Deborah Hankin
Based in New York
Some Japanese, English, Some Spanish
Deborah Hankin
Ask me about
My Story
Travel is a not a reward for working, it's homework for living. I live that motto every day helping my clients feel and find joy in travel.
Travel Style
I began my career as a concierge in Los Angeles, working my way through college. What a great training ground for becoming a travel advisor. Now having lived and worked in Asia and visited over 70 countries, I am all about those undiscovered gems like Uzbekistan and less-touristed places in Japan and India. I believe there's an adventure around every corner and that poking around a sprawling souk, trying a local baker's warm out-of-the-oven pastry or witnessing a master craftsperson create something from nothing can be life-changing. Not only can I help make your itinerary and book every aspect of your trip, like the tours, cruises, hotels and transport, but I also supply the inside scoop on where to eat, shop and hang out to find and feel the magic of a destination.
Tip: The best trips allow ample opportunity for unexpected pleasures and serendipitous experiences. Harkening back to my concierge days, I am focused on ensuring your travel is seamless, catered to you and wonderfully memorable.
Reviews (23)
Betsy K.
travel to Portugal
2 days ago
Deborah was a pleasure to work with from start to finish! She responded immediately to any questions, and if a particular restaurant was not available, she made sure to make other reservations at a comparable one. Her choice of hotels was excellent, putting us in prime locations. One hotel initially had us changing rooms during the course of our stay, but she was persistent in making sure we could remain in one room. She was very descriptive with our itinerary, practically giving us step-by-step directions. Transfers, tour bookings, the car rental and the flight to the Azores were all smooth. We can highly recommend Deborah!!
Sara K.
travel to Barcelona
about 2 months ago
Deborah balances taste and empathy. She understands the nuances of different types of travel and experiences and never fails to find the perfect fit. Having planned 5 trips with her (solo, family, work) across geographies and with complex needs, I can honestly say, I will never plan travel without her again.
Charlie S.
travel to Kyoto
4 months ago
Deborah did an absolutely amazing job planning our trip to Japan. My wife and I love to travel and have always planned our own trips but since neither of us knew very much about Japan we decided to work with Deborah and couldn't be more grateful that we did. Her knowledge of the country is immense and she asked all the right questions so in the end was able to design a trip that felt expertly tailored to our particular tastes and expectations. Every detail from the moment you take off to the moment you return home is accounted for -- which ATM accepts your bank card, what is the proper motion to hail a cab, where is that late night speakeasy with the best Old Fashioned you've ever tasted. The tours she arranged, the restaurants and hotels she booked and the cities, villages and temples she guided us towards were all exceptional in their own unique ways. We cannot recommend Deborah highly enough.
Alina S.
travel to Tokyo
4 months ago
You cannot find a better travel agent than Deborah for your trip to Japan. I was overwhelmed while researching our upcoming trip when a friend recommended that I reach out to her. Deborah made excellent suggestions tailored to what my family of four (two adults and two boys) would enjoy, including places to visit and restaurants to try. She was very responsive both before and during the trip. I highly recommend that anyone planning a trip to Japan reach out to her for help with booking.
Anna M.
travel to Kyoto
7 months ago
Betsy K.
travel to Portugal
2 days ago
Deborah was a pleasure to work with from start to finish! She responded immediately to any questions, and if a particular restaurant was not available, she made sure to make other reservations at a comparable one. Her choice of hotels was excellent, putting us in prime locations. One hotel initially had us changing rooms during the course of our stay, but she was persistent in making sure we could remain in one room. She was very descriptive with our itinerary, practically giving us step-by-step directions. Transfers, tour bookings, the car rental and the flight to the Azores were all smooth. We can highly recommend Deborah!!
Sara K.
travel to Barcelona
about 2 months ago
Deborah balances taste and empathy. She understands the nuances of different types of travel and experiences and never fails to find the perfect fit. Having planned 5 trips with her (solo, family, work) across geographies and with complex needs, I can honestly say, I will never plan travel without her again.
Charlie S.
travel to Kyoto
4 months ago
Deborah did an absolutely amazing job planning our trip to Japan. My wife and I love to travel and have always planned our own trips but since neither of us knew very much about Japan we decided to work with Deborah and couldn't be more grateful that we did. Her knowledge of the country is immense and she asked all the right questions so in the end was able to design a trip that felt expertly tailored to our particular tastes and expectations. Every detail from the moment you take off to the moment you return home is accounted for -- which ATM accepts your bank card, what is the proper motion to hail a cab, where is that late night speakeasy with the best Old Fashioned you've ever tasted. The tours she arranged, the restaurants and hotels she booked and the cities, villages and temples she guided us towards were all exceptional in their own unique ways. We cannot recommend Deborah highly enough.
