Melissa Curtin
She/Her
Based in Malibu & Palm Springs, California
Melissa Curtin
Ask me about
My Story
After traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea, I’ve been finding ways to globetrot ever since. A former longtime educator and travel writer with 10+ years of experience, I curate culture-rich, food-forward trips with VIP perks across cruises, hotels, flights, tours, and beyond. Founder of LaLaScoop.com and a Fora Cruise Badge holder, I specialize in elevated, seamless travel.
My cruise expertise includes booking clients on Viking, Windstar, Uncruise, Regent Seven Seas, Explora Journeys, Virgin Voyages, Swan Hellenic, AmaWaterways, Norwegian, Celebrity, and more.
My travel tips can be seen in Travel + Leisure, Real Simple, UPROXX, Fodor’s, Forbes, Travel Tales Podcast, Travel Research, Gettysburg College Magazine, and more.
Part of the expert panelist team for USA Today 10 Best Readers Choice Awards, I nominate the best hotels, restaurants, cities, wineries, destinations, and beyond.
Travel Style
A passionate globetrotter and detail-oriented travel advisor, I specialize in curating personalized trips that blend culture, cuisine, adventure, and unique local experiences. From hidden gems to must-see highlights, I tailor hotel stays to your travel style, With access to exclusive perks, upgrades, and insider connections, I handle every detail so you can simply enjoy the journey. Based in Southern California with East Coast roots, I bring a well-rounded perspective to every trip I plan.
Stay connected
Reviews (31)
Nancy B.
travel to London
8 days ago
Melissa took the time to get to know us and tailored our experiences accordingly! She made it very much about what we would personally enjoy seeing and doing. Melissa’s warm personality and timely responses - whether you are speaking with her or corresponding by email - were very much appreciated! She certainly made sure we were in the best hands, and that our plans were seamlessly and perfectly executed!
Georgia G.
travel to Barcelona
19 days ago
Working with Melissa was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. She took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and recommended the perfect hotel for our stay in Barcelona. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the destination, and thoughtful recommendations made planning effortless and gave us complete confidence before we even arrived.
The Almanac Barcelona exceeded every expectation. The luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, incredible breakfast, stunning rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the Sagrada Família, and unbeatable location in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood made it the ideal place to experience the city. Everything Melissa recommended aligned perfectly with what we were hoping for.
What impressed me most was how well she matched the hotel to our trip. Although Barcelona has been a part of my life for many years, this was my teenage son’s first visit. Finding a hotel that combined comfort, luxury, walkability, and easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks was incredibly important, and Melissa couldn’t have chosen better. Even my son, who isn’t easily impressed, absolutely loved the hotel, the neighborhood, and how easy it was to explore everything Barcelona has to offer.
Melissa’s professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine desire to ensure we had an unforgettable experience truly set her apart. It’s clear that she cares about matching her clients with the right destination and accommodations rather than simply booking a trip. What also stood out was that Melissa’s service didn’t end once our trip was booked. She took the time to check in with us during our stay to make sure everything was going well and to see if there was anything we needed. That level of personal attention made us feel like more than just clients, it was clear she was genuinely invested in ensuring our vacation was everything we had hoped for. Knowing she was only a message away if we needed assistance provided an extra level of comfort and reinforced that we had chosen the right travel advisor.
I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, attentive, and trusted travel advisor. Thanks to her guidance, we had an incredible stay and created memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with her again on our next adventure!
Jamie H.
travel to Madrid
20 days ago
Georgia G.
travel to Tokyo
3 months ago
Working with Melissa through Fora Travel was truly one of the highlights of this entire experience. From the very beginning, her outreach was thoughtful and consistent, and it was clear how much she genuinely cared about making this trip not just smooth, but deeply memorable.
She went above and beyond in every sense, anticipating needs, checking in at the right moments, and adding special touches that made the entire stay feel personalized and meaningful. Nothing ever felt transactional; it felt intentional. That level of care and attention is rare, and it made a lasting impression.
Melissa’s dedication gave me a real sense of ease and confidence throughout the trip, allowing me to fully enjoy the experience without stress. It’s clear she takes great pride in what she does, and it shows in every detail.
I would absolutely work with her again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a travel experience that feels both seamless and special.
Cecelia S.
travel to Budapest
8 months ago
Melissa was recommended to me by my sister-in-law. This was the first time I've ever worked with a travel agent and there is no going back. Having a knowledgeable, friendly voice helping you sort out everything TRAVEL related is priceless. I have already recommended her to four different people!
