CURATED JOURNEYS. EXPERTLY PLANNED.

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL LIKE NEVER BEFORE

EXPERTLY CURATED EXPERIENCES

EVERY DETAIL, HANDLED

TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

Zara Patel Headshot

HI, I'M LISSA!

A Lifetime of Travel Expertise, Now Curated for You

Travel has been at the heart of my career for nearly three decades. As a travel journalist, I’ve spent years exploring destinations around the world, experiencing remarkable hotels, sailing on ships of every size, and discovering the places and experiences that make a journey truly memorable.
Today, I bring that firsthand knowledge to my work as a luxury travel advisor, combining it with trusted relationships around the world to design highly personalized journeys for my clients. As an advisor with Ciao Bambino, a Virtuoso agency, I have access to an exceptional global network of hotels and travel partners. From hotels and private guides to transportation, experiences and the details in between, I bring every element of your journey together—and manage it from the first conversation through your return home.
Because exceptional travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about creating a journey that feels entirely your own.

THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED‎ ‎ •‎ ‎ SEAMLESSLY EXECUTED‎ ‎ •‎ ‎ ENTIRELY YOUR OWN

The best journeys don't simply take you somewhere new. They change the way you experience the world.

PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL PLANNING

MY TRAVEL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES

Luxury Travel Specialties

Comprehensive Pre-Trip Planning & Consultation

Bespoke Itinerary Design

Efficient Transportation Coordination

End-to-End Booking Management

Exclusive VIP Benefits with Preferred Partners

24/7 Global Support

Top Travel Styles

Immersive European Journeys

Safari & Wildlife

River, Ocean & Expedition Cruises

Beach & Island Escapes

Family Travel

Women-Only Travel

My Process

  • 1

    The Conversation

    Together, we'll discuss your vision for this trip. Tell me everything you'd love to have happen and why you’d like to travel.

  • 2

    Your Journey, Curated

    I’ll thoughtfully design your itinerary, selecting the right hotels, experiences, and destinations, bringing every element together into a journey that feels distinctly yours.

  • 3

    Seamless Booking & Logistics

    Once the plan is in place, I’ll manage the details, from accommodations and transportation to private guides and special experiences, working with my trusted global partners to bring your journey to life.

  • 4

    Bon Voyage!

    With the details taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is experience the journey, and enjoy every moment.

WHY TRAVELERS WORK WITH ME

Firsthand Expertise

Years spent traveling the world have given me a deep understanding of destinations, hotels, cruises, and the details that can transform a good trip into an exceptional one.

A Global Network

Through my relationships with exceptional hotels, cruise lines, and trusted partners around the world, my clients benefit from local expertise, personal connections, and an added level of care throughout their travels.

Personalized From the Start

No two travelers (or trips) are exactly alike. I take the time to understand how you want to travel, then design a journey around your interests, priorities, and travel style.

World-Class Connections, Exclusively Yours

My connections with premier luxury brands and top-tier travel organizations span the globe, all dedicated to your exceptional travel experience. Whether day or night, I along with my network, stand ready to ensure every aspect of your trip unfolds flawlessly, elevating your journey to the heights of perfection.

Resort Pool

WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING

SEE WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Caribbean Cruise

This was the smoothest, most relaxing European trip I could have imagined. Everything just happened exactly as planned. It required so little thought or preparation on my part, and nothing went sideways like it does when I wing it. It was a total pleasure and we’re looking forwarding to working with you again. Your service was worth every penny and more!

Kate P.

JULY 2026 | FAMILY SUMMER IN PORTUGAL

Spain Aerial

I am really glad we hired you to plan this trip for us. Traveling with kids this small is a huge challenge, and we wouldn’t have made the same choices without your input and suggestions. Many of those suggestions seem like the things that tipped this from a slog with kids to a treasured family trip. Thank you!

Shane K.

JUNE 2026 | FAMILY DISCOVERY OF IRELAND

Nice, France

Lissa planned our fairly last minute family trip to France- all planned within 3 weeks. Lissa did a great job with suggesting a wonderful itinerary that would maximize what we saw and did to get us a great overview of the country. Lissa took care of booking all the activities and train tickets. We spent time in Paris and then went to Nice in Southern France. Thank you again Lissa for a great trip to France!!! Looking forward to many more adventures together.

Kinnera R.

