Meet Scott Dunn’s Award‑Winning US Travel Specialists

Every Scott Dunn journey is deeply personal, shaped not just by where you go, but by who brings it to life. A specialist who knows a destination beyond the guidebooks, understands what moves you, and reveals experiences you would never think to ask for. 

From shared meals at local family table enjoying recipes passed down through generations, to time spent with Indigenous communities where you step beyond observation into lived culture. Honeymoons that begin lifelong stories, later revisited with children in tow. Journeys that become tradition, connecting families and friends across time and distance. 

These are the moments we value most: travel that feels deeply personal, shaped by the knowledge and care of our specialists. We’re proud to introduce our award-winning team, recognized among the world’s best luxury travel advisors in 2026 — from the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists to the Travel + Leisure A-List. 

We asked them to share what they’re seeing in travel right now, and how they’re helping guests experience the world in more meaningful ways. Because a Lifetime of Memories is not created by chance, but by people who make every moment count. 

What do you specialize in, and what makes your approach unique? 

Livia: European escapes, honeymoons, and ski adventures. Having been born and raised in Rome, I love sharing my perspective as a local, giving guests first-hand insight into what it’s really like to travel through Europe in an authentic and meaningful way. 

Bjorn: Family, multi-generational, and special occasion safaris. My approach is rooted in my own family travel experiences and the feedback I’ve gathered over the years. Having travelled extensively through Africa for more than 35 years, including as a parent, gives me a unique perspective that helps guests travel more seamlessly and confidently as a family. 

Simon: All things Central and South America. I most enjoy creating adventurous, wildlife-focused itineraries inspired by my own active travel experiences and my academic background in Biological Sciences.

Jackie: I specialize in designing bespoke luxury journeys throughout the Middle East, with a particular focus on Egypt, Jordan, and Oman. Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed to reflect each client’s individual interests, pace, and travel style.  

Julie: I specialize in truly knowing my members inside and out. While my geographical expertise lies in Europe and Southeast Asia, my approach is centred on understanding each traveller’s preferences and personality so every trip feels deeply personal and thoughtfully designed.  

What trends or shifts are you seeing in how people want to travel right now? 

Livia: Travelers are taking a more mindful approach to Europe, focusing less on hopping between countries and more on spending meaningful time in one destination or region. There’s a growing desire to slow down, minimize logistics, and truly enjoy a place rather than rushing through it. 

Bjorn: Slow travel continues to shape the luxury space. While comfort and high-end experiences remain important, guests are increasingly valuing exclusivity, meaningful experiences, and the opportunity to connect more deeply with a destination. 

Simon: More mindful and intentional travel is booming, with travellers choosing fewer destinations and staying longer to really get under the skin of a place. There’s also a growing appetite for immersive, meaningful experiences that have a positive impact, particularly those connected to nature and wildlife. 

Jackie: I’ve noticed a major shift toward guests beginning with a feeling rather than a destination. Whether it’s nostalgia travel, ancestry and heritage journeys, or milestone celebrations, people are increasingly planning trips around personal meaning and emotion, which opens the door to more unexpected destinations. 

Julie: Guests are viewing the journey itself as part of the experience. Many are choosing destinations based on access to exceptional airlines and suites, while others are gravitating toward private villas, yachts, and secluded luxury retreats that offer privacy, quality family time, and a true sense of escape.  

What destinations, experiences, or hotels are emerging as clear favourites among your guests right now? 

Livia: Ischia in Italy is becoming increasingly popular as a more laid-back alternative to Capri. Guests are also gravitating toward Forestis Hotel in the Dolomites for its contemporary alpine design and spectacular mountain views, while Switzerland continues to be a favourite for exciting ski adventures.  

Bjorn: Cape Town remains a standout thanks to its vibrant food and wine scene, while Botswana continues to draw guests seeking exceptional game viewing and exclusive safari experiences. Madagascar is also gaining attention for travellers looking for truly off-the-beaten-path beach escapes. 

Simon: Brazil’s Pantanal is becoming more widely recognized as one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, despite remaining far less visited than traditional African safaris or the Galápagos Islands. Caiman Lodge in the Southern Pantanal is a standout, offering incredible wildlife encounters, including elusive jaguar sightings, alongside hands-on conservation experiences with local NGOs working to protect the region’s species. 

Jackie: Turkey has been an especially popular request in 2026. Guests are drawn to its rich cultural heritage and strong identity, while also appreciating the European influences and exceptional cuisine that make it feel exciting, comfortable and accessible for Western travellers. 

Julie: Aqua Expeditions has emerged as a favourite among many of our most well-travelled guests. Travelers are increasingly seeking smaller, more intimate expedition-style cruising experiences that offer privacy, personalized service, and access to extraordinary destinations without the scale of a large ship. 

