About
In general, I’m a “free and independent traveler,” or “FIT”—I prefer to be in control of my days rather than stick to someone else’s schedule. When visiting Namibia or Chile, for instance, my partner and I will rent a car and hit the road—our itineraries planned by me, of course! We rely on guides only when necessary, like on safari or gorilla trekking.
I’m also a worldly, lifelong traveler and the former COO of a high-end travel management and publishing company constantly in search of value and soul as they can make trips memorable and the ordinary extraordinary. With high standards and an eye for detail, I search for them in everything I do, wherever that may be.
And where I find exceptional value and soul, they are always the places I remember most. I long for, daydream about and often revisit them. For instance, I’ve been staying at the same small hotel in Capri annually for almost 20 years. They are also one of the reasons I love Cap Ferret, France, where we live part of the year.
Originally from Wisconsin, I spent 15 years in New York City after 10 in Dallas. We now live in London and Cap Ferret and have done so for over a decade. So, I know these places exceptionally well. In fact, I know much of Europe well—we go to the Continent regularly and have traveled it extensively. I love Norway (Oslo!), Italy, France, Ireland, Portugal, Finland, and Sweden, in particular.
I’ve also seen much of the greater world, from Peru to New Zealand, Chile to Ukraine. In fact, I have been to Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Argentina often, and I have fallen in love with Namibia too.
Fora
As a travel advisor with Fora, my host agency based in New York City, I have access to Fora’s worldwide systems and networks, including its Preferred Partners. These Partners give my clients access to perks that they may not be able to otherwise access. The Partners list is exceptional and includes Backroads, Abercrombie & Kent, Oetker, Four Seasons, Belmond, Relais & Chateaux, Rosewood, Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental and Dorchester, to name but a few. You can find the full list here.
By working with me to plan your travels, we won’t just fall back on the old standbys, however, as wonderful as they often are. In personalizing your travels, those places will be only part of the mix we consider.
Most of the time, you will pay me nothing—the travel providers (i.e., hotels, etc.) will pay me a commission. In other words, at no additional cost, you will have access to perks, when available, and benefit from my travel expertise.
It’s only if I’m asked to plan a complicated trip and/or one that’s heavy on non-commissionable elements that I may require a trip planning fee, but that will be rare. While I’m happy to advise you on flights, car rentals, and restaurants, I will not make those bookings for you.
Contact
ronald.balzan@fora.travel