Go Here, Not There
Let’s talk about smarter travel. In the age of Instagram-fueled crowds, “go here, not there” has become a golden rule for my Fort Collins clients seeking elevated experiences. Overcrowded destinations can mean long lines, inflated prices, and—let’s be honest—a lot less magic. But there are sophisticated alternatives that still offer all the beauty, culture, and indulgence without the crush of tourists. As a luxury travel advisor, I know where to steer you—toward the quiet corners of Europe and beyond, where charm hasn’t been lost to overexposure. This is about making your trip feel personal, not packaged.
Skip Santorini, Choose Naxos
Yes, Santorini is iconic. But it’s also bursting at the seams. Instead, I often send clients to Naxos—a Greek island with authentic tavernas, empty beaches, and a lot more soul. You’ll still get whitewashed villages, azure waters, and sunset views—just without thousands of cruise ship passengers. Fort Collins travelers who go here, not there, get more connection with the locals and fewer selfie sticks in their way. I know the boutique hotels, hidden coves, and local guides who make Naxos a Greek dream. You’ll sip ouzo with fishermen, not influencers. And honestly? That’s the kind of luxury most travelers never find.
Skip Venice, Choose Ljubljana
Venice is breathtaking—but so are the crowds. The canals of Ljubljana, Slovenia offer a quieter, greener, and more sustainable city escape. You’ll find pedestrian-only bridges, riverside cafes, and fairytale architecture—all without the cruise-ship congestion. My Fort Collins clients looking for culture, cuisine, and calm fall in love with Ljubljana’s charm. It’s also a fantastic base to explore Lake Bled or the Julian Alps. I plan private walking tours, wine tastings in nearby Brda, and elegant stays in design-forward hotels. If Venice is the showstopper, Ljubljana is the hidden gem waiting in the wings—and trust me, it deserves a standing ovation.
Skip Amalfi, Choose Puglia
The Amalfi Coast is no secret. But Puglia, Italy’s sun-soaked heel, is the under-the-radar alternative that still feels deliciously undiscovered. Olive groves, baroque towns, and beachside Masserias (think chic countryside estates) await. My Fort Collins travelers who want Italy without the crowds always thank me for recommending this region. It’s slow travel at its finest—more farm-to-table, less tour bus. I can arrange wine experiences in Locorotondo, coastal drives through Salento, and cooking classes in a trulli home. If Amalfi is where everyone goes, Puglia is where the cool crowd escapes to. And I’ll make sure you do it with style.
Skip Paris, Choose Lyon
Paris may be the city of love, but Lyon is the city of gastronomy—and it’s shockingly under-touristed. Just a short train ride away, it’s full of Michelin-starred dining, Roman ruins, and charming neighborhoods. Fort Collins foodies and culture-seekers are loving Lyon as a more intimate alternative to Paris. I help you discover bouchons tucked into cobblestone alleys and arrange private market tours with local chefs. Want to still see Paris? No problem—I’ll plan a few days there too. But by basing your stay in Lyon, you get the depth of French culture with none of the travel fatigue.
Skip Barcelona, Choose San Sebastian
Barcelona is bold, but it’s also bursting—with tourists. For Fort Collins travelers craving art, architecture, and authentic Spanish cuisine without the swarm, San Sebastián is a refined alternative. Nestled in Spain’s Basque Country, it offers world-class dining, golden beaches, and a walkable old town with none of the chaos. I guide my clients toward this coastal gem when they want Spain at a slower, more luxurious pace. Pintxos bars line the cobblestone streets. Michelin-starred restaurants are everywhere. The vibe? Sophisticated, yet surf-town relaxed. I’ll book you into a boutique hotel with sea views and arrange private tastings in the nearby Rioja wine region. You’ll get that Spanish energy—but with fewer lines and more style. Go here, not there, and you’ll see why my clients come back raving about San Sebastián while everyone else is still elbowing through La Rambla.
Travel Smarter, Not Louder
Choosing to “go here, not there” is more than avoiding crowds—it’s about traveling with intention. When you work with me, your trip becomes a curated blend of comfort, authenticity, and discovery. Fort Collins travelers trust me to find the special places—those that aren’t on every “top ten” list but should be. I secure the right accommodations, insider guides, and private experiences that elevate your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Your time is too valuable to waste on tourist traps. Let me help you travel like a local—with luxury built into every step.
