Home Page - American Express Travel Insiders

Alana Brown

Jamaica

Interests:
Beach, Food, Football, Gardening, Golf, Music, Photography, Spa, Tennis

"Go to Negril for the best sunsets in Jamaica. It's one of the prettiest and friendliest islands in the Caribbean."

Jamaica deserves its popularity: it's one of the prettiest and friendliest islands in the Caribbean, with lush green landscapes, picture-postcard beaches and a neverending supply of that legendary Jamaican hospitality. There's only one problem - with all of the hotel and resort options available in modern-day Jamaica, making the right choices can be confusing. That's where I can help - with a long history booking unique itineraries throughout this Caribbean island, I can help you plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, friend's retreat or just straight-up getaway. Buzz me today, and let me help turn your good vacation into a spectacular one.

Debbie Beckford

U.S. Virgin Islands

1-877-798-5141
debbie@palmbeachtravel.com

Interests:
Beach, Food, Local History & Culture, Reading & Writing, Sightseeing, Sports & Fitness, Technology, Tennis

"The local Johnnycake is a "must try"! Best described as a cross between beignet and pancake, it's sold as a snack or with fried chicken. Delicious!"

I am a true travel insider because of my deep knowledge, experience and love for St. Thomas. I've been selling St. Thomas to our premium American Express clients for over 13 years! I'm familiar with the people, the culture, the island's unique and special sights and its hidden gems. Most importantly, I listen to what my clients want, so that I can customize their St. Thomas experience specifically for them. For example, many people may not be aware that St. Thomas boasts "the oldest Jewish Synagogue - St. Thomas Synagogue - in continuous use under the American flag and the second oldest in the western hemisphere." I was able to offer a couple, a private tour and where they renewed their wedding vows! Experiences like this are priceless, and that's what I offer my clients.

Linda Lembke

Cruise - River

1-877-788-0815
linda.lembke@milnetravel.com

"Each ship and itinerary is different; each season brings new possibilities. Using a River Cruise Insider is key to the success of your adventures!"

Over the years I have had the privilege of experiencing several different levels of River Cruises... from budget to premium to deluxe. I have supplemented my first-hand experience with additional small-ship site inspections on four different river cruise lines, and by ongoing participation in educational courses, training seminars, and literature. Since my premier voyage I have booked many, many river cruises sharing my varied experience with my clients. My enthusiasm for expanding my own horizons on the water and in the "classroom" all the while sharing my knowledge with my treasured clients makes me a true River Cruise Insider.

Betty Morgan

Tahiti

1-877-773-5829
bettymorgan@amttravel.com

Interests:
Arts & Crafts, Beach, Boating, Decorating, Food, Golf, Hiking, Local History & Culture, Mountains, Museums, Music, Party Planning, Philanthropy, Photography, Reading & Writing, Scuba/Snorkel, Sightseeing, Spa, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"In Tahiti, fish is the main course. You will find very limited chicken and beef options, and if so, they will be extremely expensive!"

I have been to Tahiti three times. I know the latest and greatest places to stay in Tahiti. The last time I visited Tahiti, I cruised the numerous islands on the luxury ship, Paul Gauguin, with a group of 100 people. I have seen all of Tahiti in so many different ways, which will allow me to create the best itinerary to meet your needs. I also am a tourist board certified Tahiti Tiare Specialist, which not only requires a long instructional section, but is also based on my personal visits to Tahiti and the number of clients I send to Tahiti. On average, I send about 60 couples a year to Tahiti, for romantic getaways and honeymoons. For travelers who want a personal touch to really bring to life their next trip, I can offer some great insight that I did not learn from a brochure or the internet, but rather from my own experiences

Denise Alevy

Health & Wellness/Spa

1-877-820-2907
denise.alevy@altour.com

Interests:
Beach, Boating, Hiking, Horeseback Riding, Local History & Culture, Museums, Scuba/Snorkel, Sightseeing, Spa, Sports & Fitness

"To get the most from your spa experience, bring a book and arrive early so you can relax in the quiet room while enjoying fruit and herbal waters."

