Debbie Kleinbauer

Our recent family trip to Italy was nothing short of magical, and we owe it all to the incredible planning and care of our travel adviser, Debbie. From the very beginning, Debbie took the time to truly understand what this trip meant to us — not just a vacation, but a celebration of family, love, and lifelong memories.

One of the most special moments was a beautiful family wedding in the breathtaking town of Ravello. Nestled high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello was the perfect romantic setting. From hotel recommendations to restaurant reservations and hotel transfers, Debbie made sure every detail was perfectly seamless. After Ravello, we traveled to the stunning island of Capri, where Debbie introduced us to what became the highlight of our trip — Hotel Mamela. This place was pure paradise. Elegant yet intimate, with mesmerizing views and exceptional service, it gave our family a chance to truly relax and soak in the magic of Italy. Debbie’s choice of Hotel Mamela was a stroke of genius, and it’s a place we will dream about for years to come.

Our final stop was in Rome, where Debbie had organized incredible tours for our family. . From walking in the footsteps of gladiators at the Colosseum, to standing in awe beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Vatican, every moment felt meaningful and unforgettable. The guides were knowledgeable, kind, and engaging — even our kids were fascinated and fully immersed.

What sets Debbie apart is more than her impeccable planning or her deep knowledge of travel — it’s her heart. She cared about our experience like it was her own family traveling, and that made all the difference.

Debbie didn’t just plan a trip. She gave us an experience that will live in our hearts forever. We’re beyond grateful — and already dreaming of our next adventure with her.

Grazie mille, Debbie!

Debbie knows Italy intimately. We came to Debbie with a partially planned trip about two months before our departure, and she efficiently and effectively added and subtracted tours and activities from our rough itinerary. She kept in mind the needs and interests of all 13 of our group, ranging in age from 16 years to 60 years. She helped us prioritize and advise us how to spend our time—she clearly had our discreet needs in mind. Some of the highlights she planned for us were a walking tour of Florence, transfers between cities, and a boat trip on the Mediterranean. Debbie was always accessible and gave us great advice—from packing to tipping to navigating the cities and finding special and different places of interest, shops, and restaurants. When we were traveling, every time one of us said “Debbie says”, we would toast! My only regret is not seeking Debbie’s counsel on day 1 of planning!

We had to go to an event in Tribeca so we figured we'd look in that area to stay. Our travel advisor Debbie had said that we really talked about The Wallace hotel was that we booked last year so why not try it again? She said she had looked at places in Tribeca and really all over the downtown Manhattan area and said that we would never get the space for the same money as the Wallace. It was a great suggestion that I just hadn't thought of. The Upper West side with a 7-year-old child is a great location. We wound up staying at the Wallace. Thanks to Debbie for making it so easy and so obvious at the same time!