Travel can be transformational

(55 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Dan Meister, CMP

Boca Raton, FL
Luxury and Group Custom Travel Agent

“Extraordinary Moments Made Easy” – Seamless Travel for Individuals and Groups

Making Travel Easy since 1994

Luxury and Group Travel Agent

In today’s busy world with an overwhelming a...

Rome Cruise Port Train Station on way to Venice

As a traveler and event planner I've had my own share of travel horror stories or what I like to call "learning opportunities" including:



  • Weather delays

  • Canceled flights

  • Transportation strikes

  • Oversold hotels

  • Pandemics

  • Travelers having accidents or getting ill


And much more...I have learned and grown from all of these experiences and in reflection, discovered that some of my really amazing experiences started badly but in the end became valued legendary moments. Often, legendary moments occur outside of the official schedule or were not scripted so always keep an open mind, vision and heart.


My favorite Legendary Travel Moment occurred at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.  It was early on Fathers’ day, Sunday, June 18, 2017 and the hazy summer Roman summer sun had just risen as our group of 66 parochial school families gathered early for a light breakfast at our hotel before filling taxis for the short ride to the Vatican.


As we gathered together to wait in the Vatican security line one of our families frantically told me they had just left their backpacks and wallets in the taxi. Not a great way to start the day, but immediately we called and left a message with the taxi company and convinced our friends to continue their plans with the group and their day would get better.


After waiting in line and clearing multiple security checks at the Vatican we entered massive St. Peter’s Basilica (one of the largest churches in the world). and quickly met up with my Rome based priest and church official friend, Fr. Thomas and his staff. Our names were double checked again by Vatican officials before being escorted down the small stairway in front of the main alter for exclusive access to the Vatican Grotto or Crypt right below the Basilica’s main floor and great alter of St. Peter.


We were all seated together in a roped area to enjoy and participate in a very special private mass in St. Peter’s Chapel facing directly into the crypt where Jesus’s lead apostle Peter remains are buried. This was a joyous and collaborative mass where children, parents and grandparents all sang, read, prayed and contributed along with a special Father’s day blessing and Papal blessed gifts for the dads. It was a cherished, shared spiritual experience and unforgettable day for all. After the mass, we enjoyed a private tour of the Basilica and even got to see Pope Francis in the Vatican Courtyard that afternoon for Sunday blessings and a papal parade through Rome that evening.


Oh, yes, the taxi driver immediately returned the forgotten wallets and backpacks left in his taxi to our hotel and the hotel left a message for us which we all played right after mass to everyone's relief.


The next day I escorted our group onboard an incredible 11-day Mediterranean Cruise followed by a trip to Venice with many other amazing legendary moments and experiences. What had taken over a year to plan ran flawlessly with many magical surprises and surpassed all expectations.


Seeing a trip or event plan successfully executed and creating iconic, once-in-a-lifetime, legendary moments for our guests, is always the most rewarding part of our job!


When you choose us, your trips will be customized, loaded with special experiences and meticulously planned with no stress.


We want to be your travel advisor for life and personal partners for adventure.


I would love to learn about your travel goals and see if we are a match to help you live your ultimate travel stories and more.


Yours in Hospitality, Dan - Luxury Travel Coach & Group Specialist


Our Easy Travel Planning Steps:


 1) Let’s Chat - Share your ideas, interests and goals so we can curate a personalized experience


2) Research and Planning-Sit back and relax while we connect all the dots and manage the nitty-gritty details


3) Bon Voyage - Enjoy a stress-free, incredible trip and happy return, ready for your next adventure


 

My Travel Albums

Alaska Group Cruise
Cheers to Adventures
Ireland St. Patrick's Day the Irish Way Group Trip
Dan in front of bar
Greece Island Hopper Group Trip
Temple of Poseidon
See more travel stories
Return to my Luxury and Group Custom Travel Agent page
© 2020 Travel Leaders Group