Travel Advisor
Melissa Curtin
She/Her
Expertise
- Luxury Travel,
- Family Travel,
- Cruises,
- Solo Travel,
- Girls' Trips,
- Unique Stays,
- California,
- Europe,
- Mexico
Profile details
About
Freelance travel and food writer for 10+ years. LA 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 here.
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. East Coaster who has lived in Southern California for 16 years.
Melissa's travel guides & trip reports
The Best of Palm Springs, California
Romantic Couples Getaway to Malibu
Mendocino Coast in Northern California: 5 Inns to Fall in Love With
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
Favorite hotels
Villa Royale
A adults-only, free-spirited hideaway in the Palm Springs desert that features vibrant cuisine and cocktails, as well as hip and eclectically designed rooms.
Malibu Beach Inn
Wake up to the sounds of the waves at this boutique hotel located right on the beach.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
NEST Tulum
This small boutique property in Tulum features just 12 rooms and creates a magical setting for an authentic experience elevated by original architecture and exceptional service.
Fora Perks
- ★
Complimentary bottle of wine.
- ★
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
- ★
Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.
Casa Cuseni
A museum, hotel, garden, library and dining room all-in-one, Casa Cuseni is multi-purposeful property that is known for its historical and artistic value.
Melissa's reviews
It was our first time visiting Cabo and I couldn’t have done it without Melissa. We were so relaxed and experienced way more of the area through her stellar recommendations and knowledge of the area. From the art walk in San Jose Del Cabo to an evening at Flora Farms, it was a trip to remember with my family of 4 (2 teenage sons) and left us wanting to go back. It truly elevated our vacation to the next level and made it a true holiday.
- Kristen .
Booked travel to Cabo
- May 2023
My travel advisor, Melissa Curtin, was intrigued when she asked me in January of this year where I wanted to vacation this summer. I told that I have never been to Europe! Melissa was delighted to indulge me the various countries and zeroed in of traveling in early June. She asked me if I have ever considered going on on a river cruise which I have not. She explained the perks going on a river cruise seeing iconic scenery along the River such as castles, historical structures and not having to unpack suitcases to see the different European cities. Once I narrowed my choice a Viking cruise I reached out to Melissa. She was excellent in advising me where I should start and end the cruise and recommended I should consider the pre and post excursions since I was already there. I decided to follow her recommendation and she gave me her favorite places she enjoyed for me to try in those cities! Within an hour she booked the cruise and helped us in finalizing all the necessary details. Melissa was in contact with me throughout until it was time for my trip in June.
- Nubia N.
Booked travel to Budapest and Prague
- June 2023
I couldn’t have put together such an intricate trip without Melissa’s expertise. She truly wanted my trip to be perfect and went above and beyond to make it a happy reality! My husband and I can’t praise her enough.
- Dana A.
Booked travel to Europe
- July 2023
My travel advisor, Melissa Curtin, was intrigued when she asked me in January of this year where I wanted to vacation this summer. I told that I have never been to Europe! Melissa was delighted to indulge me the various countries and zeroed in of traveling in early June. She asked me if I have ever considered going on on a river cruise which I have not. She explained the perks going on a river cruise seeing iconic scenery along the River such as castles, historical structures and not having to unpack suitcases to see the different European cities. Once I narrowed my choice a Viking cruise I reached out to Melissa. She was excellent in advising me where I should start and end the cruise and recommended I should consider the pre and post excursions since I was already there. I decided to follow her recommendation and she gave me her favorite places she enjoyed for me to try in those cities! Within an hour she booked the cruise and helped us in finalizing all the necessary details. Melissa was in contact with me throughout until it was time for my trip in June. Once I returned home I reached out to Melissa and I thanked her profusely and to let her know that I recommended her to several of my friends. I told her the following about Viking. Viking did an amazing coordination as to scheduling arrival and departure for the pre and post hotel accommodations. The included shore excursions were well coordinated with amazing guides! Even the paid excursions through Viking were great. Everyone working on the ship were fantastic and went beyond expectations. The evening entertainment could be better. Food was great and offered a lot of variety. Going home Viking was there to help us get back to the airport. I was surprised and relieved that they had a representative at the airport to help us get to where we needed to go. Overall I would definitely do a River cruise again with Viking. Also I will look into the ocean cruises as well.
- Nubia M.
Booked travel to Europe
- July 2023
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).