If you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen a flurry of gorgeous beaches in Mexico, historic cobblestone streets in Europe, or maybe a stunning sunset over the Aegean Sea in Greece. It looks like the ultimate vacation lifestyle, right?
But I’ll let you in on a little industry secret: it’s not a holiday. Whether I am jetting off to the tropics or heading across the Atlantic, these travels are what the industry calls FAM (Familiarization) trips. While it is absolutely a perk of the job, it’s also some of the most intense, fast-paced work I do all year.
Here is what really goes down when I am on the clock around the world.
What Exactly is a FAM Trip?
Think of a FAM trip as my opportunity to be your boots on the ground.
Instead of relying on glossy brochures, internet reviews, or heavily filtered resort websites, I personally test-drive everything a destination has to offer before I ever recommend it to you.
My vetting process takes me all over the globe to experience different travel styles firsthand:
- Sun & Sand: Inspecting room categories, service levels, and vibes at multiple resorts in Mexico.
- On the Water: Sailing on European river cruises to check out cabin layouts, onboard dining, and shore excursions so I can pair you with the perfect ship line.
- Cultural Immersive: Walking the steps of ancient ruins, testing local transportation, and scouting boutique hotels in destinations like Greece to ensure your itinerary runs flawlessly.
The Reality Behind the Glossy Photos
The truth behind those beautiful photos? It is real work. 😅
Yes, the views are stunning, and the local cuisine is incredible, but our schedules are packed from sunrise to long after sunset. On a typical day, we are hitting massive step counts. If I’m in Mexico, I might be inspecting up to five different resorts back-to-back. If I’m in Europe, I’m inspecting cruise ships, interviewing local tour guides, and analyzing the logistics of getting you from a river port to a city center seamlessly.
By the time my feet hit the bed at night, I am completely wiped out—but my notebook is full of invaluable insights.
Why I Do It (And Why It Matters to You)
I don’t mind the long hours or the aching feet because I am so passionate about bringing the best of the best back to you.
When you book a trip through me, you aren’t getting a cookie-cutter itinerary generated by an algorithm. You are getting firsthand expertise. Because I’ve actually slept in the beds, eaten the food, and sailed the rivers, I can tell you exactly which Greek island fits your vibe, which European river cruise matches your travel style, and which Mexico resort to skip entirely.
No guesswork. Just a perfectly vetted escape.
Whether you are looking to try a brand-new resort in Mexico, experience the magic of a European river cruise, or finally check an island-hopping adventure in Greece off your bucket list, I have the fresh, firsthand knowledge to make it spectacular.