Thirty-nine countries and counting… and I recently went to Idaho, which means I have visited all 50 states in the U.S. My absolute favorites have got to be South Africa and Ireland abroad, and Montana, Alaska and New Mexico closer to home. Booked my first client trip domestically to Oklahoma City and internationally to Abu Dhabi. Believe me when I tell you that Iguaçu Falls in Argentina is nothing like Niagara Falls. I took the boat through the Falls and it’s definitely no Maid of the Mist tour. You literally ride underneath the Falls and it’s a crazy ride. I’m used to asking for (and getting) what I want because I worked for eight years as a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations across New York and New Jersey. Talking to hotel and airline reps on behalf of my clients for little perks is nothing compared to asking for money to support a cause. Trust me… I can be very persuasive on your behalf. But what stumps me most is cooking. I’m taking culinary classes.

I’ve always been comfortable in a group setting because I started my career in a day care. I fell into travel when the facility closed. I’d just finished school and the college career recruiter basically insisted that I interview for an opening here in 2011. A mere six months later I went full-time and never looked back. When the opportunity to travel arises… I’m making a beeline to Hawaii where a Hawaiian sunset (and probably a fruity drink) is calling my name. Granting special requests is exhilarating and satisfying, and the more unique, the better. A special body wash in the bath… Accommodations with purple pillows… My job is to make sure your group has whatever it takes to meet their travel needs from flights, ground transportation and hotel rooms to pillows and soap. Knock on wood, but I’ve never had a group travel request that I couldn’t grant. Crickets are just gross so even though I love trying different foods, you’ll never get me to eat one.

A couple was thinking the Canary Islands, Maldives or Seychelles for their honeymoon. No. No. And no. Mauritius has the exact feel and experience their hearts desired. mawr-RIH-shuhs – I’m a pronunciation whiz. Tell me what you want to feel. What photos you want to post. What experience you want. Rely on my knowledge to make it happen. Another couple dreamed of riding elephants in Tahiti and over-water bungalows. They’d have to take an elephant in their luggage for that to happen. Sent them to Bali where elephants live. My family didn’t have money for much, but family vacations? Always. We Brits fly. It’s what we do. My first memory is chasing lizards on our patio in Malaysia where my dad worked. My mum took photos of washing me in a bucket. Still break into a rash when a camera points at me. I have a theater degree, yet prefer dramatic trips. Became an expert in U.S., Caribbean and Canada travel. After that, I mastered exotic long-haul destinations. Took a job in America and moved from the U.K. to LA. Why LA? The Kings, Ducks and best weather.  LAX was behind my first apartment. I reenacted “Top Gun” racing my motorcycle against A380s. If the Qantas flight landed already, I knew I was late for work. I get lost in a paper bag in LA, but navigate Bangkok like a champ. Traveled six countries in five years to scout destinations for my clients, but taken only one vacation. Honeymoon and leisure travel are my labors of love. Where are you sending me next? That’s what I want to hear from clients.