Jeanette Wages
Based in Wilmington, North Carolina
English, German
Live Local Travel Far
Ask us about
Our Story
My story is rooted in curiosity, wonder, and the pursuit of moments that matter. As a travel advisor and the heart behind Live Local Travel Far, I believe every journey should be as unique as the person taking it. My passion for storytelling began in the world of food writing, savoring the flavors of distant cultures and learning to see the world through the lens of cuisine and connection.
Years (and a few continents) later, I pivoted toward my true calling—curating luxury, bespoke travel experiences that blend authenticity, beauty, and ease. I specialize in European adventures, legendary honeymoons, destination weddings, and those life-marking getaways that leave you forever changed. Whether you’re dreaming up a Tuscan villa escape, a sun-soaked Greek island hop, or a golden anniversary in a Parisian palace, I’m here to turn your vision into reality.
I’m also a solo mom to a bright-eyed little explorer, Lucien, who inspires me daily to find magic in both far-flung places and simple moments. My approach: every itinerary should feel like poetry in motion—seamless, unexpected, and filled with delight.
Travel Style
My travel style is all about embracing the art of the journey—immersing in culture, savoring new flavors, and seeking beauty in both the grand and the everyday. I believe true luxury is personalized: a boutique stay overlooking a vineyard at golden hour, a hidden trattoria where the chef remembers your name, an exclusive sunset cruise with just the right playlist.
Whether wandering cobbled streets or discovering local artisans, my itineraries balance iconic landmarks with unhurried, off-the-beaten-path moments. I love weaving together food, art, history, and unique experiences that feel both seamless and deeply meaningful.
Travel, to me, is best when it’s soulful and story-driven—a little poetic, generously authentic, and always designed around what matters most to you. I plan with an eye for detail (and a dash of magic), so you can be fully present wherever you are, from Europe’s storied cities to secret island shores.
Stay connected
Reviews (27)
April F.
6 days ago
Jeanette is great to work with. I’ve used her services multiple times now. She asks the right questions to match me with experiences and hotels that align perfectly with the kind of trip I want to take.
Moreover - I now have some mobility and accessibility needs to work with and around. Jeanette took the time and care to make sure that the hotels I was booked at had elevators (not always a given in Europe!), and most importantly - handled everything with NCL to make sure my cabin was accessible and that the proper forms were completed to have what I needed available.
I appreciate Jeannette’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail in booking my travel. She thinks of things I don’t, and that gives me the confidence to travel independently again.
Casey M.
9 days ago
Brian N.
12 days ago
The trip was wonderful and went so smoothly.
Strasbourg was beautiful. The red sandstone and copper everywhere reminded me of Sedona, home of the McDonald’s with the turquoise arches. I love how different things are just a short train ride from Paris. Also, funny enough, one of my colleagues lives in Strasbourg and we ended up on the same train.
Le 1741 was fun because I was at the chef’s table in front of the kitchen and I could watch every dish being prepared (and the thorough cleaning of the kitchen towards the end of the meal). I could also tell that when I left, it was basically just me and my waiter in the building. La Casserole was also spectacular. My tour guide was very informative and getting to visit a medieval mikveh was truly something. The Jewish community was very welcoming and I ended up at a seudah after services. The hotel was perfectly located and I really felt like I was in the center of everything.
The ballet was objectively impressive and I loved the use of lights especially with the fairies, but I think I might not be a ballet person. I struggled to stay engaged in a performance without dialog. That’s just a me thing though.
I ended up at a few places based on my colleague’s recommendations that were pretty great:
https://www.oenosphere.com/ - A wine store where they had a ton of Alsatian wines and a very knowledgeable staff. (Good, because I couldn’t tell you a thing about white wines.) https://www.facebook.com/barlegrincheux/ - A bar with a lot of Alsatian beers and a thousand different liquors, including a fair number of eau de vie. https://www.mama-bubbele.fr/ - Not the same tarte flambée you recommended. (Honestly, I wish I could try both, and possibly all of them.)
On the flight back, I actually ended up ordering some T45 flour and cultures for fromage blanc. My kids only eat white pizza so I’m hoping to successfully make a tarte flambée at home.
Thank you again for setting this all up. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Troy D.
about 1 month ago
She's the best. If you don't book with Jeanette you are missing out.
Eden P.
about 1 month ago
Jeanette made booking our stay so easy! She kept an eye on prices to make sure we got the best deal.
April F.
6 days ago
Jeanette is great to work with. I’ve used her services multiple times now. She asks the right questions to match me with experiences and hotels that align perfectly with the kind of trip I want to take.
