Growing up an Army brat, I have been fortunate enough to live in Berlin, Germany (6 years) and Misawa, Japan (18 months). With my extensive travels abroad during this period, I had developed an insatiable desire to travel the world so I can experience its beauty, diverse culture, and exquisite cuisine and have passed this same love of travel on to my children.

I came to McCabe World Travel in 1997 with a degree in Finance. I manage the Accounting, Human Capital, Information Technology, and the day to day Operations of the Company.

Karen’s favorite travel quote:

“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.”

Amanda was lucky to grow up around the travel industry and traveling with family. Much of her travel experiences have focused on exploring less-touristed and adventurous locations (65 countries and counting)! She has lived in Amman, Cape Town, and London, but now calls Denver home. Her professional background is in process/service design and she is responsible for all things digital strategy and processes at McCabe World Travel.

About me-

I have been on an incredible journey creating celebrations with unique experiences resulting in lifelong long memories for 20 plus years in travel.  In doing so, long term relationships have been formed and I am excited to say I began planning travel for my third generation this year with an engagement trip.  My personal passion for travel keeps me searching for that next adventure to share.  The question I get asked most is “What’s on your bucket list?”   This year the top on my list is Japan and the Patagonia region.

Accolades–

Travel & Lifestyles Top Agent Award 18 years

Pacesetter Mentorship Award

Publications–

Destination Travel MSNBC on Mexico

Travel & Leisure Honor’s Travel Insiders

What is the most noticeable travel trend change?

My clients are requesting travel that is a perfect fit for who they are with a larger focus on unique cultural experiences designed especially for them.

Favorite Trip?

This is always difficult to answer but most memorable was Sydney, Australia with the Hunter Valley Wine region. Sydney is fresh, vibrant and exciting and Hunter Valley is extremely beautiful with its vineyards. Who knew Wallabies enjoy the moist vineyards to keep cool!  On this trip I was able to attend a Barbara Streisand concert in Sydney as well as a Shirley Bassey concert in Hunter Valley. Simply magical!

What are my clients most requested journeys?

Fully independent travel is becoming the most requested mode of travel whether you’re a solo adventurer, couple or a multi-generational family.

Luxury cruises continue to be the most popular, no surprises here.   Luxury cruising captures the essence of a bygone era and also attracting those who want more activity.  It’s all about the mode of transportation and personalized service topped off with beautiful locations to explore. I myself have enjoyed over 60 plus cruises and currently planning my next voyage.

Favorite hobby?

I love to cook for my family and friends. So wherever I travel I make sure there is a cooking class I can sign up for nearby. How else can you get familiar with a culture than by learning what nourishes their body and soul. I have meet some wonderful chefs and foodies along the way who share my passion.  As for my family and friends, they know there is a dinner party being planned on my return.

Greatest indulgence?

Spa days!  Everyone needs a tune up after a day of touring or golfing and what better way to get your body, soul and mind in sync for your next adventure.

Best unplanned event?

Hands down it has to be receiving complimentary tickets to the FC Bayern Munich against Manchester United game during Octoberfest!  This was my introduction to European football and certainly a lifelong memory had been made with such an exciting event.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

CJ White was awesome. For the budget we gave him, there is no way for us to replicate the trip he provided for us. The hotel management loved him and by extension they gave us so many upgrades. Not just tangible items, they treated us like we were part of CJ’s family. The wife was concerned about travelling to another country, but CJ had someone there for us every step of the way. From early check in at the hotel, to tour guides showing up at our hotel lobby. Just a wonderful experience. I’m in the process of begging him to setup a Hawaii trip for my daughter’s high school graduation. – April 2019

What are your favorite places you have visited? 

Italy: It is full of unexpectedly memorable moments, such as watching the sun set over the domes of the Eternal City from a rooftop restaurant in Rome.

Ireland: Watching the seagulls soar on the over Cliffs of Moher.

South of France: Wandering through ancient cobble stone streets in cliff side villages commanding amazing views over the Mediterranean.

Costa Rica: An entire country dedicated to harmony with the environment and the simple life… “pura vida”.

What is the one place you could go back to a hundred times? Great Britain and Ireland – there are villages steeped in history and folklore, scenic byways that meander over hills and valleys, rainbows and ‘pots o’ gold’…

Best unplanned event while traveling? A volcano ash cloud which turned my two day site inspection trip to Paris into a leisurely week in  Paris with no deadlines!  I couldn’t have planned it better.
Just returned from:  Florence, Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi coast.

