Monica Varri, CTA
President/Owner
They say you are always one decision away from a totally different life. That stands true for me when I decided to join my mother in the family business in 1999, after having worked for several years for a Fortune500 company in an international sales capacity. I always shared my mom’s desire to explore the many corners of the world and recognize how deeply ingrained this passion is in me. Although I was born in Madrid, my main childhood memories are from the many years in Venezuela and Peru and South Africa. After college I lived in Milan, so being a specialist in Italy is natural but I also enjoy counseling travelers seeking experiences in other European countries, South America, Africa, and Asia. I relish exchanging personal experiences with clients and most importantly hearing where they have explored, what lifestyles they have experienced, what cuisines they have tasted, what new relationships they have established for years to come. My two teen daughters, Sofia and Gabriela, have been actively part of my travel tribe, often visiting our family members in Europe, and now exploring other parts of the world. In every family trip, I make sure they are kept active (screen free...) and always include an exciting experience. The most recent was paragliding over Lake Engadin in Switzerland over the summer! These are memories to embrace for a long time and have instilled a passion in them to crave more adventures! Life is what you make of it! TRAVEL!
- Favorite Hotels and resorts: Il San Pietro di Positano (Amalfi, Italy), One and Only Gorilla’s Nest (Rwanda), La Residence (Franschhoek, South Africa), Royal Malewane (Marrakesh, Morocco), Belmond Il Splendido (Portofino)
- Recently Visited: Jacksonhole, Wyoming; Sils Maria, Switzerland; Ascona, Switzerland; Egypt; Jordan; Rwanda
- My Bucket list: Tanzania, Iceland, Portugal, Israel, Italy (I know, again)
Helen Varri CTC
Vice President
I was born and raised in Switzerland and started to travel early to neighboring countries, Italy, France and Spain.
I guess the passion for travel is in our genes. After leaving Switzerland, my life was one of worldwide travel for over 20 years with established residences in seven foreign countries, principally in Europe, South America, and South Africa.
Finally upon relocating to the United States, embarking on a career in travel was a natural.
Travel can be glamorous and fun if everything goes well and that is my responsibility and driving interest. The devil is in the details for an exceptional experience, and my goal is to make every trip as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for my clients.
My recent trip to Egypt was an eye-opener. With few tourists, we enjoyed the most impressive sights almost alone. and the experience is breathtaking. But Switzerland still is and will always be my favorite destination, with beautiful nature, great hotels and stress-free travel.
I can't wait to get on that plane again and explore or revisit foreign destinations and share the memories and impressions with my great clients.
- Favorite Hotels and resorts: Widder Hotel (Zurich Switzerland), Le Bristol (Paris, France), Mandarin Oriental (Bangkok Thailand), Le Sirenuse (Amalfi, Italy), Hassler Hotel (Rome Italy), Belmond Il Splendido (Portofino Italy), Belmond Villa San Michele (Florence, Italy), Belmond La Residence D ’Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
- Recently Visited: Switzerland; Spain; Egypt
- My Bucket list: River cruise Provence and Dordogne, Paris and Rome again
Gwen Pullman Trucco
Luxury Travel Advisor
A passion for travel and adventure is in my blood. My father owned Lake Forest Travel in the 70’s and I was infected by the travel bug. My earliest memories include being whisked away every year with my five siblings to our place on the then very remote Caribbean island of Nevis. Each trip involved stopping on a different island on the way to discover new hotels for my father to add to his travel agency portfolio. To this day, that home in Nevis remains in our family and I’ve become close friends with many locals over the years. In addition to accumulating a large knowledge base from having visited and evaluated many high end properties throughout the Caribbean, I provide a unique understanding of Caribbean life from my life long intimate attachment to that island and the region as a whole.
In addition to my extensive knowledge of the Caribbean, I have travelled to and researched locales that range from the traditional destinations such as Ireland (where my daughter was married) and Western Europe to far more exotic ones such as Nepal, Tanzania, Botswana and Slovenia. Along the way, I have skied the Dolomites in Italy, trekked for a week around Mont Blanc, roamed the fells of the Lake District in the UK, slept at 13,500 ft. at Annapurna base camp in Nepal, and gone foraging for food with the Hadzas of Tanzania, the last hunter-gatherer tribe in Africa. Yes, I love adventure! I love the outdoors, nature and being inspired by new places and new people. That’s not to say I don’t love creature comforts like the hotel spa, cocktail bar and dining room! Through work and personal travel, I’ve had the good fortune to eat at Michelin starred restaurants and stay at four and five starred hotels globally.
Adventure comes in many forms and I believe that the unique breadth of my adventures gives me the perspective and insight needed to create the ideal travel experience for you.