Moreover - I now have some mobility and accessibility needs to work with and around. Jeanette took the time and care to make sure that the hotels I was booked at had elevators (not always a given in Europe!), and most importantly - handled everything with NCL to make sure my cabin was accessible and that the proper forms were completed to have what I needed available.
I appreciate Jeannette’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail in booking my travel. She thinks of things I don’t, and that gives me the confidence to travel independently again.
Casey M.
9 days ago
Brian N.
12 days ago
The trip was wonderful and went so smoothly.
Strasbourg was beautiful. The red sandstone and copper everywhere reminded me of Sedona, home of the McDonald’s with the turquoise arches. I love how different things are just a short train ride from Paris. Also, funny enough, one of my colleagues lives in Strasbourg and we ended up on the same train.
Le 1741 was fun because I was at the chef’s table in front of the kitchen and I could watch every dish being prepared (and the thorough cleaning of the kitchen towards the end of the meal). I could also tell that when I left, it was basically just me and my waiter in the building. La Casserole was also spectacular. My tour guide was very informative and getting to visit a medieval mikveh was truly something. The Jewish community was very welcoming and I ended up at a seudah after services. The hotel was perfectly located and I really felt like I was in the center of everything.
The ballet was objectively impressive and I loved the use of lights especially with the fairies, but I think I might not be a ballet person. I struggled to stay engaged in a performance without dialog. That’s just a me thing though.
I ended up at a few places based on my colleague’s recommendations that were pretty great:
https://www.oenosphere.com/ - A wine store where they had a ton of Alsatian wines and a very knowledgeable staff. (Good, because I couldn’t tell you a thing about white wines.) https://www.facebook.com/barlegrincheux/ - A bar with a lot of Alsatian beers and a thousand different liquors, including a fair number of eau de vie. https://www.mama-bubbele.fr/ - Not the same tarte flambée you recommended. (Honestly, I wish I could try both, and possibly all of them.)
On the flight back, I actually ended up ordering some T45 flour and cultures for fromage blanc. My kids only eat white pizza so I’m hoping to successfully make a tarte flambée at home.
Thank you again for setting this all up. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Troy D.
about 1 month ago
She's the best. If you don't book with Jeanette you are missing out.
Travel ideas (1)
A Local’s Guide to Baden-Württemberg: Heidelberg & Beyond
Heidelberg was my childhood home, and the gentle flow of the Neckar, the silhouette of the castle, and the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt have stayed with me ever since. This region fuses storybook beauty and living history, from the university’s intellectual buzz to vineyard-tucked villages and Black Forest trails. Whenever I return, I feel the inviting warmth of southern Germany—where every meal and moment is filled with hospitality, tradition, and natural wonder. Baden-Württemberg is an ideal destination for slow travel, romance, and rediscovering joy in the simple and the unexpected.
A Local’s Guide to Baden-Württemberg: Heidelberg & Beyond
Heidelberg was my childhood home, and the gentle flow of the Neckar, the silhouette of the castle, and the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt have stayed with me ever since. This region fuses storybook beauty and living history, from the university’s intellectual buzz to vineyard-tucked villages and Black Forest trails. Whenever I return, I feel the inviting warmth of southern Germany—where every meal and moment is filled with hospitality, tradition, and natural wonder. Baden-Württemberg is an ideal destination for slow travel, romance, and rediscovering joy in the simple and the unexpected.
A Local’s Guide to Baden-Württemberg: Heidelberg & Beyond
Heidelberg was my childhood home, and the gentle flow of the Neckar, the silhouette of the castle, and the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt have stayed with me ever since. This region fuses storybook beauty and living history, from the university’s intellectual buzz to vineyard-tucked villages and Black Forest trails. Whenever I return, I feel the inviting warmth of southern Germany—where every meal and moment is filled with hospitality, tradition, and natural wonder. Baden-Württemberg is an ideal destination for slow travel, romance, and rediscovering joy in the simple and the unexpected.
A Local’s Guide to Baden-Württemberg: Heidelberg & Beyond
Heidelberg was my childhood home, and the gentle flow of the Neckar, the silhouette of the castle, and the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt have stayed with me ever since. This region fuses storybook beauty and living history, from the university’s intellectual buzz to vineyard-tucked villages and Black Forest trails. Whenever I return, I feel the inviting warmth of southern Germany—where every meal and moment is filled with hospitality, tradition, and natural wonder. Baden-Württemberg is an ideal destination for slow travel, romance, and rediscovering joy in the simple and the unexpected.
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