Educational Travel Experts 2025

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

I am a Harvard trained researcher and EdTech practitioner focused on how technology shapes society, with a special emphasis on artificial intelligence and its real world impact on learning, work, and institutions. My published and cited work examines how AI changes skills, decision making, productivity, and opportunity, and why adoption often fails to translate into measurable outcomes at scale. I earned a Master’s in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology (Ed.M.) from Harvard University and currently work as a Learning Specialist at Uncommon Schools, supporting instructional teams through data informed practice and inclusive learning design. I also bring entrepreneurship exposure through academic training with Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan, along with practical experience building a community focused startup connected to Harvard Innovation Labs. I am available for media commentary on technology and society, artificial intelligence policy and governance, AI and the future of work, education and workforce development, digital transformation, and responsible AI adoption across organizations.

Emily is a former English teacher, school leader, and founder of Atlanta’s Ethos Classical Charter School, a high-performing, thriving K-8 public charter school in southwest Atlanta. At RedefinED Atlanta, she leads strategy to grow and strengthen high-quality public school options across Metro Atlanta and improve environments that shape every child’s school experience. Topic expertise: • Metro Atlanta school districts (APS, Clayton County) • Student achievement data (NAEP, Milestones, CCRPI) • Teachers: recruitment and retention, shortages, teacher and school leader development, instructional culture • Chronic student absenteeism and its drivers • Charter and innovation school development, including school design and launch • Special education: educator shortage; student equity; program quality • School district facility/redistricting changes (APS 2040) and research informed student-centered decision making/implementation

I am a special needs teacher with expert experience in educating the autistic student from grades K through adulthood nonverbal and verbal. I also have taught other neurodiverse students. My work in the creative arts over the includes having over 20 books. published on Amazon, holding writing camps for young authors, teaching student authors how to write then publishing their work and publishing emerging authors. I am also an artist who focuses on works shows natural wonders, cultural diversity and history from all perspectives. My work is to help all communities, especially the neurodiverse. I love to give back to the community.

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

I work as an independent counselor, specializing in AP course selection and college planning. My goal is to streamline the process students take when mapping out their classes making sure that my strategies make sense for their future ambitions. Recently, I successfully managed to guide two students through the process of choosing courses that not only prepared them for college but also lined up with their long-term career interests. Beyond one-on-one advising, I’ve also built a modest presence online (500+ followers) with one of my Instagram posts reaching 3.7 million views. This revealed to me how much students are looking for clear and practical advice. With experience in academic advising and a real passion for personalized support, I aim to provide students the confidence to make smart, informed choices about their education.

Brian Eufinger is the President of Atlanta-based Edison Prep, a standardized test and academic tutoring company that assists high schoolers from 30+ states and 10+ nations each year. He has personally tutored over 14,000 students for a combined 37,000+ hours on the SAT, PSAT, and ACT over the past two decades. A founding board member of the National Test Prep Association, he is frequently invited by school districts across the Southeast to lead out-of-state ACT bootcamps. He still takes the actual exams each year alongside high schoolers, earning top 0.5% scores and five perfect scores. Brian is passionate about tracking test-optional admissions data and sharing strategies for reducing college costs through merit aid and scholarships. He regularly speaks on test prep, college admissions, and scholarships at PTSA meetings, webinars, education podcasts, and national education conferences. Check out a sample of his info sessions here: https://youtu.be/2pFEHp6fJ7k?si=Ye16lTJVp7iRd64l Under his leadership, Edison Prep has grown to a team of 30 full-time tutors that assist over 3,000 students per year. Brian is also the creator of www.meritaidgrids.com, a free national scholarship database that catalogues automatic college scholarships based upon GPA and test scores. For a sampling of articles and podcasts, check out www.edisonprep.com/press/ .

Hey, I'm Albert! After 10 years of digital marketing and analytics work, I took a break! My sabbatical was a great way to relax and reset. Now, I help other people do the same through my writing and consulting. If you're thinking about taking a sabbatical, currently taking a sabbatical, or have taken a sabbatical in the past, I'd love to talk. Learn more or connect with me at albertwavering.com

Eileen Chin is a passionate English Tutor and Creative Writing Specialist at Write Edge Learning Centre, Singapore's leading specialist in English and Writing enrichment for primary and secondary students. With over 8 years of experience coaching young learners, Eileen excels at transforming reluctant writers into confident storytellers using technique-driven methods aligned with the latest MOE syllabus. At Write Edge, she teaches in intimate classes of just 8 students, providing prompt, personalised feedback that has helped 75% of students achieve AL1-4 in PSLE English over the past 5 years. Eileen specialises in Primary Creative Writing and English Enrichment programmes, empowering children to master comprehension, vocabulary, and exam strategies while unleashing their creativity. Having taught more than 500 students across Write Edge's branches (including Punggol Central and Great World) and online classes, Eileen is dedicated to making English mastery fun and achievable. She's available for expert commentary on topics like building writing confidence in kids, PSLE/O-Level preparation tips, creative writing techniques for young learners, and the benefits of small-class tutoring. Eileen is excited to contribute actionable insights to education, parenting, and EdTech publications. Contact her for quotes, tips, or guest contributions!

