Picture this: it’s 6:15 in the morning, and you’re standing alone in a 400-year-old chamber at the Taj Mahal. No crowds. No noise but the wind moving through a stone vent and a man sweeping in the corner humming a tune that lingers in the air and then disappears. Eight minutes pass before the first other visitors arrive. You’ll remember those eight minutes for the rest of your life.
That’s not luck. That’s what happens when someone who knows the place, the timing, and the right person to call plans your trip instead of a website.
I’m Alli Allen — a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist, and I build trips like this.
Let’s Start Your Story…
Luxury Travel Planning, Reimagined
Tailor-Made Itineraries ✦ Insider Access ✦ Trusted Advocacy ✦ Seamless from Start to Finish
What Working With Me Looks Like
First, a conversation.
We talk about how you actually like to travel — not just where, but the texture of it. Do you want to disappear into a place or fill your days with activities? There’s no wrong answer, just a right one for you.
I then send you a travel preference form to gather details that will make all the difference in planning your trip.
A proposal that reads like the trip, not a quote.
I build your itinerary from my own network — the guides and properties that have earned my trust over years, not the ones that show up first in a search.
Back and forth, until it’s right.
This is your story. I use the pen until it says exactly what you mean.
And then — the part where I stay close.
Once you’re traveling, I’m still part of your journey. If something goes sideways, I’m already working on it before you’ve finished the sentence explaining it to me. You’re not on hold with an 800 number.
That’s it.
That’s the whole job: making sure the only thing you have to do is show up and be amazed.
Dream, Plan, Pack, Explore … Repeat!
Where The Stories Happen
Provence: A cooking class in someone’s home with recipes you can’t wait to recreate.
East Africa: A rare sighting of a baby leopard that your guide tracked and discovered.
Galapagos: A boat captain who treats sea lions basking on the dock like old neighbors because to him, they are.
Brazil: An authentic lunch on a gorgeous ranch with local wine and spectacular scenery.
Multigeneration Trips: Grandparents, toddlers, and everyone in between, all having their own best day at the same time.
Honeymoons: The trip that only happens once, planned with that focus.
Vietnam: A bike ride through cornfields while passing locals going about their day.
Prague: Finding family members’ names painted on a synagogue wall.
Moments Clients Still Talk About
“Eight minutes alone with our family, and none of the 40,000 other visitors that day would ever know what we saw.” HB
“Malta exceeded all our expectations.”” DB
“Waking up to see the Alps from our hotel window was spectacular!” HM
“My favorite trip of all time! The captains made us feel pampered while visiting the most beautiful waters I’ve ever seen!” BB
Everything was so well organized which allowed us to simply relax and enjoy every moment. We didn’t have to worry about a thing.” AL
“We are back from India with heavy suitcases full of goodies and great stories to tell.” K.S.
“Having our own private Egyptologist made all the difference. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime!” BJ
” I really can’t put into words how much fun we had. Thank you again and again!” KC
“Our family had two flawless weeks in Japan. Thanks for saving the day with special tickets to the sumo wrestling tournament.” KP
“Three cheers for Alli! The reality of our trip was better than the expectation!” HL and NS.
“ALLI!! Everything worked like clockwork – from the cars to the trains to the tours and hotels. We can’t wait to have you help us plan our next adventure.” CH
“OMG Alli, What an amazing day and trip…we aren’t done, but you planned one incredible itinerary for us. We totally trusted you and there wasn’t one snag…thank you, thank you!” SB
“Alli, you make magic happen!” SS
Questions People Ask Before Their First Trip With Me
Do you charge a planning fee?
It depends on the service I’m providing. For a hotel booking, there is usually no fee. For trips with multiple services, I do – scaled to how complex the trip is, because a two-week multi-country itinerary involves a different level of planning than a week at one resort. You will find that my industry relationships, experience, expert advising, and creativity bring added value that more than makes up for the planning fee. Loyal clients who travel often usually find the planning fee waived.
What’s the minimum trip budget you work with?
While I don’t have a minimum trip budget, I ensure that the kind of trip you have in mind correlates with the budget you provide. If the budget isn’t realistic, we have a discussion and determine if we are the right fit for each other.
Do you only plan international trips?
I plan trips all over the world, including the US. I assist with everything from private curated trips to safaris, from multi-generation and small group tours to spa/wellness trips and beach getaways. I book all types of cruises (river, ocean, expedition, yacht, barge) and Backroads trips, assisting with the pre- and post-planning. If you can dream it, I can plan it!
What happens if something goes wrong while I’m traveling?
You will often have 24/7 on-the-ground support while traveling, and I’m reachable, as well.
Can you help me with travel insurance?
Absolutely! I strongly recommend you protect your trip investment, and I help my clients purchase travel insurance.
Hear About Alli’s Gorilla Trekking Experience
BRING YOUR BUCKET LIST TO LIFE
If you can dream it, I can plan it!
Travelista Alli 