Gena Carlstrom
Based in San Francisco Bay Area
Trip budgets start at $300/night
Gena Carlstrom
Ask me about
My Story
Luxury travel advisor, mom of four, and former marketing executive with a passport full of stamps from 40+ countries. I bring creativity, insider access, and a strategic and logistical eye to every journey. My favorite part? Seeing happy clients return year after year.
My Travel Style
I curate stays at luxury hotels, resorts, and cruises with VIP amenities, and craft bespoke itineraries that take the stress out of travel for busy families. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway, a milestone celebration like an anniversary, graduation, or big birthday, a college tour, a wellness retreat, a multi-generational family vacation, or an epic bucket list trip—sailing the Galapagos, exploring Antarctica, or chasing the Northern Lights!—I design experiences that balance adventure, relaxation, and meaningful connection across every season of life. I enjoy boutique and luxury hotels with character and a strong sense of place, and no vacation feels complete without time at the beach or pool. I also add in special experiences—foodie tours, cultural immersions, and family-friendly adventures—that create core memories and inspire us to see the world in new ways.
Stay connected
My reviews (12)
Lanelle N.
5 months ago
Thank you Gena for making our Japan travels truly memorable. She provided us guidance throughout the planning and encouraged us to book early given we were traveling during a peak season. And it all paid off!
She suggested a variety of activities in Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa and other places and we were able to narrow it down to Tokyo and Kanazawa to optimize our time in Japan. The museums, temples, samurai classes and geisha performance activities were perfect for our entire family and our kids (12-21yrs old) loved every minute of it!
It was a truly an incredible experience!
Sonali V.
5 months ago
Working with Gena was an absolute dream! She seamlessly planned exactly what I wanted for our trip to Paris — balancing kid-friendly activities with plenty of time for relaxation. Every detail was thoughtful and tailored to us, and she constantly checked in to make sure we were happy along the way. I never had to worry because she was completely on top of everything. Thanks to her, our trip was smooth, stress-free, and so enjoyable. I’ll definitely be using her again for our next family getaway to Italy!
Christine W.
6 months ago
Gena's communications were clear. She provided helpful suggestions that took our preferences into consideration and answered all my questions in a timely manner.
Brian T.
8 months ago
Gena always goes above and beyond in planning our trips. She thinks of every detail so that we don’t have to. She is on top of our reservations for dinner and any activities we might have during our stay. I especially appreciate reminders as we get closer to activities on our trip. Gena always responds quickly and takes care of our needs as soon as possible. Gena is the best and I can’t imagine going on a trip without her now!
Chatelaine B.
8 months ago
Gena was so easy to work with. She was able to make sure the hotel staff took care of my husband’s birthday along with ensuring we had our breakfasts taken care of and a fabulous room upgrade as well. She regularly checked in with me to make sure any and all requests were accounted for right up until the night before. She made it incredibly easy to have a wonderful and relaxation vacation.
Lanelle N.
5 months ago
Thank you Gena for making our Japan travels truly memorable. She provided us guidance throughout the planning and encouraged us to book early given we were traveling during a peak season. And it all paid off!
She suggested a variety of activities in Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa and other places and we were able to narrow it down to Tokyo and Kanazawa to optimize our time in Japan. The museums, temples, samurai classes and geisha performance activities were perfect for our entire family and our kids (12-21yrs old) loved every minute of it!
It was a truly an incredible experience!
Sonali V.
5 months ago
Working with Gena was an absolute dream! She seamlessly planned exactly what I wanted for our trip to Paris — balancing kid-friendly activities with plenty of time for relaxation. Every detail was thoughtful and tailored to us, and she constantly checked in to make sure we were happy along the way. I never had to worry because she was completely on top of everything. Thanks to her, our trip was smooth, stress-free, and so enjoyable. I’ll definitely be using her again for our next family getaway to Italy!
Christine W.
6 months ago
Gena's communications were clear. She provided helpful suggestions that took our preferences into consideration and answered all my questions in a timely manner.
Brian T.
8 months ago
Gena always goes above and beyond in planning our trips. She thinks of every detail so that we don’t have to. She is on top of our reservations for dinner and any activities we might have during our stay. I especially appreciate reminders as we get closer to activities on our trip. Gena always responds quickly and takes care of our needs as soon as possible. Gena is the best and I can’t imagine going on a trip without her now!
