Meet Our Award-Winning US Travel Specialists

These aren’t just planners—they’re insiders, trusted by the world’s most discerning travelers. From behind-the-scenes access and one-of-a-kind adventures to personalized, white-glove service, they set the gold standard for journeys that go beyond the ordinary.

From a first-time safari crafted by an Africa aficionado to uncovering a Roman local’s favorite hidden gems, our specialists deliver travel at its most personal. Navigating a new chapter with little ones? Trust the expert who knows where to go—because, well, she’s done it. Tackling complex logistics? Explore Latin America’s wildest corners with the expertise of a specialist who makes multi-country travel feel effortless. And with our Scott Dunn Private Travel Managers, no request is off-limits when you know where to look —and have access to the world’s best-kept secrets.

Bjorn - Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist & Travel + Leisure A-List Award winner

A Family Safari to Remember

With over 35 years of experience exploring Africa—beginning with his own childhood adventures—Africa Team Lead Bjorn, brings unmatched expertise and passion to planning unforgettable journeys across the continent. “I ran a safari lodge and travel with my own young children to Africa, so I know the ins and outs of safari travel with little ones,” he shares.

A first-time family safari isn’t just a trip—it’s a rite of passage. “Taking your children to Africa is truly lifechanging,” Bjorn shares. “It’s an incredibly educational experience—kids can see and feel the nature they’re learning about. Kids don’t just learn—they connect, explore, and grow in ways that stay with them for life.”

As luxury travel evolves, Bjorn is seeing a clear shift in what families are looking for. “Our guests are moving away from chasing the ‘best’ game-viewing spots and focusing instead on unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences with fewer crowds,” he explains. “I’ve found that time is increasingly vital to our guests, leading to an increase in demand for private charters and reserves, as well as specialist guides, to maximize every moment away,” he says. This trend is reflected in the rising popularity of multi-generational trips, where travelers are seeking private houses or villas that offer both flexibility and intimacy. “With no other guests around, the experience feels personalized, relaxed and allows everyone to stay together in one special place.”

One standout is Singita Milele, opened to the public just last year. “It’s the perfect place for families of all ages to reconnect,” says Bjorn. “This exclusive-use villa offers front-row access to fantastic game viewing in one of the very few private reserves in Tanzania, allowing for a safari with less crowds. With five expansive suites, a dedicated full staff, and private game vehicles to explore the wilderness, it’s exactly the kind of elevated, one-of-a-kind experience our travelers are seeking.”

Livia - Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist & Travel + Leisure A-List Award winner

La Dolce Vita – Like a Local

Raised in Rome and shaped by a lifetime of firsthand expertise, Livia brings an insider’s edge to every journey she designs. As Europe Team Lead, she’s passionate about helping travelers take their time and experience the everyday magic that locals often take for granted. Whether it’s guiding guests on how to experience Rome’s iconic sites away from the crowds during the 2025 Jubilee Year or introducing them to the charm of lesser-known neighborhoods like Monti and Testaccio, her mission is simple: to inspire guests to slow down and live like the locals do — unhurried and authentic.

At Scott Dunn, this level of firsthand expertise is more than a value—it’s a promise. Every itinerary is shaped by lived experience and crafted by experts in-the-know, revealing a side of destinations that many travelers never see.

For today’s travelers, it’s no longer just about ticking off classic sights, but embracing one-of-a-kind adventures. For some, it’s a charming wine and culinary retreat in the heart of Piemonte. For others, it’s a multi-day ski safari through the Dolomites—gliding from hut to hut with a private guide, savoring regional cuisine, and soaking in breathtaking alpine scenery. Livia’s expertise also elevates visits to iconic cities with unique pairings—from the idyllic island of Ischia to the vineyards and hilltop towns of Tuscany or the relaxed pace of life in Puglia.

As summer temperatures climb across Southern Europe, Livia is seeing collective desire for ‘coolcations’ continue, particularly in Switzerland. “It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without overheating—think mountain biking, scenic hikes and glamorous hotels in Zermatt or St. Moritz, complete with spas and outdoor pools,” she shares.

Rachael – Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist & Travel + Leisure A-List Award winner

Starting a Lifetime of Travel with Your Little Ones

Senior Travel Specialist, Rachael, has been collecting memories (and passport stamps!) for her entire adult life, with visits to every continent and more than 50 countries. She has hiked the W Trek in Patagonia, dived among WWII wrecks in the Philippines and gone dog-sledding under the Northern Lights in Norway, but transitioning to life with a little one meant learning to navigate a new norm.

With decades of experience crafting thoughtful adventures for families—and with nine countries already under her toddler's belt—Rachael knows just how to help new parents embrace their next chapter. Traveling with a toddler might seem daunting at first, but for Rachael, it’s been a transformative experience that has enriched the whole family’s adventures.

“It opens up opportunities to try new things and engage with the world in a way that everyday life doesn’t.” As her son grows, she’s seen how travel nurtures confidence and independence. “He packs his own backpack, insists on scanning his own ticket, and expertly wheels his carry-on through the terminal—escalators and all!”

Rachael’s top tip? Look for family-friendly properties that offer more than just the basics. “We still want gorgeous hotels with top service, but it’s also important that there are amenities that suit a young family—from kids clubs to a robe and slippers for the little one (is there anything cuter?).” One of her favorites is São Lourenço do Barrocal. “The staff goes above and beyond— donkey cart rides, mountain bikes with a baby seat and baking cookies with the chef. During our wine tasting, they even had milk and juice at the ready.”