What destinations should travellers have on their radar, and why? 

Livia: Germany is emerging as a standout destination for summer and fall travel in 2026 and 2027. It offers a more understated style of luxury, where the focus is less on “see and be seen” and more on exceptional high-end properties, day trips to castles, medieval villages, and, of course, Oktoberfest.  

Bjorn: Mozambique is poised to be the next big thing, thanks to a growing collection of luxury beach properties and emerging safari experiences. 

Simon: Brazil is increasingly becoming a destination travellers are curious about, and for good reason. Its sheer scale allows for an extraordinary range of experiences, from the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal to buzzing cities, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque beaches. Improved infrastructure and the arrival of new luxury accommodations in remote regions suggest that a boom in popularity is imminent!   

Jackie: More travellers should have Oman on their radar. It is authentic and less commercialized, with a focus on true experiences over sightseeing. Oman retains a sense of the “Old Middle East,” paired with some of the friendliest people I have ever encountered in all of my travels.    

Julie: Raja Ampat in Indonesia was once a hidden oasis, with just a few small hotels and some of the most well-preserved reefs on the planet.  Now one of the most exciting luxury expedition destinations in the region, it’s attracting exceptional charter experiences from operators like Rascal Voyages and Vela, not to mention bigger players like Amandira (Aman’s Indonesia sailing yacht) and Aqua Blue.  

What’s something you can unlock for clients that they wouldn’t find on their own?  

Livia: I love elevating trips with thoughtful surprises. One example was a couple traveling to the Amalfi Coast to celebrate their 30th anniversary. They asked if it would be possible to renew their vows somewhere romantic. Together with our local ground team, we arranged a private boat excursion along the coastline, with a surprise detour to pick up an officiant. They’ll renew their vows at sea against the backdrop of Positano and the dramatic Amalfi coastline. 

Bjorn: In Africa, a guide can make or break your safari. With our trusted connections, we’re able to match specialist guides based on how well they will suit each traveller. This could be related to an interest in specific wildlife, desired pace of safari or simply if they’re great with younger families. Whilst the safari properties are important, it’s the guides that will shape your connection to the African bush.  

Simon: One of the most valuable things we can unlock is privileged, after-hours access to iconic museums and galleries alongside local experts. From the Anthropology Museum or Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, to the Gold Museum or Botero Gallery in Medellín, or the Larco Museum in Lima, experiences like these transform a standard visit into something far more transformative. 

Jackie: If I had to choose one exceptional experience, it would be arranging a private visit to the restoration rooms at the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archaeological museum which only officially opened in November 2025. This experience takes guests far beyond what the average visitor sees. Alongside PhD-level geologists, archaeologists, and scientists, are actively uncovering Egyptian artifacts! Think goggles, gloves, white protective suits, and absolutely no phones allowed. A true “pinch-me” experience. 

Julie: One unforgettable experience I’ve arranged was special behind-the-scenes access at Angkor Wat alongside one of the site’s archaeologists. It gave guests a rare opportunity to understand the history, preservation, and ongoing discoveries of the temples.  

What’s one keepsake you love to bring home after a journey? 

Livia: A few thoughtful little knick-knacks or gifts to bring back for friends. 

Bjorn: A great photograph that I can print and frame. 

Simon: Either a 'best food’ story to share with friends or a local soccer jersey. 

Jackie: I tend to choose practical keepsakes rather than collecting the same thing everywhere. It could be a ceramic cup from Turkey or beautifully crafted linen towels from Denmark, all pieces I’ll genuinely use at home. 

Julie: Something I’ll use regularly that instantly brings me back to the trip. It might be kitchen utensils from Italy, a painting I fell in love with, or a Panama hat from Ecuador (which, fun fact, is actually where Panama hats originate). 

What’s worth the splurge (or  what isn't)? 

Livia: Worth it: a great massage after a long flight. Not worth it: a Michelin-starred dinner on your very first night, hit up a local gem instead. 

Bjorn:  A private safari vehicle is worth the splurge, especially for families.

Simon: It’s always worth ordering the extra dishes on a local menu and trying everything you can, even if you can’t finish it all.  

Jackie: You’ll never regret investing in a truly special cultural immersion or meaningful local experience over an extravagant reservation. 

Julie: Worth it: hiring a photographer for a special experience so you can stay present and still come home with incredible memories. Not worth it: the overhyped restaurant everyone saw on Instagram (there are usually ten better insider-favourite local spots without the crowds).

Ready to start planning your next journey? Speak to one of our award‑winning specialists and discover where your story could take you next.