Alina S.
travel to Tokyo
4 months ago
You cannot find a better travel agent than Deborah for your trip to Japan. I was overwhelmed while researching our upcoming trip when a friend recommended that I reach out to her. Deborah made excellent suggestions tailored to what my family of four (two adults and two boys) would enjoy, including places to visit and restaurants to try. She was very responsive both before and during the trip. I highly recommend that anyone planning a trip to Japan reach out to her for help with booking.
Travel ideas (2)
Exploring the Ancient Capital of Samarkand on the Silk Road
Along the Silk Road, the ancient capital of Samarkand is the Rome of the East. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and at the crossroads of so many cultures. If you’re looking for a safe destination with fabulous markets, unmatched architecture from the 14th to 16th centuries, a fascinating history that captures many religions and philosophies and amazing one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs, look no further.
Exploring the Ancient Capital of Samarkand on the Silk Road
Along the Silk Road, the ancient capital of Samarkand is the Rome of the East. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and at the crossroads of so many cultures. If you’re looking for a safe destination with fabulous markets, unmatched architecture from the 14th to 16th centuries, a fascinating history that captures many religions and philosophies and amazing one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs, look no further.
Exploring Shikoku, Japan: Discover Mountain Temples, Pristine Hot Springs, Scenic Hikes and Famous Udon on Japan’s Smallest Main Island
An easy 1.5-hour flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo or a bullet train ride away, Shikoku is a pristine, green and less-visited place in Japan. If you enjoy attending vibrant local festivals, hiking, bathing in natural hot springs, visiting serene mountain temples, exploring traditional towns, admiring pristine Japanese gardens, and/or eating delicious udon (Shioku is the udon capital of Japan), Shikoku is for you.
Exploring Shikoku, Japan: Discover Mountain Temples, Pristine Hot Springs, Scenic Hikes and Famous Udon on Japan’s Smallest Main Island
An easy 1.5-hour flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo or a bullet train ride away, Shikoku is a pristine, green and less-visited place in Japan. If you enjoy attending vibrant local festivals, hiking, bathing in natural hot springs, visiting serene mountain temples, exploring traditional towns, admiring pristine Japanese gardens, and/or eating delicious udon (Shioku is the udon capital of Japan), Shikoku is for you.
Exploring the Ancient Capital of Samarkand on the Silk Road
Along the Silk Road, the ancient capital of Samarkand is the Rome of the East. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and at the crossroads of so many cultures. If you’re looking for a safe destination with fabulous markets, unmatched architecture from the 14th to 16th centuries, a fascinating history that captures many religions and philosophies and amazing one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs, look no further.
Exploring the Ancient Capital of Samarkand on the Silk Road
Along the Silk Road, the ancient capital of Samarkand is the Rome of the East. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and at the crossroads of so many cultures. If you’re looking for a safe destination with fabulous markets, unmatched architecture from the 14th to 16th centuries, a fascinating history that captures many religions and philosophies and amazing one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs, look no further.
Exploring Shikoku, Japan: Discover Mountain Temples, Pristine Hot Springs, Scenic Hikes and Famous Udon on Japan’s Smallest Main Island
An easy 1.5-hour flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo or a bullet train ride away, Shikoku is a pristine, green and less-visited place in Japan. If you enjoy attending vibrant local festivals, hiking, bathing in natural hot springs, visiting serene mountain temples, exploring traditional towns, admiring pristine Japanese gardens, and/or eating delicious udon (Shioku is the udon capital of Japan), Shikoku is for you.
Exploring Shikoku, Japan: Discover Mountain Temples, Pristine Hot Springs, Scenic Hikes and Famous Udon on Japan’s Smallest Main Island
An easy 1.5-hour flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo or a bullet train ride away, Shikoku is a pristine, green and less-visited place in Japan. If you enjoy attending vibrant local festivals, hiking, bathing in natural hot springs, visiting serene mountain temples, exploring traditional towns, admiring pristine Japanese gardens, and/or eating delicious udon (Shioku is the udon capital of Japan), Shikoku is for you.
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