“Before traveling as a family, I’d wing it. Now, I know a transfer with a car seat will be waiting for us, and I don’t have to worry about a thing,” she says. “It’s true that once you’ve traveled with Scott Dunn, it’s impossible to go back—but that’s even more true when you have small children to consider.”

Simon - Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist

Mastering Wildlife & Adventure in Latin America

Simon’s passion for nature and wildlife forms the core of his expert planning throughout Latin America, equipped with nearly a decade of industry expertise. “My joy lies in guiding travelers to remote biodiversity hotspots, where they encounter elusive species and learn about vital conservation efforts as part of a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The complexity of a multi-destination Latin American journey demands this level of knowledge and care. “I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively across Latin America, often crafting journeys that seamlessly combine multiple countries with complex logistical arrangements. This experience enables me to confidently design itineraries unrestricted by borders or regions, offering access to niche destinations that less specialized planners may not have the confidence or experience to offer.” From altitude effects to flight delays and extreme weather shifts, Simon anticipates the potential challenges, ensuring that each trip not only meets, but exceeds expectations.

As weather patterns grow more unpredictable, Simon has observed that travelers are becoming more open to exploring out of season. “Guests are prioritizing unique experiences over perfect weather, which is wonderful to see.” That could mean visiting Costa Rica during the ‘green’ season to witness its lush vegetation in its brightest bloom, traveling to Bolivia during the rains for the breathtaking mirror-like reflections on the salt flats or exploring Brazil’s Pantanal when the wetlands are at their highest flood levels, providing extraordinary opportunities for landscape photography.

When it comes to iconic destinations, Simon encourages early planning to make the most of what’s available—especially in bucket-list regions like Patagonia. “Everyone’s ‘perfect fit’ is different. Booking early ensures you place yourself where is best for you without having to compromise.”

Jackie - Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist

The Power of Limitless Travel

Travel is not just a destination; it’s an experience that should speak to the soul. Jackie, Scott Dunn Private Travel Manager, has built her reputation by delivering lifelong relationships and curating extraordinary experiences for her exclusive group of guests.

"My guests are curious, adventurous, and seasoned travelers who appreciate insider expertise and meticulous attention to detail," Jackie explains. "They seek the rare, the unexpected, and the transformative."

Her philosophy is simple: no detail is too small, and no request too large. Her guests not only rely on her for unparalleled expertise, but for access to experiences that are inaccessible to the general public. "I leave no stone unturned to ensure my guests have the most immersive experiences possible."

Take, for example, a family adventure Jackie curated in Morocco, where keeping the kids engaged wasn’t a chore, but an opportunity to create something truly magical. Each day, the family uncovered new clues and solved puzzles that led them to the next exciting part of their journey. The grand finale? Discovering hidden treasure, buried deep in the Saharan sands. "This is the value of a knowledgeable travel specialist," says Jackie. "I take the time to understand my guests and craft experiences that they don’t even know to ask for. All that’s left for them to do is enjoy!"

Looking ahead, Jackie has her finger on the pulse of what’s hot in the world of travel. "Luxury train and cruise travel will boom in 2025 and beyond," she predicts. "We’re seeing an increasing demand for lavish train journeys like the Belmond Orient Express from Istanbul to Paris, and cruises on super-luxurious yachts like those from Ritz-Carlton and the soon-to-debut Four Seasons Yachts." In the post-Covid era, travelers are eager to explore further and socialize more. “This theme is apparent in the growing trend of ‘eventourism,’ pairing leisure travel with the buzz of global events, from anticipated concert tours to the F1 in Japan or the Monaco Grand Prix,” Jackie shares.

Julie - Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist & Travel

A Life in Motion: From Cycling Trails to Private Yachts

Scott Dunn Private Travel Manager, Julie, has called a plane seat her second home for as long as she can remember. With years working in Italy as a luxury cycling and hiking guide, her expertise lies in in curating active, adventure-filled experiences that you can’t find in a guidebook.

That foundation has shaped Julie’s exceptional ability to craft ultra-luxurious journeys rooted in discovery. Whether planning stays at remote mountain lodges or organizing lavish private yacht charters, she blends meticulous logistics and exclusive insider access to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that captivate even the most discerning travelers. Her curated adventures are far from ordinary—think behind-the-scenes access with an archaeologist in Siem Reap or horseback riding alongside gauchos through the dramatic landscapes of Chile.

Julie’s unwavering, relationship-driven approach is what truly sets her apart. She doesn’t just design one-off itineraries—she builds lasting connections with her guests. A cornerstone of her service is Travel Mapping, a long-term strategy that extends well beyond a single trip. Julie curates a personalized calendar, carefully attuned to her clients' most meaningful milestones ahead, from anniversaries and birthdays to family reunions and bucket list events.

“Destinations like Japan, Patagonia or Antarctica require long lead times to secure the best guides and properties,” she explains. “By listening closely to my guests' evolving interests, I help them plan ahead where it counts.”

“We’re not just planning a vacation—we’re creating a timeline of moments that guests will treasure for a lifetime.”

Ready to experience the world like never before? Plan your trip with one of our award-winning specialists to unlock extraordinary experiences only insiders can offer—seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.