About me: To me traveling is about discovering a place for the first time, or rediscovering an old favorite. My  quest is finding a destination with history, countryside and villages, warm hospitality, and timeless beauty. Sharing travel with family and friends give moments that we will remember forever. Whether it is a celebratory event, or a multi-generational family vacation, each trip is an investment in memories.

My dreams of amazing adventures motivated me to pursue a career in the travel industry which started at a European river cruise company.  The desire to share a broader array of travel experiences around the world motivated me to move into a role as a travel advisor with McCabe World Travel. 

I take great care with creating customized vacation experiences, depending on an individual’s interests, while anticipating needs and providing exceptional customer service.  With over 20 years in the travel industry, I have developed keen attention to detail when planning itineraries. 

I feel fortunate to integrate my passion for travel while enjoying food and wine of the regions which showcases unique insight and the opportunity to truly appreciate a culture. I am particularly enthusiastic about destinations where the wildlife and the wine county meet, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.  I also enjoy exotic locations throughout South Pacific and classic places throughout Europe. Getting to know my clients and creating special moments that turn into lasting memories encourages my success. 

What Makes You Proud?

Working with repeat clients over time on many trips and receiving referrals.  I love getting to know my clients and growing their world.  There is no greater compliment than my clients referring me to their friends and family.

What is a place you would go back to a hundred times?

Fortunately, I now live in Sonoma County and can enjoy the bounties of wine country without having to consider California for this question.  There are a few places that I feel will always be alluring and can have such a wide variety of experiences at, including New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, and Greece!  But this does not mean I don’t have a long Wanderlist to explore practically any reaches of the world.

Specialties:  Luxury & Small Ship Cruising, Europe, California, South Pacific, Custom trips for individual & families, Wine & Food Experiences

Testimonial: All our hotels were perfect at each stop and we feel like we got the best rooms.  (I don’t know how you did it, but we always felt like we had the best rooms, tables, seats, drivers, etc. everywhere we went.) Our transfer from Amalfi, with the stop in Pompeii, was one of the biggest surprises of our trip as we had no idea what to expect there and were fascinated by the ruins and loved learning about all that they had discovered there. Every part of our itinerary went off without a hitch. Trains and planes ran on time and every meal, planned or spontaneous, was lovely. We can’t thank you enough for your help in planning and your wise advice about timing, etc.  We said over and over again “we have to thank Katie when we get home!

Growing up, I was fascinated with other cultures and foreign countries but didn’t have the opportunity to explore as I would have liked. I spent time researching destinations and planning itineraries for trips I likely wouldn’t take until the future and just like that, I had the travel bug. In 2015, I started traveling internationally and since then, I have been to 26 countries including 5 continents and many islands with Costa Rica, Singapore, Cambodia and France being some of my favorites.

My favorite travel quote speaks volumes on what I feel travel does for the soul, “Traveling it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller.”

I love working in the leisure travel industry because I can help my clients make their dreams come true and add chapters to their life’s story. For me, that’s a great feeling.

My personal favorite travel experiences are when I can get a taste of the local culture, architecture, and history. I love to experience a new city by foot – and that sometimes means coming home to a much-needed foot massage!! But I wouldn’t do it any other way.

While I seem to fall in love with every place I visit, my most memorable journeys have been to Australia and India. In Australia, I was particularly enchanted with “Dining under the Stars” in Uluru. The visibility in this area is astonishing; I felt like I could touch the sky while enjoying the vast twinkling outback vista. India and is partly home to me, but, as a traveler, India offers something new every time I visit.

Growing up a dual citizen of the US and Austria, a passion for traveling and exploring the world was instilled in me a young age. This was then furthered by my degree in international relations. My primary interest and passion when traveling is to explore the history of the country I’m visiting as well the culture & food. I love to get off the beaten track and see a country through the eyes of the locals.

I grew up in New York, being able to visit NYC very often and explore what the city has to offer was so exciting to me! And ever since, I’ve aspired to do the same in other cities all around the world.

Family travel is a particular passion for me. I understand the special requirements of traveling with children having done so with my now young adult girls since they were little. From road trips across the United States to train trips across Italy; from cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean to white water rafting in Costa Rica; from island hopping in Hawaii and Greece to safaris in Africa, I have a world of experience behind me. Combining these experiences with our Virtuoso travel network allows me to plan the travel adventure of your dreams!

