Additional Coverage:
- I hired a travel advisor to coordinate my family’s Paris vacation — I might never plan my own trips again (businessinsider.com)
Local Travel Writer Discovers the Magic of Letting Go – and a Travel Advisor – for Parisian Getaway
Paris, France – For years, local travel writer Lauren Dana Ellman prided herself on being the ultimate trip planner, meticulously crafting itineraries and unearthing hidden gems for her readers. But this year, amidst the delightful chaos of caring for infant twins, her usual deep-dive planning energy was, well, elsewhere.
Enter the unexpected hero: a travel advisor.
Ellman, who admits she “never thought I’d do” such a thing, turned to an advisor from the travel agency Fora to coordinate a five-night Parisian escape with her mom and sister this past June. And what she found wasn’t just a planned trip, but a revelation in stress-free travel.
A Personalized Approach to Parisian Perfection
The process began with a thorough 30-minute introductory call, where the advisor delved into more than just destination preferences. “Not only did we discuss where we wanted to go, but also how we liked to spend our days, what types of hotels felt right, and what kind of experiences would make the trip memorable,” Ellman recounted.
The advisor’s personalized touch even extended to gentle course corrections. Ellman was steered away from a traditional, tourist-heavy hotel in favor of a modern, design-forward option that better suited their vibe.
Crucially, the advisor also helped Ellman, a self-confessed over-planner, adopt a more realistic day-by-day approach, ensuring their Parisian days felt relaxed, not rushed. The itinerary was also tailored to their budget, offering thoughtful alternatives to pricier experiences.
Experiences That Made Memories (and Macarons!)
Thanks to the advisor’s planning, the trip was filled with personal and unforgettable experiences, many of them pre-arranged. One standout? A small-group macaron-making class, despite Ellman’s self-proclaimed “zero baking skills.”
Another highlight was a day trip to Champagne with a private guide, including a stop at the abbey where Dom Pérignon is said to have perfected his famous sparkling wine. The advisor also handled nearly all restaurant reservations, saving the group from last-minute scramble and endless debates, instead recommending vetted, neighborhood gems like Bistro Marbeuf.
The Luxury of Being Present
Initially, handing over the planning reins felt “strange” for Ellman, given her profession. However, the unexpected benefit was profound. “Instead of feeling disconnected, I was more present on this trip than I had been on any vacation in years,” she shared.
For Ellman, especially as a new parent, the freedom to simply enjoy the moment without second-guessing every detail was a true luxury. “I realized the best trips aren’t about obsessing over every detail. They’re about giving yourself the space to actually enjoy the experience – even if it means letting someone else handle the planning (gasp).”
It seems this travel writer has discovered that sometimes, the best way to experience the world is to let someone else chart the course.