Travel Planning by Elizabeth

I’m a big fan of authentic travel experiences – and I’m not alone. The trend these days is to be “travelers, not tourists.” Everyone, it seems, wants a custom-tailored vacation. Since becoming the Travel Editor of Ranch & Coast in 2004, I’ve honed the art of creating real experiences for affluent travelers. I know that our readers value personalized service, custom itineraries, comfort and convenience. In addition to the magazine, I also share what I’ve learned on my Authentic Luxury Travel blog.

“Bespoke” Takes Time

The problem is that planning an off-the-beaten path trip is very time consuming. A wealth of information is available online, but wading through it can take days or even weeks. It’s faster, but still not instantaneous, to create an innovative itinerary by studying a good guidebook. In the end, many time-challenged travelers opt to book a cruise or sign up for a package tour.

I Can Help

For years I have been writing about ways that travelers can connect with local people and their culture while they are visiting an unfamiliar destination. I have also shared my thoughts on radio. Click here to listen to an interview on “The Gathering Road” on the Women’s Radio Network. Host Elaine Masters asked all the right questions.

San Diego

I created the website La Jolla Travel Information because it really bothered me when I saw visitors to my hometown walking up and down our most touristy street – and missing all the other things that La Jolla (San Diego’s favorite coastal community) has to offer. I’ve lived here most of my life and explored every nook and cranny in preparation for writing several editions of the Frommer Guide to San Diego.

I can help you pick the perfect La Jolla hotel or vacation rental, and I can make restaurant reservations, book surf lessons, help you get a tee time, and provide “what’s on” advice for while you will be in town. I can organize as much or as little of your time as you wish. It’s totally up to you. I just want to make sure that you enjoy your time in La Jolla and don’t miss the best that this beautiful place has to offer have to offer.

A recent trip-planning client asked me to check out a vacation rental he was considering. I was more than happy to do this and sent him photos the same day. I also helped his wife find an early morning yoga class with an ocean view, and I recommended a source of surf lessons for his sons.

Please peruse La Jolla Travel Information and contact me if you’d like my help planning your trip.

New Zealand

If you’ve read my bio, you know that I’ve spent a lot of time in New Zealand and authored four travel guidebooks and numerous articles about this beautiful down under destination. I’ve also planned many personalized itineraries for clients headed in that direction.

One couple’s recent trip to New Zealand was such a big success that I wrote an article about it for Ranch & Coast, San Diego’s ultimate lifestyle magazine. When “Down Under Through New Eyes” won a First Place Excellence in Journalism Award from the San Diego Press Club, I received the following message from my clients:

Beyond San Diego and New Zealand

While I am most familiar with La Jolla, other coastal California destinations, New Zealand, and Australia, I can also offer advice on itineraries and lodging options in Vietnam, Zambia, South Africa, Dubai, India, Hawaii, Italy, and many places in the U.S. and around the world. Look through Authentic Luxury Travel to get ideas about where you might like to go, then contact me. I enjoy planning trips almost as much as taking them.

How We Can Work Together

I like to start with an initial “phone date” so we can meet and establish some goals. After that we can continue planning via email and phone. Unlike travel agents who earn a commission from airlines, hotels, tour operators, and cruise lines, I charge an hourly fee for my services. Currently, that rate is $75 an hour and you can remit payment via PayPal.

Specialty Travel

I have lots of good ideas for honeymoon travel, family reunions, and other special occasions. Need an idea for a great girlfriends getaway? As the travel editor of a luxury lifestyle magazine. I am a font of information on spas and soft adventure. Prefer shopping? Nightlife? Hiking? Glamping? Just ask. I’d love to help you plan a memorable trip. Please contact me to discuss your custom itinerary.