Why I Became a Travel Advisor—and Why I’m Still Passionate Nearly 30 Years Later

Hey friends! The Wandering Puffin here again. Today, I want to get a little personal and share the story behind why I became a travel advisor—and why, after nearly three decades, that passion still fuels everything I do. Sure, this blog often focuses on travel and business—but since it’s my business, it feels right to get a little personal. After all, I am the heart of Wandering Puffin LLC, having developed the trusted partnerships here in Italy and around the world that bring your travel dreams to life.

My path to this life wasn’t a straight line; it was a beautiful mosaic of experiences, influences, and moments that sparked a fire deep inside me. As some of you know, my love of travel started young—from those early family moves and my grandfather’s stamp collection to an unforgettable year in France as a kid, immersing myself in new cultures and languages. But beyond wanderlust, what truly shaped me was my foundation as an educator and chef in my early career, coupled with extensive travels across the US and Canada.

Plus, a little-known fact: during the summer session of my freshman year at university, when I was 19, I took a Human Geography class—the only class I aced—with an A, perhaps a small glimpse of what was to come. I officially joined the ranks of the travel industry in 1997, at age 35, so there were many life experiences in between. One of the most formative was a three-month backpacking trip across Europe and Israel in 1985, which included crossing behind the Iron Curtain—spending a day between West and East Berlin, in a divided Germany. Those extraordinary moments shaped my curiosity and sense of adventure even more so.

Teaching, both as an elementary school and special education teacher, gave me a profound respect for curiosity, patience, and guiding others on journeys of discovery—qualities that have become absolutely central to my work as a travel advisor. When you plan someone’s trip, you’re really facilitating their education about the world, helping them unpack history, culture, and experiences in a way that opens their minds and hearts. Every itinerary is like a lesson crafted with care, designed to inspire and connect—and no two are exactly alike.

Then there’s the chef side of me: 14 years in the restaurant world, those many years ago, but always drawn to flavor, texture, and sensory delight. Food tells stories. It’s culture you can taste. In fact, food is often a culture’s strongest language—both literally and figuratively—binding people and places together. Being a foodie isn’t just about enjoying good meals; it’s about understanding a place through its kitchen, markets, traditional dishes, and the people who prepare them. That passion drives me to seek out authentic culinary experiences for my clients, from family-run trattorias in Rome to vibrant street food stalls tucked away in Croatia’s winding alleys, and all the other places where I’ve enjoyed local meals made with love—because they reflected the culture I was exploring, be it Vietnam, Botswana, Buenos Aires, or Morocco. Sharing these moments of sensory discovery makes travel unforgettable.

Technology has transformed the way I connect with clients, especially as I live and work in Rome while most of my wonderful travelers are based in North America. Thanks to tools like Zoom, WhatsApp video chats, and instant messaging, planning and tailoring journeys from across the ocean is easier than ever. Yet, whenever possible, I truly cherish meeting clients face-to-face. Over the years, that meant coffee shops, client homes, and an office early in my career—but now, my adopted home city of Rome is the perfect meeting place. Many clients choose to meet here in person when they come to Italy, making those connections richer, turning the planning process itself into part of the adventure.

I’m also incredibly lucky to have Rosa, my partner in crime and my wife, by my side. Many of you know Rosa—or if not, you’ve likely heard by now—the amazing, licensed tour guide who transformed my life back in February 2020 at the Galleria Borghese, just before the pandemic unfolded. Together, we share a passion for Italy’s timeless wonders and bring authentic local insight and warmth to every trip I design for clients coming to Italy. Well, she certainly does, and I am learning more each day. But that same passion exists in every adventure and experience I plan, wherever my clients choose to travel. Clients bring their travel dreams to the table—I’m there to mix all the right ingredients and create the experience they desire.

To me, travel isn’t just seeing new places; it’s a chance for transformation. Every journey holds the power to broaden perspectives, build empathy, and awaken curiosity about the world and ourselves. As the travel landscape evolves, my commitment is to not just plan trips but to craft experiences that leave a lasting impact—whether through cultural immersion, meaningful encounters, or mindful exploration. I also stay vigilant about current world events, doing everything possible to keep my clients’ adventures seamless and safe, with safeguards and emergency contacts in place should any bumps arise along the way.

So here I am, nearly 30 years later, blending educator precision with a chef’s creativity, a traveler’s heart, and the magic of modern technology to craft journeys that are rich, layered, and deeply meaningful. What keeps that fire burning? It’s the magic of connection, the glance exchanged with a local artisan in a Tuscan village, the taste of a dish you’ve never tried before but that instantly feels like home, the awe of standing before ancient ruins knowing their stories are centuries old yet alive.

When clients come home from their adventures, inevitably, they remember that special meal they had, the guide who led them, and yes, the places where they snapped a hundred Instagram pictures — but it’s often the best meal on a special occasion, whether a birthday or anniversary, that stays longest in their memory bank. Finding that special place for that special time will last forever.

The role of a travel advisor today has evolved far beyond bookings and logistics. It’s about storytelling, wellness, cultural authenticity, and sustainability—areas travelers increasingly seek. Staying curious and adaptable keeps me ahead, ensuring your journeys are not just seamless but deeply resonant with who you are, and the impact made is truly the most important.

I still get that same thrill as when I was a kid exploring Poitiers, among all the other places I have experienced over 50+ years of travel, wondering what new friendships and cultures await me. Every trip I plan is a chance to spark that wonder for someone else—to open their world just like mine was so many years ago.
At Wandering Puffin LLC, I’m not just booking vacations; I’m curating opportunities for transformation, enrichment, and joy. I’m still learning, exploring, and falling in love with this incredible world every single day.
Thank you for letting me be your guide on this endless adventure. Here’s to many more journeys fueled by passion, curiosity, and love. And don’t forget—we’re still deciding on a new name for the blog, so please send your ideas!