Kristina Watkins

From a young age, travel has been woven into the fabric of who I am. I still have vivid memories of poring over AAA maps with my dad, meticulously highlighting routes for our family road trips across the western states. That early fascination with exploration blossomed in high school with my first trips to France, and by the time I studied abroad in Florence during college, I was completely captivated, spending every weekend adventuring across Europe. My early career in event marketing agencies in Chicago further fueled my wanderlust, taking any account that allowed me to travel extensively throughout the US and Canada. There were times I felt I slept better on a plane than in my own bed! This period honed my organizational skills and deepened my understanding of seamless logistics, which are invaluable in crafting detailed itineraries today. Now, as a travel advisor based in the San Francisco area and an independent affiliate of SmartFlyer and Virtuoso, I channel that lifelong passion into creating bespoke luxury travel experiences for my clients. I believe travel is more than just a break from routine; it's a profound way to broaden horizons and foster personal growth. Seeing the world through the eyes of my two children has added another rich layer to my perspective, and we've shared incredible international adventures together in places like Japan, French Polynesia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. I specialize in crafting unique journeys, with a particular love for beach and sun destinations, family travel, exploring diverse cultures and history, and, of course, exceptional hotels. My destination expertise spans across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Germany, as well as captivating locales like Japan, Mexico, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, the British Virgin Islands, and various regions within the United States, from the Pacific Northwest to the Southwest, California, and Hawaii. One place that holds a special piece of my heart is the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Growing up in Southern California, I've always been drawn to the ocean, and the clarity, calmness, and beauty of the water in Bora Bora are simply unparalleled. Swimming with black-tip sharks and interacting with stingrays were unforgettable experiences, and the Polynesian dinner show with my toes in the sand is the epitome of paradise. The impeccable service there truly elevates the entire stay. I am dedicated to designing custom itineraries that align perfectly with my clients' needs, life stages, and interests. Leveraging my relationships within the industry, I strive to provide VIP service, complete with perks, upgrades, and hotel credits, ensuring your travel experience is not just a trip, but a truly elevated journey. I'm honored to have been recognized for my work, including being named a SmartFlyer Rising Star and a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist. Let's connect and start planning your next unforgettable adventure.