Where in the world is Marissa off to next?

What makes me a professional?
In my industry, it is very important to have extensive knowledge of the destinations where I send my clients.  Every time I select a hotel, offer a restaurant suggestion, or hire a local tour guide, my reputation is on the line.  Yes, my job is very rewarding and I love what I do, but I also take very seriously my commitment to curating the qualities of a vacation and experiences in a destination for my clients that I, myself, would appreciate.

So how do I do that?  How do I differ from a web search you can do on your own? I do this in a variety of ways.  I have an amazing network of fellow travel professionals I call friends who can offer tips and advice on destinations they know extensively.  These are not the Trip Advisor (often paid) reviews you have access to as a consumer.  These are real-life travel professionals I personally know and trust with first-hand knowledge of an area, and who have done their homework and have high standards and expectations across the board.  They have done hotel site inspections, tried the local hot spots and cuisine, and offer a true professional’s feedback.

The other way (and my favorite) is to go and experience the destination myself!  I am happy and humbled to announce that I have been selected to attend the prestigious Rendez-vouz en France 2017 by Atout France – The France Tourism Development Agency.  This two-day conference for tour operators and travel professionals from across the globe is an incredible opportunity to personally meet potential partners in my industry whose services I would like to retain for my clients.  Coupled with a pre-conference multi-day tour of the Bordeaux and Biarritz regions, I will explore all these areas offer. This itinerary will take me to the New - Aquitaine region, in the Southwest of France. 

Bordeaux is an elegant 18th century city on the Garonne river, with a British influence, classified by the UNESCO and widely known for its eponymous wines, Medoc, Saint Emilion, Sauternes, and Graves. Bordeaux was elected world’s best city to travel in 2017 by the Lonely Planet!

On the other hand, Biarritz is a glamorous and aristocratic seaside resort with 19th century palaces and casinos.  Nowadays, it’s known as an international surf destination, and its location in the French Basque Country brings a strong Spanish influence to the surrounding communities.

I’d love for you to follow my travels on Facebook and Instagram as I tour France this month and bring you the latest and greatest from the New - Aquitaine region.  This opportunity gives me the first hand experiential knowledge to set myself apart as an expert as I partner with you to create the perfect French destination vacation.  I’d love to hear from you and share my expertise in helping you customize a one of a kind personalized itinerary in the destination of your choice.   Life is short.

Stop dreaming.  Start going.

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