Nancy B.
travel to London
8 days ago
Melissa took the time to get to know us and tailored our experiences accordingly! She made it very much about what we would personally enjoy seeing and doing. Melissa’s warm personality and timely responses - whether you are speaking with her or corresponding by email - were very much appreciated! She certainly made sure we were in the best hands, and that our plans were seamlessly and perfectly executed!
Georgia G.
travel to Barcelona
19 days ago
Working with Melissa was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. She took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and recommended the perfect hotel for our stay in Barcelona. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the destination, and thoughtful recommendations made planning effortless and gave us complete confidence before we even arrived.
The Almanac Barcelona exceeded every expectation. The luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, incredible breakfast, stunning rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the Sagrada Família, and unbeatable location in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood made it the ideal place to experience the city. Everything Melissa recommended aligned perfectly with what we were hoping for.
What impressed me most was how well she matched the hotel to our trip. Although Barcelona has been a part of my life for many years, this was my teenage son’s first visit. Finding a hotel that combined comfort, luxury, walkability, and easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks was incredibly important, and Melissa couldn’t have chosen better. Even my son, who isn’t easily impressed, absolutely loved the hotel, the neighborhood, and how easy it was to explore everything Barcelona has to offer.
Melissa’s professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine desire to ensure we had an unforgettable experience truly set her apart. It’s clear that she cares about matching her clients with the right destination and accommodations rather than simply booking a trip. What also stood out was that Melissa’s service didn’t end once our trip was booked. She took the time to check in with us during our stay to make sure everything was going well and to see if there was anything we needed. That level of personal attention made us feel like more than just clients, it was clear she was genuinely invested in ensuring our vacation was everything we had hoped for. Knowing she was only a message away if we needed assistance provided an extra level of comfort and reinforced that we had chosen the right travel advisor.
I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, attentive, and trusted travel advisor. Thanks to her guidance, we had an incredible stay and created memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with her again on our next adventure!
Jamie H.
travel to Madrid
20 days ago
Georgia G.
travel to Tokyo
3 months ago
Working with Melissa through Fora Travel was truly one of the highlights of this entire experience. From the very beginning, her outreach was thoughtful and consistent, and it was clear how much she genuinely cared about making this trip not just smooth, but deeply memorable.
She went above and beyond in every sense, anticipating needs, checking in at the right moments, and adding special touches that made the entire stay feel personalized and meaningful. Nothing ever felt transactional; it felt intentional. That level of care and attention is rare, and it made a lasting impression.
Melissa’s dedication gave me a real sense of ease and confidence throughout the trip, allowing me to fully enjoy the experience without stress. It’s clear she takes great pride in what she does, and it shows in every detail.
I would absolutely work with her again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a travel experience that feels both seamless and special.
Travel ideas (8)
The Best of Palm Springs, California
We fell in love with the desert many years ago. After writing about over 20 hotels, we bought a home in Palm Springs, California during the pandemic. As a travel and food writer, I have covered Restaurant Week, Modernism Week(s), Coachella, Desert X, golf tournaments and many more festivities, so I know Palm Springs very well. I love the peace and quiet of the desert with the beauty of the mountains and swaying palm trees coupled with city culture in a small town.
The Best of Palm Springs, California
We fell in love with the desert many years ago. After writing about over 20 hotels, we bought a home in Palm Springs, California during the pandemic. As a travel and food writer, I have covered Restaurant Week, Modernism Week(s), Coachella, Desert X, golf tournaments and many more festivities, so I know Palm Springs very well. I love the peace and quiet of the desert with the beauty of the mountains and swaying palm trees coupled with city culture in a small town.
Galapagos Adventures on Ecoventura’s Relais and Chateaux Luxury Expedition Yacht
Ecoventura blends wildlife into their concept of luxury expedition yachting, creating an exciting, sustainable, and chic experience that immerses travelers in an intimate voyage for up to 20 guests. Their fleet of floating five-star “boutique hotels” – named Origin, Theory, & Evolve – are part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of unique luxury hotels and restaurants. The exceptional itineraries, exquisite gastronomy, and life-enriching experiences set a new standard in the Galapagos.
Sunday departures alternate between two exhilarating 7-night itineraries visiting the outer most remote islands of the archipelago; Itinerary A “Beaches and Bays” follows a Southern & Central route, and Itinerary B, “Volcanic Wonders” follows a Northern and Western route.
