let us know and I’ll try to get that for you.

Full medical and life insurance coverage is part of your package, so you can be assured that you travel worry-free.

Our discreet staff ensures that no photos of your vacation get shared without your permission, and that during your travels; you may not even encounter any other group other than your own.

We are not your run of the mill travel agency, and the difference can truly be felt.

In conclusion, “Curated Travels”

• Will Customize your trip. – From a group of one solo traveler, to twenty or more, I can create a unique, customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. No trip is impossible to create. What’s more, book with Curated Travels and enjoy seamless air-land-sea transfers, full insurance coverage and medical cover for a true worry-free travel experience
• Will Create Unique experiences. – Book with us for unforgettable trips and memories that last a lifetime. Experience the side of a country that no ordinary tourists will get to experience. I can arrange stays at unique lodging houses that no regular traveler will ever be able to find on traditional internet booking sites. Have something that will make you the envy of your friends.
• Is Instagram-Worthy, yet discreet. – Whether it’s an instagram worthy vacation you want to share with your friends in real-time, or a discreet getaway worthy of royalty, “Curated Travels” can arrange it for you.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

References:

 Things to do in Lake Taupo – https://www.greatlaketaupo.com/things-to-do/

Poronui Hunting Lodge – http://www.poronui.com – poronui hunting lodge

The best dining and restaurant apps – https://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2014/08/the-10-best-dining-and-restaurant-apps.html