With 25 years in the travel industry across Europe, I have recently started my own business as a travel consultant. Leveraging my experiences as a tour guide in France, Norway and the Benelux, as well as resort work in other countries, I now help plan itineraries for independent travelers to Europe,

Alex Boylan is the creator, executive producer, and host of the hit Amazon Prime series The College Tour. With 16 seasons and over 200 episodes, few people know higher education better than Alex Boylan. He has become the go-to resource for colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to the TV series, Alex has interviewed more than 100 college presidents for Coffee with College Presidents and hosted additional educational series including Ask Admissions, Navigating Financial Aid, Inside Athletics, and more. Alex is also the author of The Miles That Make You, an inspiring and practical guide that helps college students navigate the transition from campus life to career success. The book has quickly become a go-to resource for students seeking motivation, clarity, and purpose as they begin their professional journeys. His expertise and passion for education have earned him national recognition as a leading voice in the field, including being named one of EdTech Magazine’s Top 30 Higher Education IT Influencers to Follow in 2022. Alex’s relentless energy and insatiable curiosity continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Susan Johnston is the Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival, an internationally recognized event that honors stories worth telling across all media while celebrating innovation in storytelling and emerging technologies. Long before “new media” entered the public vocabulary, Johnston foresaw its impact and created a festival introducing formats such as VR, AR, AI, and blockchain. A visionary in New Media and Technology, she blends entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability to spotlight innovation across global creative industries. Knighted in Rome for her contributions to arts and humanity and serving as an Emmy Awards Blue Ribbon Panel Judge since 2010, Johnston is a trusted authority for journalists seeking insights at the intersection of media, technology, and cultural innovation. Her career spans producing, festival direction, and advocacy, with films curated from over 40 countries. Johnston has been honored globally for advancing culture and creativity, underscoring her standing as a respected leader in the entertainment industry. Specializations & Expertise • Early adoption and foresight in new media technologies • Championing independent filmmakers and global storytellers • Curating and producing content across film, television, VR, AR, and digital platforms • Building bridges between creatives, investors, and technologists Notable Accomplishments • Founded the New Media Film Festival in 2009, now recognized internationally as a premier event for innovation in storytelling • Knighted in Rome (2017) for contributions to arts and humanity • Emmy Awards Blue Ribbon Panel Judge since 2010 • Honored with awards for industry leadership and festival excellence, including recognition from major media outlets • Spotlighted AI, blockchain, and immersive media years before they became industry buzzwords • Advocated for sustainable practices in filmmaking and created opportunities for underrepresented voices Education Johnston studied at Rhode Island College and the NYU Extension Program, complemented by private tutoring from leading entertainment professionals. This mix of academics and mentorship gave her both a strong foundation and insider expertise, enabling her to anticipate and champion new media innovations ahead of the mainstream.

Licensed, insured, and bonded professional travel agent. I love to travel whether it be for adventure or relaxation. I love to share my passion of traveling with others. I have experience in booking travel of all kinds.

A Creative Generalist and Learning Architect Building Learning ExperiencesI’m a T-shaped learning architect with 20 years in continuing education. I bridge the worlds of strategy, design, and education to craft impactful and engaging learner-centered experiences that support organizational goals. Over 25 years, I've built a multifaceted career spanning teaching, instructional design, educational technology, and marketing-communications.At Emory University and Southern Methodist University, I designed and taught 85 courses, 31 workshops, and 14 programs that integrated technology and education. My focus in e-learning is blended or hybrid learning for multigenerational students. I create personalized, flexible learning environments that foster growth, inspire curiosity, and support lifelong learning. As a digital learning coordinator and instructional technologist, I leverage platforms like Canvas, Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, and Adobe Creative Cloud to make complex ideas accessible in digital and physical spaces.Before academia, I was a location agent for major feature films and documentaries. In this role, I secured record-breaking contracts and laid the groundwork for on-location film standards nationwide.As the founder of Studio-MZ, I balance my creative work with my love for exploration as a digital nomad. Whether I’m designing curriculum, mentoring students, or capturing stories through writing and photography, I’m driven by a passion for lifelong learning and creative problem-solving.

Alison Essner is a Travel Agent who works with busy families to help them navigate the complexity of planning a family vacation so they can have an incredible trip with no stress. Alison believes all of her clients deserve a guide to vacation planning so they feel relaxed, supported, and in-the-know. Alison has helped hundreds of families plan magical vacations all over the globe. Alison owns Magic Expeditions LLC, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and a Universal Parks U-Preferred agency. Alison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications, from Saint Louis University. She can be contacted direct at alison@magicexpeditions.com.

I’m a cycling travel expert focused on gravel and bikepacking adventures. I provide practical insight on planning long-distance routes, choosing reliable gear, and managing logistics for self-supported bike travel.

I am an independent educational consultant and pedagogy coach with over 25 years of experience in higher education and K–12. I specialize in teaching effectiveness, faculty development, instructional coaching, and learner-centered pedagogy for colleges and universities. Through my consultancy, Equipped Educator, I support new and experienced instructors in improving engagement, course design, and instructional impact, and I advise academic leaders on professional development strategies that strengthen teaching quality and faculty confidence. I have extensive experience coaching educators across disciplines, developing practical frameworks for effective instruction, and translating research-based pedagogy into real-world classroom practice.

Rob McIntosh is an avid skier and has worked in winter sports tourism for over 20 years.

I am a trekking Guide and adventure traveller from Nepal. I have been Handling Adventure Trekking, Expeditions, cultural, and Wildlife Tours in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan since 2006. I love showing new people new places and giving them experiences they'll never forget. I have several past and current clients recommending me and my team, whom you can contact directly. This is, in fact, our best advertisement. Now I am working with smaller and more private groups through this. I love to travel around the world and share my experiences.