Emily Hegenberger
Based in Greater Chicago Area
English
Emily Hegenberger
Ask me about
My Story
Happiest on the slopes, in the water, or someplace I've never been! Capturing travel memories is my way of sharing the joy of discovery and maybe inspiring others to pack their bags too.
Travel Style
I’m Emily Hegenberger, founder of GCG Travel. At the heart of my philosophy is the idea of seeing the world through globe-colored-glasses. It’s about embracing the richness, perspective, and joy that only travel can provide. It represents approaching travel with curiosity and embracing the transformative experiences that come from exploring new places and cultures. I have traveled to 35 countries, across six continents and 45 states. Each journey deepening my appreciation for the connections and insights that travel creates.
While I have been fortunate to experience many places firsthand, no one person can know every destination in depth. That’s why I rely on a global network of trusted partners and on the ground experts with deeply informed local knowledge. I design journeys that tell a story and create lasting memories. Hopefully, opening doors to new ways of seeing the world—not only while traveling, but also upon returning home.
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Reviews (15)
Shauna M.
travel to France
28 days ago
Emily was very knowledgeable in guiding us on everything from Paris to Provence and all the way down to the South of France! She tailored our mother-daughter trip to a tee and provided just enough options for activities/hotels/restaurants without it being overwhelming. We truly would’ve been lost without her professional guidance. Especially on booking the train tickets and car rental. We can’t wait to have her plan our next vacation!
Betsy K.
travel to Venice
about 2 months ago
Working with Emily was awesome! She was great at communicating, found us lower rates, and provided wonderful options for us on this trip. I will definitely work with her again!
Ryan H.
travel to London
4 months ago
When I checked in everything was smooth and seamless. I got an upgraded room and credits to spend at the bar or their new restaurant. Overall great experience all around.
Kate A.
travel to Berlin
4 months ago
Emily was extremely helpful as we navigated this trip. The hotels suggested were lovely! Emily even found us hotels in smaller towns, definitely more off the beaten path as we were going to some less traveled destinations. She was attentive and helped us find a less expensive hotel in Berlin that ended up being perfect for us. I really appreciated all of the details she supplied about the hotels we were staying at, including pictures which helped make it feel more comfortable when we arrived. Emily was a delight to work with!
Kate A.
travel to Vienna
5 months ago
Shauna M.
travel to France
28 days ago
Emily was very knowledgeable in guiding us on everything from Paris to Provence and all the way down to the South of France! She tailored our mother-daughter trip to a tee and provided just enough options for activities/hotels/restaurants without it being overwhelming. We truly would’ve been lost without her professional guidance. Especially on booking the train tickets and car rental. We can’t wait to have her plan our next vacation!
Betsy K.
travel to Venice
about 2 months ago
Working with Emily was awesome! She was great at communicating, found us lower rates, and provided wonderful options for us on this trip. I will definitely work with her again!
Ryan H.
travel to London
4 months ago
When I checked in everything was smooth and seamless. I got an upgraded room and credits to spend at the bar or their new restaurant. Overall great experience all around.
Kate A.
travel to Berlin
4 months ago
Emily was extremely helpful as we navigated this trip. The hotels suggested were lovely! Emily even found us hotels in smaller towns, definitely more off the beaten path as we were going to some less traveled destinations. She was attentive and helped us find a less expensive hotel in Berlin that ended up being perfect for us. I really appreciated all of the details she supplied about the hotels we were staying at, including pictures which helped make it feel more comfortable when we arrived. Emily was a delight to work with!
Travel ideas (2)
Switzerland in the Summer: A Luxury Family Journey Through Lakes, Peaks & Alpine Villages
Switzerland in the summer is one of my favorite destinations to design for families because it offers adventure without chaos, and luxury without complication. The country’s seamless rail system, car-free villages, and thoughtful hospitality make it easy to explore multiple regions while keeping the experience relaxed and refined. This itinerary is ideal for families who want meaningful experiences, spectacular scenery, and hotels that cater equally well to parents and children
Switzerland in the Summer: A Luxury Family Journey Through Lakes, Peaks & Alpine Villages
Switzerland in the summer is one of my favorite destinations to design for families because it offers adventure without chaos, and luxury without complication. The country’s seamless rail system, car-free villages, and thoughtful hospitality make it easy to explore multiple regions while keeping the experience relaxed and refined. This itinerary is ideal for families who want meaningful experiences, spectacular scenery, and hotels that cater equally well to parents and children
Multigenerational Safari in Kenya: East Africa with the Extended Family
Journeying to East Africa—the birthplace of humanity—is like traveling back to where it all began. For me, it’s more than a destination, it’s a reminder of our shared connection to this planet and the life we share it with. Every ethical safari supports local communities, sustains conservation efforts, and helps ensure that these animals, our planet’s last great wild creatures, remain safe in their natural home. For my family, traveling together through East Africa became one of the most meaningful of our shared experiences. Many travelers describe a feeling of home in Africa. I now understand exactly what they mean.
Multigenerational Safari in Kenya: East Africa with the Extended Family
Journeying to East Africa—the birthplace of humanity—is like traveling back to where it all began. For me, it’s more than a destination, it’s a reminder of our shared connection to this planet and the life we share it with. Every ethical safari supports local communities, sustains conservation efforts, and helps ensure that these animals, our planet’s last great wild creatures, remain safe in their natural home. For my family, traveling together through East Africa became one of the most meaningful of our shared experiences. Many travelers describe a feeling of home in Africa. I now understand exactly what they mean.
Switzerland in the Summer: A Luxury Family Journey Through Lakes, Peaks & Alpine Villages
Switzerland in the summer is one of my favorite destinations to design for families because it offers adventure without chaos, and luxury without complication. The country’s seamless rail system, car-free villages, and thoughtful hospitality make it easy to explore multiple regions while keeping the experience relaxed and refined. This itinerary is ideal for families who want meaningful experiences, spectacular scenery, and hotels that cater equally well to parents and children
Switzerland in the Summer: A Luxury Family Journey Through Lakes, Peaks & Alpine Villages
Switzerland in the summer is one of my favorite destinations to design for families because it offers adventure without chaos, and luxury without complication. The country’s seamless rail system, car-free villages, and thoughtful hospitality make it easy to explore multiple regions while keeping the experience relaxed and refined. This itinerary is ideal for families who want meaningful experiences, spectacular scenery, and hotels that cater equally well to parents and children
Multigenerational Safari in Kenya: East Africa with the Extended Family
Journeying to East Africa—the birthplace of humanity—is like traveling back to where it all began. For me, it’s more than a destination, it’s a reminder of our shared connection to this planet and the life we share it with. Every ethical safari supports local communities, sustains conservation efforts, and helps ensure that these animals, our planet’s last great wild creatures, remain safe in their natural home. For my family, traveling together through East Africa became one of the most meaningful of our shared experiences. Many travelers describe a feeling of home in Africa. I now understand exactly what they mean.
Multigenerational Safari in Kenya: East Africa with the Extended Family
Journeying to East Africa—the birthplace of humanity—is like traveling back to where it all began. For me, it’s more than a destination, it’s a reminder of our shared connection to this planet and the life we share it with. Every ethical safari supports local communities, sustains conservation efforts, and helps ensure that these animals, our planet’s last great wild creatures, remain safe in their natural home. For my family, traveling together through East Africa became one of the most meaningful of our shared experiences. Many travelers describe a feeling of home in Africa. I now understand exactly what they mean.
Travel photos