Galapagos Adventures on Ecoventura’s Relais and Chateaux Luxury Expedition Yacht
Ecoventura blends wildlife into their concept of luxury expedition yachting, creating an exciting, sustainable, and chic experience that immerses travelers in an intimate voyage for up to 20 guests. Their fleet of floating five-star “boutique hotels” – named Origin, Theory, & Evolve – are part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of unique luxury hotels and restaurants. The exceptional itineraries, exquisite gastronomy, and life-enriching experiences set a new standard in the Galapagos.
Sunday departures alternate between two exhilarating 7-night itineraries visiting the outer most remote islands of the archipelago; Itinerary A “Beaches and Bays” follows a Southern & Central route, and Itinerary B, “Volcanic Wonders” follows a Northern and Western route.
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
You may have wondered whether a river cruise is right for you. Typically, river cruises run older – often due to cost – but I am in my 40s and it has been my favorite way to explore Europe for several reasons.
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
You may have wondered whether a river cruise is right for you. Typically, river cruises run older – often due to cost – but I am in my 40s and it has been my favorite way to explore Europe for several reasons.
Mendocino Coast in Northern California: 5 Inns to Fall in Love With
I just returned from a two-week trip as a travel writer and stayed at some fabulous properties. For more inspiration, check out my guide on the best things do do on the Mendocino Coast, beyond wine tasting.
Mendocino Coast in Northern California: 5 Inns to Fall in Love With
I just returned from a two-week trip as a travel writer and stayed at some fabulous properties. For more inspiration, check out my guide on the best things do do on the Mendocino Coast, beyond wine tasting.
Swan Hellenic X Deepak Chopra Wellness Cruise Trip Report
This is the ultimate luxury expedition ship. I sailed on the glamorous modern light-filled HS Diana, a polar class ship designed for Antarctica. This was the inaugural Swan Hellenic X Chopra Wellness ‘Explore and Restore’ cruise, a holistic immersive wellbeing escape including daily yoga, breathwork, Chopra-certified-led workshops, journaling (with a booklet and journal to guide oneself), Ayurveda-inspired menu options and cultural excursions. There are various itineraries around the world.
Swan Hellenic’s Motto: Go where others can’t (due to its smaller ship size).
Swan Hellenic X Deepak Chopra Wellness Cruise Trip Report
This is the ultimate luxury expedition ship. I sailed on the glamorous modern light-filled HS Diana, a polar class ship designed for Antarctica. This was the inaugural Swan Hellenic X Chopra Wellness ‘Explore and Restore’ cruise, a holistic immersive wellbeing escape including daily yoga, breathwork, Chopra-certified-led workshops, journaling (with a booklet and journal to guide oneself), Ayurveda-inspired menu options and cultural excursions. There are various itineraries around the world.
Swan Hellenic’s Motto: Go where others can’t (due to its smaller ship size).
Explore Croatia's Islands
This is my third time traveling in Croatia, but this time I was on a Fora FAM trip with Journey2Croatia and Journey2Montenegro, a wonderful DMC who works with travel advisors to personalize trips for clients based on their interests. Croatia is one of the best countries to visit and explore in Europe because it is super safe and donned with ancient medieval towns along the coast that are exciting to explore. Also, Croatia is stuffed with grand waterfalls, exciting foods and glorious crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming until the first two weeks of October.
Admire the enchanting beauty of the land and sea on a Croatian island with vineyards, roaming cats, ancient towers, monasteries, ruins and detailed carvings on churches reminding us of Croatia’s 15th-century past. The water is so clear that it is impossible not to want to slide in off for a swim from one of the rocky coves. Split makes the best launching location to take a boat/ferry to one of the many islands off the coast. It is easy to get to know a multitude of islands here as many ferries run daily and cost around $20 to get from one island to the next. Here is my guide to exploring Croatia's islands.
Explore Croatia's Islands
This is my third time traveling in Croatia, but this time I was on a Fora FAM trip with Journey2Croatia and Journey2Montenegro, a wonderful DMC who works with travel advisors to personalize trips for clients based on their interests. Croatia is one of the best countries to visit and explore in Europe because it is super safe and donned with ancient medieval towns along the coast that are exciting to explore. Also, Croatia is stuffed with grand waterfalls, exciting foods and glorious crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming until the first two weeks of October.