I am a true Health & Wellness/Spa Insider having personally experienced a wide range of wellness destinations and spas in locales - worldwide. For example, I have experienced Bali's luxurious and pampering treatments, the Mayan ritual for purification of the soul, the healing waters of the Dead Sea, and the mud wraps at Iceland's Blue Lagoon. I have visited and evaluated spas, wellness hotels, resorts and yoga retreats in Asia, Europe, the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, Polynesia, on cruise lines and more. As an American Express Travel Representative, I have special relationships with the world’s best luxury travel suppliers. I deliver personal, high-touch travel service and design itineraries based on my clients' interests and preferences. I believe that the customer experience starts before the time of sale and extends well after they return from travel. I inherited my love and knowledge of travel from my father who worked at a company that pioneered luxury travel to exotic destinations. I have traveled to all seven continents, 130+ countries and sailed the seven seas. I have a B.S. from Columbia University School of Engineering. After working as an engineer and management consultant for several years, I gave in to my passion for travel and spa experiences... and I haven’t looked back since!

Stephen Soterakis

Greece

1-888-418-2230
stephen@herrickstravel.com

"Agreco Farm on Crete is a true farm experience. Buy its produce and products, from olive oil to wine to soap to jams and other delicacies."

Being of Greek background, I have been traveling to Greece for many years. I also speak the language fluently. I have a deep and emotional connection with the country and its people. Each year, I include an area that I have not been to before to expand my knowledge of the country. I also visit the popular areas such as Mykonos and Santorini to make sure that the quality of services remain on par. I can advise you of the best places to visit, hotels to stay, sites to see and restaurants to enjoy. For example, outside of Athens, there is a small village with a restaurant frequented by locals that offers the most delicious lamb chops cooked on an outdoor spit and sold by the kilo!

Sue Negi

Australia

1-855-709-7201
sue@ufxtravel.com

Interests:
Beach, Fishing, Food, Golf, Horeseback Riding, Local History & Culture, Mountains, Music, Party Planning, Reading & Writing, Sightseeing, Speaks a foreign language, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"Discover native animals in abundance on Kangaroo Island, home to sea lions, koalas, diverse bird species, and (of course) kangaroos."

As the 6th largest country in the world, Australia is sure to put plenty of check marks on your bucket list! Australia is one of my favorite destinations and offers travelers a unique culture and history found nowhere else in the world. With over 16,000 miles of coastline, there are surprises around every corner. Climb aboard the world famous Ghan and travel through the heart of Australia by train. Or fly to a private island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef to explore this underwater paradise. Whatever way you like to travel, Australia won’t disappoint. If hand feeding kangaroos or cuddling a koala is on your list, then my insider knowledge can get you into the parks early, before the crowds arrive, to ensure your experience surpasses your expectations. Each itinerary I create is customized for you based on your wish list, because each person has a unique way of exploring. Soak in the iconic sights, learn about the culture, taste the vibrant food, feel the warm waters of the reef, and smell the sweet scent of eucalyptus all in one exciting journey through the Land Down Under. I’m excited to create an unforgettable experience with you!

Elyse Rose

New Zealand

1-855-703-2378
Elyse.Rose@avoyatravel.com

Interests:
Animals & Marine Life, Beach, Boating, Food, Hiking, Local History & Culture, Mountains, Museums, Scuba/Snorkel, Sightseeing, Wine Enthusiast

"If you self-drive to Milford Sound and stop near the Homer Tunnel... Watch out for the Cheeky Kea birds. They'll strip the rubber off your vehicle!"

