Travel Advisor

Advisor - Melissa Curtin

Melissa Curtin

She/Her

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Expertise

  • Family Travel,
  • Solo Travel,
  • Honeymoons,
  • California,
  • Europe,
  • Mexico

Based in

Malibu & Palm Springs, California

Profile details

About

Freelance travel and food writer for 10+ years. Malibu and Palm Springs-based. Founder of LaLaScoop.com — the best of LA and CA. Food fanatic and boutique hotel lover. Always looking for the next adventure. For more travel tips and inspiration, visit my site or read my freelance travel and food articles.

Check out my articles: 15 Wildlife Adventures in the Galapagos Aboard a Relais Chateaux Yacht on Johnny Jet and MSN websites.

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Travel style

A non-stop globetrotter who loves researching the best educational, cultural, foodie and adventurous options / activities to make the most of a location. Enjoy seeking out undiscovered spots and unique, fun, memorable experiences. My goal is to get clients the best perks, room upgrades and more. East Coaster who has lived in Southern California for 18 years.

Melissa's travel guides & trip reports

Yellow mid-century house and lime green vintage car in Palm Springs.
Guide

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...
Sea lions abound on a rocky expanse on a sunny day.
Trip Report

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....
View of the Seine River from a boat with a wood deck and wood chairs - Melissa Curtin
Trip Report

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...
A beautiful and mesmerizing beach
Trip Report

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...
A group of people doing yoga on the deck of a cruise ship.
Trip Report

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 ...
An aerial view of an island in Croatia in the middle of the ocean.
Trip Report

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 ...
A person posing for a photograph with their arms in the air in front of a cliffside waterfall
Trip Report

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 ...
Beach coastline in Malibu, California.
Guide

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...
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Favorite hotels

Melissa's travel photos

1

Melissa's reviews

Melissa was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend her to anyone traveling to California based on her in-depth knowledge of many of the locations. She did an excellent job helping us navigate Palm Springs and Santa Monica. She was very easy to work with, quick to respond, helpful in getting good rates and informative about cool places to visit, dine and explore. We truly appreciated her positive, upbeat help!

Melissa is amazing and I could not have booked the trip without her. She was incredibly patient with all of my questions and requests. The area was very difficult to navigate and thankfully Melissa was able to save the day. The trip was perfect because of her.

Melissa was on top of every aspect of this once in a lifetime trip ensuring we received upgrades and benefits that we would not have received had we booked on our own.

Get in touch with Melissa

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Melissa within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Advisor - Melissa Curtin

Travel Advisor

Melissa Curtin