My expertise in travel planning developed early in my career – just after I graduated from college.  I was working with a traveling museum exhibition producer as a project manager, in charge of moving crews of skilled workers and dozens of shipping containers (containing everything from movie costumes to animatronic dinosaurs to Titanic artifacts) around the world as the exhibitions toured various regions of the globe. 

As project manager, I traveled with my crews. We worked on the ground in all kinds of locations, usually for several weeks at a time, from Moscow to Dubai, Eastern Europe to Australia, China, and beyond. It was hard work, but it taught me a lot. Like, a lot.

Approximately one decade and one global pandemic later, my career shifted drastically into business and personal travel advising for high-profile clientele. I was planning more exotic and luxurious experiences for clients who expected high efficiency, privacy, service and comfort standards. This opened my world to a new tier of travel and I became well-versed in five-star experiences. (yes, girl)

During those years of nearly constant travel, I did my job, but I also took the opportunity to explore the cities and cultures I was immersed in. Experiencing customs completely foreign to my own gave me a new way of viewing the lives of people who were not like me. I developed a heightened sense of empathy and began to understand that the world is wide and there is no one “best way” to live.

I collected my favorite pieces of each culture I visited and brought these new customs home with me. Sharing these discoveries with friends and family, I learned that many people like the idea of seeing new countries and cultures, but when faced with the realities of planning and traveling, they become hesitant and even frightened of venturing out into the wide unknown world.

“That’s cool, but I could never do that. I could never go there” was a phrase I often heard, and believe me, I get that.

Travel can be scary. It can be confusing. It can be exhausting. But the struggle gets a little easier every time you go (I promise!) Experience is the best teacher and I have my share of experience. 

I’ve come to realize that this is where I can help.

I can help my travel-curious friends, family and clients overcome anxieties and experience the excitement of visiting a new place without worrying about what to do next or what could go wrong. Proper planning is the key, but experience certainly greases the lock.

This is how Atlas Aurora was born.

I think everyone should travel. In some capacity, big or small, I believe it’s fundamental to our development as humans to leave the confines of our hometowns and experience more of the world – whether that’s driving to a neighboring state or flying across an ocean.

More understanding leads to more love. And the world needs more love, don’t you think?

See you there – xx Kelly
Atlas Aurora Bespoke Luxury Travel

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