Admire the enchanting beauty of the land and sea on a Croatian island with vineyards, roaming cats, ancient towers, monasteries, ruins and detailed carvings on churches reminding us of Croatia’s 15th-century past. The water is so clear that it is impossible not to want to slide in off for a swim from one of the rocky coves. Split makes the best launching location to take a boat/ferry to one of the many islands off the coast. It is easy to get to know a multitude of islands here as many ferries run daily and cost around $20 to get from one island to the next. Here is my guide to exploring Croatia's islands.
The Best Way to Explore Iceland: Circumnavigation on Windstar Cruises
In the beginning of August, I was on a seven-night cruise on Windstar and brought my 79-year-old mom. I just wanted to share how amazing this journey was as I had little expectations or understanding of what this might entail. Every day consisted of unique landscapes and wildlife. I felt like a true adventurer as we soared into new lands, islands and fjords each day.
The Best Way to Explore Iceland: Circumnavigation on Windstar Cruises
In the beginning of August, I was on a seven-night cruise on Windstar and brought my 79-year-old mom. I just wanted to share how amazing this journey was as I had little expectations or understanding of what this might entail. Every day consisted of unique landscapes and wildlife. I felt like a true adventurer as we soared into new lands, islands and fjords each day.
Romantic Couples Getaway to Malibu
I live in Malibu. I met my husband in Malibu and got married in Malibu. I've been obsessed with this Los Angeles escape since I landed 16 years ago. I also think Malibu has the best beaches in California. It's an excellent couple's getaway for a long weekend away from the hustle and bustle.
Romantic Couples Getaway to Malibu
I live in Malibu. I met my husband in Malibu and got married in Malibu. I've been obsessed with this Los Angeles escape since I landed 16 years ago. I also think Malibu has the best beaches in California. It's an excellent couple's getaway for a long weekend away from the hustle and bustle.
The Best of Palm Springs, California
We fell in love with the desert many years ago. After writing about over 20 hotels, we bought a home in Palm Springs, California during the pandemic. As a travel and food writer, I have covered Restaurant Week, Modernism Week(s), Coachella, Desert X, golf tournaments and many more festivities, so I know Palm Springs very well. I love the peace and quiet of the desert with the beauty of the mountains and swaying palm trees coupled with city culture in a small town.
The Best of Palm Springs, California
We fell in love with the desert many years ago. After writing about over 20 hotels, we bought a home in Palm Springs, California during the pandemic. As a travel and food writer, I have covered Restaurant Week, Modernism Week(s), Coachella, Desert X, golf tournaments and many more festivities, so I know Palm Springs very well. I love the peace and quiet of the desert with the beauty of the mountains and swaying palm trees coupled with city culture in a small town.
Galapagos Adventures on Ecoventura’s Relais and Chateaux Luxury Expedition Yacht
Ecoventura blends wildlife into their concept of luxury expedition yachting, creating an exciting, sustainable, and chic experience that immerses travelers in an intimate voyage for up to 20 guests. Their fleet of floating five-star “boutique hotels” – named Origin, Theory, & Evolve – are part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of unique luxury hotels and restaurants. The exceptional itineraries, exquisite gastronomy, and life-enriching experiences set a new standard in the Galapagos.
Sunday departures alternate between two exhilarating 7-night itineraries visiting the outer most remote islands of the archipelago; Itinerary A “Beaches and Bays” follows a Southern & Central route, and Itinerary B, “Volcanic Wonders” follows a Northern and Western route.
Galapagos Adventures on Ecoventura’s Relais and Chateaux Luxury Expedition Yacht
Ecoventura blends wildlife into their concept of luxury expedition yachting, creating an exciting, sustainable, and chic experience that immerses travelers in an intimate voyage for up to 20 guests. Their fleet of floating five-star “boutique hotels” – named Origin, Theory, & Evolve – are part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of unique luxury hotels and restaurants. The exceptional itineraries, exquisite gastronomy, and life-enriching experiences set a new standard in the Galapagos.
Sunday departures alternate between two exhilarating 7-night itineraries visiting the outer most remote islands of the archipelago; Itinerary A “Beaches and Bays” follows a Southern & Central route, and Itinerary B, “Volcanic Wonders” follows a Northern and Western route.
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
You may have wondered whether a river cruise is right for you. Typically, river cruises run older – often due to cost – but I am in my 40s and it has been my favorite way to explore Europe for several reasons.
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
You may have wondered whether a river cruise is right for you. Typically, river cruises run older – often due to cost – but I am in my 40s and it has been my favorite way to explore Europe for several reasons.
Travel photos