What are your hobbies?
In addition to traveling (of course), I like to read, work out, hike, enjoy good food and wine, and spend time with family and friends.

Must pack item?
Lightweight cashmere pashmina – it can be a blanket, pillow, accessory with almost any outfit, or cover my shoulders at a religious or holy site.

What do you love about being a travel professional, and what are your strengths and interests?
I love sharing my passion for experiential travel with others, especially families, honeymoon & anniversary couples, active travelers, and those looking for a luxury experience on a small ship or private tour. My vision and attention to detail combined with the support of our many travel partners allow me to fulfill the travel desires of my clients. What better feeling can there be than knowing I’ve provided opportunities for people to spend their precious time experiencing new cultures, marveling at nature’s beauty, learning about history, relishing new foods, or simply relaxing? Would you like to rappel down a waterfall in Costa Rica, witness the Great Migration in Tanzania, fly over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, stand atop the Great Wall in China, savor a cooking class in Tuscany, or glide into a small Caribbean port to dine under the stars with the sound of water lapping gently beside you? Whatever your travel dream, live it.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

Carol Flax is an outstanding travel advisor. From planning to sending documents before the trip launches, Carol is always available, positive, and totally supportive. Carol has helped me plan many trips, and each one has been superb! I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a person who loves people, travel, and helping to make a trip memorable!

Destination Specialties:

Escorted and independent tours, Caribbean destinations and all-inclusives, cruises with special shore excursions, luxury travel, honeymoons and destinationworldwide cruises, weddings, family and multi-generational groups, specialty travel for women, spas, villas, Disney and special interests.I specialize in destinations throughout Europe (Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Russia); Western Hemisphere (United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Cuba, most Caribbean Islands and many countries in South America. I have been on worldwide cruises and I am an Accredited Cruise Counselor.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

Ellen is a fantastic resource for anyone planning a trip. She listensto what you want to accomplish and then creates a personalized plan for you. She is our family’s go-to agent whenever we are planning our family trips – Meredith H.

Website: Tiffany Travel Concierge

Background:
The transformative nature of travel and its special ability to change the way we see the world has always stood out to me. A life-long traveler, I’ve visited dozens of countries and lived on three separate continents. As a reformed attorney, I utilize the same strategic planning, attention to detail, and research skills I honed practicing law to thoughtfully design a travel experience unique to you.

What are your favorite destinations?:
A few that stand out are: jungle trekking in the Amazon, the natural beauty of Switzerland and New Zealand, walking the canals of Amsterdam, the beach clubs of St. Tropez, Japan’s mix of modernity and tradition, the casual romance of Portugal, and annual ski-trips to Colorado!

Packing List:
I never travel without my AirPods, a good book, and a comfy sweatshirt.

Destination Specialties:
Israel, South America, Japan, Western Europe, Bhutan, and Australia/New Zealand.

Website: Elevated Luxury Travel

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

After contacting Jeremy close to our date of travel, he made what would have felt like a last minute struggle into a seamless experience. After briefly reviewing with Jeremy what type of trip we were looking for, from travel distance to activities and amenities, he presented a number of fabulous options. From the lead up and throughout the trip, Jeremy stayed in contact to ensure any questions or tweaks to our schedule we may have wanted were satisfied. More so, Jeremy had made sure the hotel was familiar with our plans and had set up logistics for the activities that required extra planning. All in all, it was absolutely wonderful working with Jeremy and we plan to do so for our future travel. Adam S. – Los Angeles

About me:

I got my first passport when I was two and have been traveling ever since. My father’s job as a pilot took our family all over, including eight years living in Venezuela. The language, people, and spectacular views of the mountains and sea left a lasting impression.

On layovers as a flight attendant in my twenties, I learned how to see a city in less than 24 hours, which has helped tremendously in booking trips for clients who only have a short amount of time to spend. In 2012 I was featured in a Conde Nast article called “Five Perfect days in Dublin and County Clare.” I still get calls from readers requesting the exact trip.

The best part about being a travel consultant is getting to know my clients and personalizing their travel itineraries. Most of the trips I plan are for multi-generational families and small groups, and many are first time travelers to Ireland. I first fell in love with Ireland on a trip with my husband, who was researching his family tree and looking for his grandparents’ homes. I now travel to Ireland frequently and am continually captivated by the green, the charm, and the warm and welcoming Irish people.

