
Melissa Franco
She/HerBased in London, Ontario, Canada
Speaks English, Spanish & Italian
Trip budgets start at $400/night
Melissa Franco
Ask me about
My Story
Travel isn't just about seeing the world—it’s about savouring it. The scent of orange blossoms on a Mediterranean breeze. The golden glow of sunset over a Venetian canal. The buzz of discovering a family-run osteria that locals have kept secret for generations. As a Travel Curator, I design bespoke journeys for the culturally curious—travelers who want to connect with the heart and soul of a place. Think private cooking classes with Roman nonnas, wine tastings in centuries-old cellars, or art tours that take you behind the velvet ropes. No rigid checklists or whirlwind itineraries—just immersive experiences tailored to what makes you curious. Because the best adventures aren't just planned. They're crafted with care and designed to change how you see the world.
My Travel Style
I'm drawn to boutique hotels where thoughtful design meets genuine hospitality—places that feel like they belong exactly where they are. When I travel, I'm the one asking locals where they actually eat, following recommendations down narrow streets, and staying long enough in cafés to watch the neighborhood rhythm unfold. I believe the best discoveries happen when you're curious enough to wander beyond the Instagram spots. That family-run enoteca the hotel concierge mentions in passing. The ceramics studio tucked behind a gelato shop. The market vendor who insists you try the seasonal specialty you've never heard of. My approach? Plan the framework, then leave room for those perfect unplanned moments that make a trip unforgettable.
My reviews (10)
Chris P.
3 months ago
Melissa has set a new precedent for our future travels! We can’t wait to book our next trip with her. We’ve never had such a carefree, no-stress trip - all thanks to Melissa’s exceptional planning and organization. I am recommending all my family and friends use her and her travel agency!
Caroline V.
10 months ago
I had an exceptional experience booking with Melissa! It was a treat to give her a few pieces of info and then she handled everything and I just showed up at the hotel. Melissa was knowledgeable and helpful in securing a great deal with amazing amenities. Communication was clear and thorough -- I Melissa made herself available for any questions I had, and checked with me to ensure that everything was ok shortly after I arrived and also upon checkout. Thanks to her I had a wonderful room and experience, and I was confident that she would help if I did encounter any issues at any step of the way.
Heather S.
a year ago
This is my second time working with Melissa and I highly recommend her! I have already encouraged several friends to consider working with her on their next trips. It is such a luxury to have someone take care of all the important details on your behalf. For example, Melissa booked our hotels, flights, and airport transfers which meant we never had to think about anything as we moved around Thailand. As an added bonus, we had access to perks such as room upgrades and hotel credits, which were greatly appreciated! I highly recommend working with Melissa for your travel plans, and will continue to partner with her for my future travel! Thanks!
Brooklyn B.
a year ago
An exceptional travel experience booking with Melissa! Her help organizing transfers, flights and hotels alleviated the stress of planning a last minute trip, and her hotel 'perks' really elevated the experience!
Sydney C.
2 years ago
My husband and I have never used a travel agent but felt we could use some professional assistance for our most recent holiday to Vietnam. Melissa came highly recommended by a friend and I am incredibly thankful we found her. We did a 16 day holiday with two of our friends and all agreed Melissa helped make our trip stress free and seamless. When traveling, there are always moments of stress and confusion, however, with Melissa’s help this was the easiest vacation we have taken. We all had peace of mind when traveling to a destination so far outside of our comfort zone. We traveled to 4 cities in 16 days and every moment was perfectly planned. Our transportation service was prompt, efficient, and our destination Asia guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Melissa is both hands on when helping you plan but also respectful of your traveling style. We did not want to be overwhelmed or on any schedule while traveling but also wanted efficiency and ease when traveling within the country. Melissa also helped us arrange some special moments for a birthday celebration and arranged the most incredible upgrade during our stay at Zannier. This was the highlight of our trip. I highly recommend using Melissa’s services if you like great recommendations, excellent communication, and peace of mind when traveling. She is knowledgeable, friendly, incredibly responsive (even when I messaged from across the world), highly organized and an absolute pleasure to work with. We will be using her services again for our upcoming trip to Portugal in the fall.
Chris P.
3 months ago
Melissa has set a new precedent for our future travels! We can’t wait to book our next trip with her. We’ve never had such a carefree, no-stress trip - all thanks to Melissa’s exceptional planning and organization. I am recommending all my family and friends use her and her travel agency!
Caroline V.
10 months ago
I had an exceptional experience booking with Melissa! It was a treat to give her a few pieces of info and then she handled everything and I just showed up at the hotel. Melissa was knowledgeable and helpful in securing a great deal with amazing amenities. Communication was clear and thorough -- I Melissa made herself available for any questions I had, and checked with me to ensure that everything was ok shortly after I arrived and also upon checkout. Thanks to her I had a wonderful room and experience, and I was confident that she would help if I did encounter any issues at any step of the way.
Heather S.
a year ago
This is my second time working with Melissa and I highly recommend her! I have already encouraged several friends to consider working with her on their next trips. It is such a luxury to have someone take care of all the important details on your behalf. For example, Melissa booked our hotels, flights, and airport transfers which meant we never had to think about anything as we moved around Thailand. As an added bonus, we had access to perks such as room upgrades and hotel credits, which were greatly appreciated! I highly recommend working with Melissa for your travel plans, and will continue to partner with her for my future travel! Thanks!
Brooklyn B.
a year ago
An exceptional travel experience booking with Melissa! Her help organizing transfers, flights and hotels alleviated the stress of planning a last minute trip, and her hotel 'perks' really elevated the experience!
My travel ideas (5)

