Finding a trusted advisor can be tricky and travel is no exception. It’s not as simple as offering good service and some added hotel benefits. With visits to over 100 countries (on all 7 continents) and a combined 150 years of valuable industry experience, our talented team of travel professionals offers unparalleled expertise and a unique ability to exceed expectations through a thoughtful and collaborative approach.
We understand travel planning can be extremely personal, which is why we’ve launched our KK Chronicles series so you can get to know our advisors and get a glimpse into what they’re seeing in the ever-evolving luxury travel industry. Keep reading for our interview with Elsa Pfaff King, one of our top advisors based in Chicago, Illinois.
What was your first memorable trip, and what made you pursue travel as a career?
My first memorable trip was heading west to Wyoming with my entire family – parents, brother, aunt, uncle, cousins – to a dude ranch my family has been going to for generations. I very clearly remember the small plane into Sheridan, Wyoming, and the turbulence over the Rockies in the summer.
Fast forward 25 years, and I planned a trip to Japan with my family so I could run the Tokyo Marathon for my 30th birthday and then celebrate by touring around the country. I loved the process – the research and logistics – that said, it was overwhelming. Between the language barrier and learning curve of Japanese culture, transportation, and accommodation styles, in hindsight, a professional would have been very helpful. I may have been slightly drinking from a firehose, but I was hooked and eventually was able to make the switch from a career in finance to travel!
What trends are you seeing for late summer and early fall travel?
I have many wonderful clients heading to Italy in September (myself included!). I also have a fair number of clients traveling to Japan and Africa.
As a Europe specialist, are there advantages to traveling to Europe during shoulder season?
Totally! Most of the crowds have cleared out, and typically, the temperatures are a bit more comfortable. I love the Dolomites in September – warm sunny days and cooler nights by the fire. Or even the Amalfi Coast – it’s still more than warm enough to enjoy the water, but the towns are a little calmer, and it’s easier to get a dining reservation on a whim. It opens the door for a bit more spontaneity.
What are your personal favorite hotels in Europe, and what makes them special?
This is a tough one – there are so many wonderful options that I love! Palazzo Avino will always be a special one, for its location (that sunset view!), beach club, and wonderful staff. Le Bristol in Paris for its classic Parisian palace elegance but at the same time, incredibly warm staff who will greet you by name. Grand Hotel Tremezzo for its iconic pool(s!) and old-world glamour. And not quite a ‘hotel’ but the Belmond Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express train from Venice to Paris – I’m not sure it gets more unique and special than their Grand Suites or sipping a cocktail in the bar car in black tie as you climb through the Swiss Alps. Finally, Maison La Minervetta in Sorrento, a small boutique hotel that pulls me back every September – it feels like you’re staying at your chicest friend’s villa on the coast, filled with their extensive art and book collection. Their patio is the highlight, THE perfect spot for sunset in Sorrento and an aperitivo hour to dream of. The perfect start or end to an Amalfi Coast / Capri / Ischia adventure.
How do you facilitate the perfect trip for your clients, and how does KKTWW elevate the travel experience?
I start off with plenty of questions to truly understand what our clients are seeking. Based on what I learn from those initial conversations, I create and work off an initial itinerary proposal to hone in on more specific preferences. I love being able to offer first-hand experience and the little details that, without a seasoned travel professional, could easily become a learning curve while you’re on a trip – for example, it’s a decent hike back up the hill after lunch and the beach at La Fontelina – why not make that the last spot on a visit to Capri and then have your private boat meet you at La Fontelina to take you to your next destination instead? There are no do-overs, so it’s best to get it right from the beginning.
What advice would you give to new clients who’ve never worked with a travel professional?
Come prepared with initial preferences or ‘need-to-haves’ but also be open to suggestions and trust the process.
Finally, as a seasoned travel expert, what would you never leave home on a trip without?
A waterproof bag for a swimsuit so I can take one last dip before checking out of a hotel and then throw it in my carry-on bag!