As the owner of my own travel company, I have been custom-designing inspiring trips to New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific for almost 25 years. And, I have just recently returned from my ninth visit to New Zealand. Here are just a few of the exciting activities and adventures I can custom-design for your trip to New Zealand: A flight-seeing tour over Milford, Doubtful or Dusky Sound; a great train journey, kayaking with dolphins; wine tasting in Napier - the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, jet boating at Huka Falls or Queenstown, and fly fishing. Other fun adventures may include enjoying a tasty, steamed box lunch cooked over a geyser while visiting Te Puia and being immersed in Maori culture; hiking on the Milford or Hollyford Track; cruising silently in a magical grotto - accompanied by thousands of glow worms lighting your way; having a private driver/guide share with you the best of Auckland (aka City of Sails); sky-dive over Franz Joseph Glacier (with a parachute of course!); stay at one (or more) of the country's spectacular and extraordinary lodges, charming B&Bs, or boutique hotels; or take a wonderful cruise to New Zealand and Australia. A client recently said this about me: "We had an unreasonable time frame to plan the trip, and yet she put together the most amazing, incredible trip. She listened to our concerns and our interests and anticipated our needs and thus crafted an individually-designed trip that answered our specific desires."

Carol Matulonis

Cruise - River

1-877-787-6996
cmatulonis@cruiseplanners.com

"Let me plan your trip on the Rhine during tulip season! Buy a tulip bouquet to bring on board and brighten up your cabin throughout your journey."

With a lifelong passion for cruising and travel which began in the 1970's on the Mississippi River, I have filled many passports with stamps from more than 50 cruises. I plan yearly river cruise groups and in 2019, I am traveling to the Rhine to see the Christmas Markets. In 2020, I look forward to chartering the AmaLyra for a river cruise that will allow me to connect with travelers over a shared love of travel, genealogy and history. I will take a personal interest in planning your river cruise and be with you from start to finish to ensure this is your dream vacation.

Ena Langford

New Zealand

1-877-741-2013
ena.langford@altour.com

Interests:
Beach, Food, Gardening, Local History & Culture, Mountains, Museums, Photography, Reading & Writing, Scuba/Snorkel, Sightseeing, Spa, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"From hiking on Mt. Tarawera to wine tasting on Waiheke; from cruising the Bay of Many Coves to Cruising Milford Sound the experiences are endless in New Zealand! "

I am an official Kiwi Specialist, designated by Tourism New Zealand and your experience begins with me. Since 1991, I've been planning all types of vacations to New Zealand. Whether your preference is to stay in budget hotels or five star accommodations; taking multi day hikes to exquisite golf, food and wine touring and everything in between, you can make one call to me and I can make it all happen. Over the years I've raced on a sail boat across the Harbor, a helicopter flight to the volcano of Mt. Tarawera, stayed at Mt. Cook and taken a boat tour on the glacier fed lake. Other activities I've found fulfilling are: watching penguin and giant albatross colonies in the wild, a Maori Hangi in Rotorua, sailing on Milford Sound, a jet boat up the Dart River and a 4 wheel drive tour to the summits by Queenstown, where Lord of The Rings was filmed. From Jet boats to unique wildlife, the fantastic Fjords, Sounds and Glaciers all add to the excitement of the South Island. I look forward helping you plan your trip to this wonderful country.

American Express Travel Insiders

HANDCRAFTED TRAVEL

Discover new places through tailor-made itineraries with your passions and personal interests top of mind. Travel Insiders plan your entire journey including air, transfers, hotels, dining, and the extras you crave.

LIKE A LOCAL

Travel Insiders live and breathe their destinations and specialties. Impassioned about the people, the places and culture, Travel Insiders ensure you experience the authentic and unexpected while staying within your budget.

INSIDER BACKING

1. CHOOSE A TRAVEL INSIDER

Browse our roster of expert Travel Insiders and find your perfect match. You can even choose a Travel Insider who shares the same interests as you.

2. GET INSPIRED

One on one, let your Travel Insider know what you hope to find on your next adventure. Discuss budgets and fees upfront, your travel preferences and those of your companions. With your approval, your Travel Insider will begin designing your one-of-a-kind journey.

3. YOURS TO APPROVE

Your Travel Insider will send a proposed itinerary directly to you. Review it, ask questions, make changes with your Travel Insider until you are satisfied, excited, and all the details fine tuned to perfection.