An Art & Food Lover's Guide to Lisbon
Lisbon is a city where art and food intertwine, offering a sensory journey through vibrant streets, historic galleries and mouthwatering cuisine. From its colorful tile-adorned facades and contemporary art spaces to its bustling markets and world-class restaurants, Lisbon invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're savoring traditional Portuguese dishes or admiring cutting-edge street art, this guide will take you through the best places to indulge your creative spirit and culinary cravings. Welcome to Lisbon, where every corner is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

An Art & Food Lover's Guide to Lisbon
Lisbon is a city where art and food intertwine, offering a sensory journey through vibrant streets, historic galleries and mouthwatering cuisine. From its colorful tile-adorned facades and contemporary art spaces to its bustling markets and world-class restaurants, Lisbon invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're savoring traditional Portuguese dishes or admiring cutting-edge street art, this guide will take you through the best places to indulge your creative spirit and culinary cravings. Welcome to Lisbon, where every corner is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

An All-Encompassing Tour of Croatia
Because of Croatia’s warm climate, more than 1,700km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, and over 1,000 islands and islets, most people think of it as an ideal destination for a beach vacation. For watersport enthusiasts, everything is available on Croatia’s shores: surfing, SUP, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. But there are also incredible forests and hiking trails, not to mention an abundance of museums, galleries and historical sites in many of Croatia’s cities and towns. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or an arts and culture buff who prefers urban adventures, Croatia is a must-see destination. The majority of travelers visit Croatia during the summer holidays, keep in mind that June, July and August are peak season. This means you could experience longer lines to visit some of the more popular historic sites and many restaurants do not take reservations during the busy summer season. If you’d like to experience Croatia without the crowds, but still enjoy warm weather, May and September are ideal months to visit.

An All-Encompassing Tour of Croatia
Because of Croatia’s warm climate, more than 1,700km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, and over 1,000 islands and islets, most people think of it as an ideal destination for a beach vacation. For watersport enthusiasts, everything is available on Croatia’s shores: surfing, SUP, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. But there are also incredible forests and hiking trails, not to mention an abundance of museums, galleries and historical sites in many of Croatia’s cities and towns. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or an arts and culture buff who prefers urban adventures, Croatia is a must-see destination. The majority of travelers visit Croatia during the summer holidays, keep in mind that June, July and August are peak season. This means you could experience longer lines to visit some of the more popular historic sites and many restaurants do not take reservations during the busy summer season. If you’d like to experience Croatia without the crowds, but still enjoy warm weather, May and September are ideal months to visit.

Welcome to Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta stands as a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty, rich history and unparalleled charm. This Mexican coastal gem, often hailed as one of the country’s most enchanting destinations, beckons travelers with its sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of traditional Mexico. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, a history buff or a food enthusiast, Puerto Vallarta offers an exquisite blend of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires.

