The Story Behind Cristina Coates Travel
Rooted in a lifelong love of travel, shaped by meaningful relationships and guided by a thoughtful approach to planning.
It Started With Italian Summers
My love of travel began with summers in Italy, where I discovered early on how experiencing different cultures and ways of life could broaden my perspective. These experiences stayed with me and became the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of travel.
MY APPROACH
Grounded in Relationships. Built Around You.
Before founding Cristina Coates Travel, I spent more than a decade as a Major Gift Fundraiser in healthcare and academia, working alongside philanthropists, leading medical professionals, professors and researchers to bring meaningful projects and initiatives to life. The most rewarding part of my career was building genuine relationships with donors and helping turn their philanthropic visions into lasting impact.
These experiences shaped my relationship-focused approach to understanding what matters most to each individual—an approach I bring to travel planning today. I take the time to understand how you prefer to travel and manage the details on your behalf, so you can focus less on the planning and more on looking forward to your travel experience.
WHAT I BELIEVE
What Guides the Work
Three principles shape how I approach every trip I plan.
Relationships First
Understanding you is where the planning begins. I take the time to learn your preferences, priorities and what matters most, allowing me to create a bespoke travel experience shaped around the way you want to travel.
Honest Guidance
My recommendations are informed by trusted relationships with travel suppliers and first-hand industry insight. I draw on those relationships to provide clear and knowledgeable advice, so you can feel confident in the choices you make.
Attention to Detail
The details matter. My strong supplier relationships allow me to go beyond the basics, from securing the right room category and transfer arrangements to organizing special requests and added touches. I work with trusted partners to ensure every detail is handled with care and managed seamlessly from start to finish.
Places That Stay With Me
I’ve been fortunate to travel to many incredible destinations, but a few experiences have stayed with me. As a longtime Formula 1 enthusiast, attending the Monaco Grand Prix was a true bucket-list experience, followed by time exploring Paris and the French Riviera. Venice, Italy holds an equally special place in my heart—it’s where my husband proposed to me during a gondola ride through the canals.
These are just two of the many places and experiences that have shaped my appreciation for discovering new destinations and experiencing the world firsthand.
Bring the Idea. I’ll Take Care of the Details.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out. Whether you have a destination in mind or simply a feeling about the kind of time away you’re looking for, we can start there. I’ll help shape the idea into a travel experience that feels right for you.