JULY 2025 | FAMILY SUMMER IN FRANCE

Nayara Tented Camp Costa Rica

We had an absolutely fabulous time - Costa Rica is just as beautiful as I remembered and the people are so welcoming and kind. We loved all three hotels, absolutely zero complaints there. We also really enjoyed every single activity we did - favorites being the ziplining, white water rafting and horseback riding for sure. All of our drivers were fantastic and we had a great time. I will definitely reach out for future travel plans and pass your name along to those looking for help planning.

Megan M.

APRIL 2026 | FAMILY SPRINK BREAK IN COSTA RICA

Austria

Everything went seamlessly. The trip went better than we could have ever hoped for, with absolutely no glitches. All of your hotel selections, activities, and recommendations were absolutely top-notch. Thank you again!

Jennifer K.

JULY 2026 | GERMANY, AUSTRIA & ITALY MULTI-GEN TRIP

Pete R

The trip was fantastic! The hotel was perfect for us, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful along the way. Your guidance really, really helped take the guesswork out of it and helped make the entire trip stress free. Thank you so much.

Peter R.

MAY 2026 | SAN FRANCISCO

Paris

I wanted to thank you for the itinerary you provided for our trip. Traveling overseas seemed completely overwhelming to me, but you laid out a simple-to-follow plan that made it so much easier. And the locations you picked were spot on! I feel I got the full spectrum of locations in France, in the museums and manors and the outdoor gardens. And Paris was beautiful. I’d love to go back someday, and part of that has to do with the path I took with your guidance. Thank you again.

Geoffrey V.

JULY 2026 | FRANCE FATHER-AND-SON TRIP

Panama Buildings

All in all, we loved Panama and would definitely go back. I found Panama to be fantastic. We love love loved the Sofitel and Casco Viejo in general. The service was fabulous; one of our favorite experiences. All of the transfers were great; the drivers were always on time and super friendly. Thanks again for all of your help - your suggestions and arrangements were fantastic!

Nichole W.

APRIL 2026 | FAMILY SPRINK BREAK IN PANAMA

Japan Cherry Blossoms

Thanks, Lissa! It was a great trip. We loved Japan and can't wait to go back one day. The hotels you picked were great and we really liked both of them. Thank you again for your help with everything!!!

Tiffany H.

APRIL 2026 | CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON IN JAPAN

Tuscany Italy

The trip was absolutely amazing! The hotels locations were great, all of our guides were excellent and we loved the wineries; it was so nice how the kids were so welcome and never felt out of place. We are so pleased with everything and can't wait to travel again. Thank you so much for all your help!

Caitlin B.

MARCH 2026 | WINTER GETAWAY IN ITALY

Rhine River Cruise

We had a wonderful time and the trip was even better than I could hope for it to be. The ship, rooms, crew, excursions, and of course the food were amazing. I'm afraid we were all spoiled and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for all your help and advice. We will never forget our Rhine River trip.

Elizabeth M.

JANUARY 2026 | RHINE RIVER CHRISTMAS CRUISE

Kyoto Japan Streets and Temple

Thanks so much! We had a great trip; thank you for your support during the trip as well. Kyoto was our favorite part of the trip. Thank you again! Hope to work together again in the near future!

Andrea R.

MARCH 2026 | SPRING BREAK IN JAPAN

Amsterdam Canals

I appreciate all the hard work you put into pulling it together. All the tours were excellent! We thoroughly enjoyed the Sofitel hotels. Their service was top-notched and we felt pampered by the special attention they gave us. We enjoyed our brief excursion to Amsterdam. It gave us time to see the countryside and it was cool to see another city.

Anna W.

JANUARY 2026 | CHRISTMAS IN PARIS AND AMSTERDAM

Why Use a Travel Advisor?

Expert guidance. Trusted connections. A journey designed around you.

Curated By Lissa Icon

Your Next Journey Starts Here.

Ready to start planning? Tell me a little about the trip you have in mind. Once I have your details, we’ll schedule a complimentary introduction call and talk about your plans and how I can help. I can’t wait to hear where you’re thinking of going.

Woman on rocks in the Mediterranean Sea

Follow the Journey

Exclusive Travel Trends Guide

Ready to sharpen your travel tastes and discover the world's best-kept secrets? This personalized travel guide will help you broaden your horizons and get inspired for the journey ahead. Plus sign up to my monthly newsletter for travel inspiration delivered right to your inbox!