- Favorite Hotels and resorts: &Beyond Bateleur Camp in Kenya, & Beyond Sandibe & Nxabega in Botswana, Villa Cora in Florence, Jade Mountain, Bequia Beach Hotel, La Perla in the Dolomites
- Recently Visited: Wales, Cotswold, Ireland, Bequia Island, Dolomites, Portugal
- My Bucket list: Back to Africa to explore a different country, Patagonia, New Zealand
Erica Doose
Luxury Travel Advisor
I spent most of my life in South Africa and in 1978, I transferred to Chicago to work as Executive Assistant to the Consul-General for the South African Consulate. In 1981, I married a US citizen and decided to join the travel industry as it piqued my interest and the career change also afforded me the opportunity to return home to visit my family back in South Africa. The beginnings of my travel career were with a small family business called Fun Safaris, an outfit that arranged group photographic safaris for many of the zoological societies throughout the USA. I travelled with the groups to Africa approximately 3 or 4 times a year. This propelled my passion for travel that has simply increased over the years. In 1994 I was offered the opportunity to join Abercrombie & Kent in Downers Grove, Illinois and curated custom itineraries to Africa. After 2 years, I was promoted to Supervisor of the brochure tour departments handling Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America. I was with Andrew Harper for 4 years selling all destinations but specializing in unique countries throughout the world.
I joined Lake Forest Travel Bureau 8 years ago and have so much enjoyed adding additional knowledge and expertise to my repertoire. I have now been in the travel industry for 40 something, years and I am still as passionate and excited about this industry and sending my clients on exotic, once in a lifetime experiences.
- Favorite Hotels and resorts: The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, The Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires, Zadun a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Cabot, Chobe Chilwero and Chiefs Camp in Botswana
- Recently Visited: Chileno Bay Resort and Esperanza - Auberge Resorts, Solaz Los Cabos, Zadun - a Ritz Carlton Reserve – Cabot
- My Bucket list: Patagonia, Alaska, Portugal, Japan
Marylou Calnin-Sek
Luxury Travel Advisor
I’m originally from Central Wisconsin, where I grew up on the family farm and then attended college in Madison/Milwaukee. All through college, I had this burning desire to travel. My first flight was to Europe in 1986. I spent a year aboard - 11 months longer than what I had planned! I was hooked! When I returned, I took a part time job at a travel agency while I was still going to school and waitressing. The travel agency position won out! That was 30 years ago. Lake Forest Travel has been my work home for the past 24 years and I find it so exciting to help my long time clients figure out what destination they should explore next!
My travel passions are skiing and warm beaches- very different! Since my husband is a ski fanatic, he has pushed my daughter and me to ski every year so I am extremely familiar with almost all the top ski destinations in the US. My most recent ski adventures have been in Aspen, Deer Valley, Jackson Hole, Vail, Sun Valley, Taos and Beaver Creek in the U.S also Lake Louise in Canada… - all amazing and very different for every level of skier.
I am sure my love for warm beach vacations comes from the fact that it is the opposite of where I grew up… a far cry from the farm land in central Wisconsin. I have recently explored the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Jamaica before that. In Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, the Hawaiian Islands of Kona and Maui... a bit more exotic, cruising French Polynesia and Bali - where I found my inner peace- "Namaste"
I am fortunate to experience fascinating trips to Africa- on Safari in Botswana and South Africa. Stays in Cape Town and the Winelands soon became a favorite destination! Thailand- the beautiful Island of Koh Samui, Cambodia- to visit the Angkor Wat Temples at sunrise and Laos to give alms to the Buddist monks in Luang Prabang. I have also been to Peru and made it to the top of Machu Picchu by way of the amazing Hiram Bingham train, rode ATV's in the Sacred Valley and watched the amazing sunsets in Lima, over the Pacific, with a Pisco Sour in hand!!
Europe is also a favorite of mine, since that is where it all began...that desire to see and experience all that life has out there for us!! Keep on traveling!!
Dyane Shanahan
Luxury Travel Advisor
Wanderlust is a strong desire to travel and explore the world. So much of who we are is where our passions lie and to say that travel for me is a passion, would be an understatement!
My passion for travel started from the time I was young and we would visit family in my parent’s native country of Colombia, South America. I fell in love with the all aspects and excitement of The Colombian Culture which in turn sparked my desire to travel and explore other cultures around the world . I don’t recall a time where I wasn’t dreaming about my next trip and having it booked on the calendar to give me something to always look forward to.
I promise to bring that same enthusiasm to helping you plan the perfect trip! Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a multigenerational trip, a beach vacation, a spa/wellness retreat, relaxing or cultural trip, near or far….I will help you find the perfect fit. I will listen to your needs and help enhance your experience with my knowledge and love of travel.
