hey, I'm maddy. it's so nice to meet ya!
hey I'm maddy. it's so nice to meet ya!
THINK OF ME AS YOUR NEW TRAVEL BEST FRIEND
THINK OF ME AS YOUR NEW TRAVEL BEST FRIEND
Collecting Travels was born from my passion for traveling (no surprise!) and love for all things planning, research, and client service. I was born into a family of die-hard adventure seekers and global enthusiasts. I've traveled to more than 20 countries from the perspective of a broke college student, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, a DINK, a bridesmaid, a new mom, and many more relatable realities - so, trust me when I say I have personal experience with all types of travel. I also just so happen to be the very type-A friend who makes sure the plans make it out of the group chat and encourages you to go ahead and submit that PTO request to HR... because life is too short not to.
After a decade working in the corporate public relations world and spending after-hours and weekends researching cities, dreaming up my next trip, and creating beautiful and detailed itineraries for myself, my friends, and family, I finally decided to take the plunge into full-time travel planning. Alas, here I am. I'm so happy you've found your way to my little corner of the web, and I can't wait to turn your travel dreams into extraordinary realities.
Collecting Travels was born from my passion for traveling (no surprise!) and love for all things planning, research, and client service. I was born into a family of die-hard adventure seekers and global enthusiasts. I've traveled to more than 20 countries from the perspective of a broke college student, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, a DINK, a bridesmaid, a new mom, and many more relatable realities - so, trust me when I say I have personal experience with all types of travel. I also just so happen to be the very type-A friend who makes sure the plans make it out of the group chat and encourages you to go ahead and submit that PTO request to HR... because life is too short not to.
After a decade working in the corporate public relations world and spending after-hours and weekends researching cities, dreaming up my next trip, and creating beautiful and detailed itineraries for myself, my friends, and family, I finally decided to take the plunge into full-time travel planning. Alas, here I am. I'm so happy you've found your way to my little corner of the web, and I can't wait to turn your travel dreams into extraordinary realities.
LET'S BOOK A TRIP
LET'S BOOK A TRIP
best college
best college ever
PROUD MOM OF
PROUD MOM OF
WHAT I MAJORED IN
WHAT I STUDIED
best city in the us
best city in the us
BEST WEEKEND PLANS
BEST WEEKEND PLANS
favorite hotel
my favorite hotel
all-time FAVORITE TRIP
MY FAVORITE TRIP EVER
GO-TO COFFEE ORDER
GO-TO COFFEE ORDER
MOST UNDERRATED EUROPEAN COUNTRY
MOST UNDERRATED EUROPEAN COUNtry
OH, YOU WANTED MORE?
OH, YOU WANTED MORE?
HERE ARE SOME FUN FACTS
HERE ARE SOME FUN FACTS
New Zealand's Milford Track
jack (human) & Sampson (PUP)
journalism & pR
CHICAGO, of course
IU (i may be biased - go Hoosiers!)
AUSTRIA
hotel Santa caterina in amalfi, italy
ICED LATTE WITH OAt MILK & VANILLA
dinner with friends
frequently asked questions
When booking through a travel advisor, we are paid commission from hotels so you don’t need to pay us! This is a part of how travel agents make money. That said, Collecting Travels' priority is never to “sell” you travel. Let us say that again: our priority is never to sell you travel. Here’s why: Collecting Travels was born from a love and passion for destination research.
Our most coveted service is custom itinerary design – so in the end, our goal is not to make commission on a hotel or tour. What we DO care about is ensuring your travels are highly personalized to you and that you experience your destination exactly the way you want to. This is why we charge a planning fee – so we still get paid for work that doesn’t make us commission
Why are hotel bookings a complimentary service?
Will I pay more if I book a hotel with you versus booking independently?
Do you book flights?
Can we still work together if I already booked my hotel?
When should I reach out to work with Collecting Travels?
Can you link my hotel loyalty account to the booking so I can earn points and status?
Is Collecting Travels part of a larger travel network?
I KNOW YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, AND I HAVE ANSWERS!
frequently asked questions
Nope – you’ll pay exactly the same price, and in fact you'll likely save money on perks like free breakfast, amenity credits, etc.
Why are hotel bookings a complimentary service?
Will I pay more if I book a hotel with you versus booking independently?
Do you book flights?
Can we still work together if I already booked my hotel?
When should I reach out to work with Collecting Travels?
Can you link my hotel loyalty account to the booking so I can earn points and status?
Is Collecting Travels part of a larger travel network?
frequently asked questions
We can help book flights on a case-by-case basis, but generally, we recommend clients book their own airfare. As we all know, flights change, delays happen and managing your flight directly can often be the quickest way to resolve any issues. In fact, airlines won’t allow me to speak on your behalf to troubleshoot should issues arise (they will only speak to the ticketed passenger).
Why are hotel bookings a complimentary service?
Will I pay more if I book a hotel with you versus booking independently?
Do you book flights?
Can we still work together if I already booked my hotel?
When should I reach out to work with Collecting Travels?
Can you link my hotel loyalty account to the booking so I can earn points and status?
Is Collecting Travels part of a larger travel network?
frequently asked questions
Of course – that’s why we offer planning services! We can help with any additional components related to curating your itinerary (e.g. local research, activity / dining recos, etc.).
As for securing perks from hotels you’ve already booked, send an email to maddy@collectingtravels.com and we’ll see if we can do a “takeover booking.” If the hotel permits, this essentially adds us as the agent of record and allows you to get all the relevant partner perks. No changes are made to your original booking and there’s no additional cost.
Why are hotel bookings a complimentary service?
Will I pay more if I book a hotel with you versus booking independently?
Do you book flights?
Can we still work together if I already booked my hotel?
When should I reach out to work with Collecting Travels?
Can you link my hotel loyalty account to the booking so I can earn points and status?
Is Collecting Travels part of a larger travel network?
frequently asked questions
This depends on where you’re traveling and the type of trip you’re taking. In general, the earlier the better, since this gives us the best chance at locking in hotels, dining and activities before things book up (especially if you’re headed to a highly sought-after location or during busy season). A good rule of thumb is to reach out 6-8 months before a multi-stop trip or 3-6 months before a one-stop trip.
Why are hotel bookings a complimentary service?
Will I pay more if I book a hotel with you versus booking independently?
Do you book flights?
Can we still work together if I already booked my hotel?
When should I reach out to work with Collecting Travels?
Can you link my hotel loyalty account to the booking so I can earn points and status?
Is Collecting Travels part of a larger travel network?
frequently asked questions
Yes! You'll still earn points plus status by booking through us, AND you'll get perks through our partnerships.
Why are hotel bookings a complimentary service?
Will I pay more if I book a hotel with you versus booking independently?
Do you book flights?
Can we still work together if I already booked my hotel?
When should I reach out to work with Collecting Travels?
Can you link my hotel loyalty account to the booking so I can earn points and status?
Is Collecting Travels part of a larger travel network?
frequently asked questions
You bet. We’re powered by Fora, the modern travel agency. Through Fora, we’re able to provide our clients guaranteed perks at 5,000+ hotels worldwide, including Virtuoso, Rosewood, Belmond, Rocco Forte and more. These perks can include resort & spa credits, welcome amenities, complimentary breakfast and airport transfers.