hey, I'm maddy. nice to meet you!
hey, I'm maddy. nice to meet you!
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 a hotel through a travel advisor, a small percentage of the best available public rate (BAR) is distributed to us as a "thank you" for sending clients their way, so our clients don’t need to pay us for this service.
That said, Collecting Travels' priority is never to “sell” you on a hotel. We are fueled by a love and passion for destination research, and our most coveted service is custom itinerary design.
As such, our goal is not to make commission on a hotel booking, but rather to ensure your travels are highly customized to your travel style and that you experience your destination exactly the way you want to.
(And this is why we charge a planning fee beyond hotel-only bookings– so we still get compensated for work that doesn’t make us commission.)
Why are hotel-only 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 book Premium Economy and Business Class flights, which includes 24/7 access to our flight desk for any issues that arise during travel. We can book economy flights on a case-by-case basis.
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
In most cases, yes. Email us at maddy@collectingtravels.com and we’ll see if we can do a “takeover booking.” If the hotel permits, this essentially adds us to your reservation as the agent of record and allows you to benefit from our partner perks (think room upgrade if one's available, daily breakfast included, $100 hotel credit, etc.).
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 added to your reservation thanks to our industry 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, room upgrades, welcome amenities, early check in and late check out, complimentary breakfast and airport transfers.