- Favorite Hotels and resorts: Four Seasons Bora Bora, Canaves Oia in Santorini-Greece, Palazzo Avino in the Amalfi Coast (Italy), Ashford Castle (Ireland), Hotel Convento in San Juan, PR, The Goring in London
- Recently Visited: Colombia, SA; French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora), Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico
- My Bucket list: African Safari (South Africa to be fulfilled in February 2021), Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Iceland
Linda Swidler
Luxury Travel Advisor
I am dynamic, dedicated, creative & driven. I am passionate about life and its enhancement through travel.
Travel has been a driving force in my career path. With a graduate degree in Finance and after 15 years of a Banking career, I became a professional Travel Consultant. I specialize in luxury leisure travel for individuals & small groups. I view leisure time and disposable income as two of the most valuable and limited resources.
I have worked with discerning travelers for more than 20 years. I utilize a network of contacts to provide top quality services.
I have traveled extensively; including Europe, Asia, Africa, India, Russia, S. America, S. Pacific and continue to find new places of interest.
Memorable travel experiences are built from listening & understanding your needs & goals. I provide personalized hands on service and keep an eye for detail.
I work with all generations & all aspects of travel planning. I will provide you the very best in distinctive, personalized service.
- Hotels and Resorts: Amangiri; Post Ranch, Farmhouse Inn, San Ysidro Ranch, Vik Chile, Awasi, Las Ventanas, Amanzoe, Le Bristol, Zarafa Camp, Reethi Rah, Oberoi Amarvilas, Fregate Island
- Most Recently Visited: Utah, Chile Wine Country, Atacama Desert, Los Angeles, Chicago
- My Bucket List: Patagonia, Namibia, Rwanda, Australia/New Zeland/Tasmania; Vietnam; Joshua Tree, Bhutan
Linda Clark
Luxury Travel Advisor
I was raised in Central Illinois and attended Ripon College in Wisconsin. Currently, I reside in Chicago.
I inherited my love of travel from my parents. Both are world travelers and they wanted to share that passion with my brother and me.
My first memorable trip was to Ericeira Portugal. We stayed for 3 months and everything about the trip was fabulous. My mother still remembers finding me on the phone reconfirming our flights on TWA from St Louis to Lisbon. I was 6! She said "I think you will work in travel someday".
My travel career has come full circle. I have owned an agency, worked as a Director of Leisure Sales for two Virtuoso hotels, and in 2012, I transitioned back to the agency side.
I love matching people with places. Memorable travel experiences are built from listening to your clients and understanding their needs. Personalized service is key. I love creating long lasting memories for my clients.
On my radar for 2014 -- New Zealand, Belgium, Chile and Argentina.
Judith Kitzes
Luxury Travel Advisor
Travel is my passion, whether my own or planning yours. The minute the plane departs for my destination, my heart soars in gleeful anticipation. I want you to have that sense too. Luxury is different for each person: it can be thread count of sheets or seeing elephants in the wild; cruising the world on a luxury ship or an expedition to Antarctica; dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cooking class. Customizing a trip means focusing on your interests using my own experiences.
Some of my favorite travels have been with friends, with lagniappes such as my accidental meeting with the current King of Bhutan when he was still Crown Prince, in a cafe, because he walked in with a 2-month-old puppy. Since I didn’t know who he was, I marched over to ask about the puppy which started a conversation.
Some of my favorite travels have been with family, like my trip to France celebrating my granddaughter's high school graduation and my daughter's 50th birthday. Seeing France through my granddaughter's eyes made the trip new again for me.
Some of my favorite trips have been solo, such as my recent trip to Japan where I had the privilege of staying in a Buddhist Monastery for a night and participating in prayers with them.
I look forward to creating your luxury experience, your adventure, your wonderful travels.
Most recent travels: Japan; a Silversea Cruises journey in the Baltics; Paris & Annecy.
Favorite hotels: Huka Lodge in New Zealand, &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge in South Africa; Singita Faru Faru Lodge in Grumeti in Northern Tanzania; Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island Australia; Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi,Vietnam: and the Four Seasons The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam; Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia; Amankora Lodges in Bhutan.
My wish list: Namibia; Laos; return to Japan; Antarctica; return to Bhutan; Morocco; The Kimberlys in Western Australia; Amazonian Ecuador.
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.
Joanna Clinton
Luxury Travel Advisor
While I love the sun, the sun fries my Floridian freckles. Thus, instead of a two-piece, I pack running shoes, a yoga mat, and an empty stomach. You will find me seeking uncommon destinations based upon the quality of the wine & vegan fromage, live music, cultural tapestries, and all those little streets that are lost in time. For me, traveling someplace new and finding that perfect spot to center and visualize living in that place is more meaningful than following the crowds to the next Insta photo-op. What motivates me is helping create an experience – not just a trip – because being a traveler is more than just the act of traveling. Travel enriches, teaches, and exposes us to new ways of living life, so why not step beyond the boilerplate to experience and explore? Encountering the world we live in empowers us to return home with an expansive mindset, and incites our desire to do it all again.