Trip of a Lifetime:

Renting Coolclogher House, an 18th century manor home in the west of Ireland, for a mini family reunion. It was big enough for the twelve of us to spread out, make ourselves at home, and experience Irish living at its finest. We were happy relaxing on the expansive property with its sweeping views of the mountains, gardens, and pastures or walking to nearby Killarney Park with its beautiful lakes. We split up to pursue individual interests during the day— golf, horseback riding, shopping in Killarney—and met together for dinner, whether it be one we created from local markets, eaten in the stately dining room, or at one of the many restaurants in town. A driver guide took us on group excursions to the Beara Peninsula, Cork, Kenmare and the Ring of Kerry. It was a unique and memorable way to reconnect with family and experience the beauty of Ireland.

Best Purchase:

I love shopping and buying local products. My last purchase was a beautiful linen scarf at Stable in Dublin. This new shop is very popular and has some very unusual Irish linen and tweed scarfs, hats and wraps. It is located right outside the Westbury Hotel.

I have traveled extensively but my heart is always in Ireland and the United Kingdom. I recently returned from Northern Ireland and I am very excited with all the new changes that have happened in the last few years. This is a great new destination.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

The trip to Africa was AMAZING. My sister and I had a wonderful time. We loved the tour group and made some great friendships and memories. The tour was the perfect for us, and the lodges we stayed at were so much nicer than we had expected! It was such a cool experience. You were so helpful and made sure our trip was exactly what we were looking for. Thank you so much! I would love to book more trips with you in the future.

Specializing in custom travel to Europe and multi-generational trips.

The Travel Fairy is a full service travel agency, specializing in making your travel dreams come true. Owner, Lisa Cohen-Dumani, is an avid traveler who has spent many years living overseas, travelling abroad and exploring new places. Affiliated as an independent contractor with McCabe World Travel & Virtuoso, the Travel Fairy is able to offer access to the top suppliers in the travel industry.

After many years in the consulting industry and raising her young family, Lisa opened The Travel Fairy in 2010. Drawing on her experiences living in both France and Switzerland, Lisa offers her clients unique perspective when planning travel. Her love of travel and exploring new places has taken her to points around the globe including Thailand, Peru and Russia to name a few.

In addition, Lisa is the mother of four, and she has loads of experience traveling with kids. Paris with kids is not only possible, but recommended when you do it right!

No request is too big or too small. The Travel Fairy is here to ensure that your next trip is magical!

Plan Your Next Getaway

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

Lisa is a step above any other travel advisor we’ve ever used. She was knowledgeable and insightful, so our hotels, excursions and meals exceeded our expectations. But what separates Lisa from others was her communication and problem solving. She was so on top of every detail and, as a result, we were able to focus solely on enjoying our trip.

Now I am living my passion and working in the travel industry. I focus on family travel and custom itineraries around the world.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

Great trip –amazing place –your attention to details and local knowledge were invaluable –we will definitely be returning to Capri! Thanks again for all your great work here – much appreciated!

What is your favorite place?

Cities! Could it be I was born and raised in New York? You never ask, “are we there yet,” because you have already arrived.

At an outdoor café in the Recoleta neighborhood in Buenos Aires, I sipped my espresso and thought “How could this have all been going on my whole life and I just now find out about it?!”

Buenos Aires has the energy of New York, the sensuality of Miami South Beach, and all wrapped with European brio!

Best purchase on travel?

Lesson learned from traveling the world: When on vacation and you see something you want. Buy it or you will regret it.

Lori (my wife) and I have bragging rights to cool eyewear from Budapest and Lori found a one-of-a-kind necklace at a boutique in the Marais. But the most awesome buy – my handcrafted leather luggage bag – truth be told, I had to make a special trip back to the store before heading to the airport, because…

Something we don’t know about you.

I’ve lost 80 pounds and keeping it off for 28 years! The thought of asking for airline seat belt extenders and regularly leading Weight Watchers meetings keeps my weight maintenance in check.

I’ve traveled over 1 million miles and enjoyed memorable meals at every destination (we have the cook books for most). The opportunity to be part of your next travel experience is just a conversation away. Let me show you the world I love.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS …

Wayne is the ultimate professional. Knowledgeable, responsive and most of all personal. My family and I had a spectacular vacation to Spain. As first-time international travelers as a family, Wayne took the time to find out what we were interested in doing, seeing, eating and then put together a first-class trip that we will always remember. You don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t take the chance on missing out on an even better vacation experience – Talk to Wayne!

 
Wayne’s Blog