About Me

 If the Covid lockdown taught us anything, it's that we only live once and must take every opportunity to create extraordinary experiences.  With my children “grown and flown”,  I decided to set up a second home on the French Riviera, and now split my time  between Europe and the US.  Being on the ground in Europe provides incredible opportunities to discover new, enchanting destinations for my clients.

I begin each client consultation with a detailed questionnaire to discover your interests, passions and lifestyle.  This allows me to curate unique experiences while maximizing your time and budget.  

I’ve been crafting dream itineraries for my clients for more years than I like to admit, (over 30 years!) when I began my career as a travel agent.  What started as a part-time job in high school became my lifelong passion.  The travel industry has been very good to me, as I advanced my career working for travel agencies, tour operators, a major airline and reservation technology company before launching my own business, Enchanted Traveler, in 2008. 

I am a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC), certified by the Travel Institute, the top credentialing body of US travel professionals. This certification requires  a rigorous course of study in management, business development and tenure in the travel and tourism industry. 

I am also a Certified France Destination Specialist, certified by the French Government tourism office,   Atout France.  This certification requires advanced study and testing of France tourism by region, as well as onsite visits to multiple départements throughout the country.  I have connections with local tourism offices and supplier partners throughout France to help plan your trip and ensure you enjoy each region to the fullest.
 
Writings – I write for several travel and tourism sites, including Paris Perfect, Bonjour Paris, Girls Getaway.

Teaching - When I stay in one place long enough, I teach classes through Community Education delivering my signature Travel Smart course, where I share a lifetime of travel tips and tricks, as well as destination-specific classes on where to go next.

Where I'm Going/Where I've Been -
​2023 saw me exploring Verona, Venice, Florence, Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Genoa, Portland, Austin, Branson, Los Angeles, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Krakow, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and of course my home, the French Riviera, in-depth.  
2024 began with a visit to the ski resorts in the French and Italian Alps including Val d’Isere, Chamonix & Mont Blanc, Megève, Courmayeur, Aosta, then revisiting Milan. Next was a European river cruise visiting the Netherlands & Belgium.  And rounding out the year with several trips to Paris (to see the Olympic Flame!) and London.  And made another trip to Paris in December to be there for the first day that the iconic Notre Dame de Paris reopened to the public after the tragic fire. 
2025 I've returned to Venice, visited Aix-en-Provence and completed a magical week in the Loire Valley of France in April.  This summer I have trips booked to Provence for the lavender fields in full bloom, followed by Amsterdam, Iceland, Scotland, Dublin, Copenhagen and Sweden. Whew! After that, who knows?  

Where do you want to go next?
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À bientôt
Mary Ann Grisham, CTC, CDS