Elizabeth Hansen's Trip Planning Services

"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 people 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 this topic 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 started writing the blog La Jolla Travel Information because it drives me nutty to see visitors walking up and down the most touristy street in my hometown and missing all the other things that La Jolla (San Diego’s favorite coastal community) has to offer.

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 we have to offer.

Peruse La Jolla Travel Information and then email me if you would like my help planning your trip.

Caveat: I know a lot of people and have a fair amount of "pull," but I don't control the weather.   :)

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 luxury 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:

Authentic Luxury Travel

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 and custom itineraries and enjoy comfort and convenience. In addition to the magazine, I also share what I’ve learned on my Authentic Luxury Travel blog.

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, and many other places in North America and around the world.

Look through my Authentic Luxury Travel blog and read some of the articles I've posted here. Then let me know where you'd like to go. 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, then we can work almost exclusively by email.

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 can be paid 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. 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.

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