My travel ideas (4)
Salt Air & Sunsets: Three Perfect Days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
This three-day escape is a dreamy blend of coastal walks, storybook streets, sparkling wine, and even more sparkling conversation with friends. Carmel’s magic and seaside charm will leave you feeling relaxed, reenergized, and inspired.
Salt Air & Sunsets: Three Perfect Days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
This three-day escape is a dreamy blend of coastal walks, storybook streets, sparkling wine, and even more sparkling conversation with friends. Carmel’s magic and seaside charm will leave you feeling relaxed, reenergized, and inspired.
Recharge and Reconnect: Silicon Valley Staycations for Busy Parents
For busy parents living in the Bay Area, finding time for a relaxing escape can be challenging. That's where the magic of staycations comes in – quick, local getaways perfect for Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries or…just because! Here are some charming retreats and luxury escapes in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Recharge and Reconnect: Silicon Valley Staycations for Busy Parents
For busy parents living in the Bay Area, finding time for a relaxing escape can be challenging. That's where the magic of staycations comes in – quick, local getaways perfect for Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries or…just because! Here are some charming retreats and luxury escapes in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Maui Magic: 5 Days of Family Fun in Paradise
With its sunny beaches, stunning natural landscapes and fun activities for all ages, Maui is a magical place. Here families can unwind, explore and connect in a relaxed, tropical setting. From snorkeling in clear waters, to driving the iconic Road to Hana, to exploring the sacred Haleakalā Volcano, or simply relaxing by the water, each moment is an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together.
Maui Magic: 5 Days of Family Fun in Paradise
With its sunny beaches, stunning natural landscapes and fun activities for all ages, Maui is a magical place. Here families can unwind, explore and connect in a relaxed, tropical setting. From snorkeling in clear waters, to driving the iconic Road to Hana, to exploring the sacred Haleakalā Volcano, or simply relaxing by the water, each moment is an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together.
Winter Family Fun at Northstar Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe
Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas near Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort is a winter wonderland for families. With slopes for all skill levels, parents and children can enjoy gentle slopes together or carve their way through powdery trails. The resort's family-friendly amenities, such as children's lessons and an ice skating rink, ensure that everyone can make the most of their time there. After a day of winter fun, unwind in the village by the fire pits and enjoy drinks and snacks together.
Winter Family Fun at Northstar Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe
Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas near Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort is a winter wonderland for families. With slopes for all skill levels, parents and children can enjoy gentle slopes together or carve their way through powdery trails. The resort's family-friendly amenities, such as children's lessons and an ice skating rink, ensure that everyone can make the most of their time there. After a day of winter fun, unwind in the village by the fire pits and enjoy drinks and snacks together.
Salt Air & Sunsets: Three Perfect Days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
This three-day escape is a dreamy blend of coastal walks, storybook streets, sparkling wine, and even more sparkling conversation with friends. Carmel’s magic and seaside charm will leave you feeling relaxed, reenergized, and inspired.
Salt Air & Sunsets: Three Perfect Days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
This three-day escape is a dreamy blend of coastal walks, storybook streets, sparkling wine, and even more sparkling conversation with friends. Carmel’s magic and seaside charm will leave you feeling relaxed, reenergized, and inspired.
Recharge and Reconnect: Silicon Valley Staycations for Busy Parents
For busy parents living in the Bay Area, finding time for a relaxing escape can be challenging. That's where the magic of staycations comes in – quick, local getaways perfect for Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries or…just because! Here are some charming retreats and luxury escapes in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Recharge and Reconnect: Silicon Valley Staycations for Busy Parents
For busy parents living in the Bay Area, finding time for a relaxing escape can be challenging. That's where the magic of staycations comes in – quick, local getaways perfect for Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries or…just because! Here are some charming retreats and luxury escapes in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Maui Magic: 5 Days of Family Fun in Paradise
With its sunny beaches, stunning natural landscapes and fun activities for all ages, Maui is a magical place. Here families can unwind, explore and connect in a relaxed, tropical setting. From snorkeling in clear waters, to driving the iconic Road to Hana, to exploring the sacred Haleakalā Volcano, or simply relaxing by the water, each moment is an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together.
Maui Magic: 5 Days of Family Fun in Paradise
With its sunny beaches, stunning natural landscapes and fun activities for all ages, Maui is a magical place. Here families can unwind, explore and connect in a relaxed, tropical setting. From snorkeling in clear waters, to driving the iconic Road to Hana, to exploring the sacred Haleakalā Volcano, or simply relaxing by the water, each moment is an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together.