Welcome to Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta stands as a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty, rich history and unparalleled charm. This Mexican coastal gem, often hailed as one of the country’s most enchanting destinations, beckons travelers with its sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of traditional Mexico. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, a history buff or a food enthusiast, Puerto Vallarta offers an exquisite blend of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires.

The Best of Scotland on a 7-Day Tour
Scotland is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, particularly the rugged highlands and many lochs (lakes), but it also has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, literature, and art. From Gothic Cathedrals to quaint villages, homey pubs to award-winning restaurants, hiking trails to international cycling competitions, Scotland has something to entice every type of visitor. Get to know this magical country on a 7-day tour showcasing the best of Scotland.

The Best of Scotland on a 7-Day Tour
Scotland is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, particularly the rugged highlands and many lochs (lakes), but it also has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, literature, and art. From Gothic Cathedrals to quaint villages, homey pubs to award-winning restaurants, hiking trails to international cycling competitions, Scotland has something to entice every type of visitor. Get to know this magical country on a 7-day tour showcasing the best of Scotland.

The Heart of Mexico: 5-Day Itinerary to Mexico City & Oaxaca
Right in the middle of Mexico, you'll find beautiful Mexico City - or D.F. as the locals call it. This sprawling metropolis is home to world-class museums and restaurants, along with beautiful parks, national monuments and the friendliest people you could hope to meet. A bit further south you'll find the vibrant city of Oaxaca, considered by many to be the true heart of Mexican food and culture. While much smaller than Mexico City, Oaxaca is also home to several museums and fantastic restaurants and has an abundance of attractions sure to impress a variety of visitors. Visiting these two vibrant cities would make for a fantastic vacation and a great way to get a taste of the real Mexico.

The Heart of Mexico: 5-Day Itinerary to Mexico City & Oaxaca
Right in the middle of Mexico, you'll find beautiful Mexico City - or D.F. as the locals call it. This sprawling metropolis is home to world-class museums and restaurants, along with beautiful parks, national monuments and the friendliest people you could hope to meet. A bit further south you'll find the vibrant city of Oaxaca, considered by many to be the true heart of Mexican food and culture. While much smaller than Mexico City, Oaxaca is also home to several museums and fantastic restaurants and has an abundance of attractions sure to impress a variety of visitors. Visiting these two vibrant cities would make for a fantastic vacation and a great way to get a taste of the real Mexico.

An Art & Food Lover's Guide to Lisbon
Lisbon is a city where art and food intertwine, offering a sensory journey through vibrant streets, historic galleries and mouthwatering cuisine. From its colorful tile-adorned facades and contemporary art spaces to its bustling markets and world-class restaurants, Lisbon invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're savoring traditional Portuguese dishes or admiring cutting-edge street art, this guide will take you through the best places to indulge your creative spirit and culinary cravings. Welcome to Lisbon, where every corner is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

An Art & Food Lover's Guide to Lisbon
Lisbon is a city where art and food intertwine, offering a sensory journey through vibrant streets, historic galleries and mouthwatering cuisine. From its colorful tile-adorned facades and contemporary art spaces to its bustling markets and world-class restaurants, Lisbon invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're savoring traditional Portuguese dishes or admiring cutting-edge street art, this guide will take you through the best places to indulge your creative spirit and culinary cravings. Welcome to Lisbon, where every corner is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

An All-Encompassing Tour of Croatia
Because of Croatia’s warm climate, more than 1,700km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, and over 1,000 islands and islets, most people think of it as an ideal destination for a beach vacation. For watersport enthusiasts, everything is available on Croatia’s shores: surfing, SUP, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. But there are also incredible forests and hiking trails, not to mention an abundance of museums, galleries and historical sites in many of Croatia’s cities and towns. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or an arts and culture buff who prefers urban adventures, Croatia is a must-see destination. The majority of travelers visit Croatia during the summer holidays, keep in mind that June, July and August are peak season. This means you could experience longer lines to visit some of the more popular historic sites and many restaurants do not take reservations during the busy summer season. If you’d like to experience Croatia without the crowds, but still enjoy warm weather, May and September are ideal months to visit.

An All-Encompassing Tour of Croatia
Because of Croatia’s warm climate, more than 1,700km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, and over 1,000 islands and islets, most people think of it as an ideal destination for a beach vacation. For watersport enthusiasts, everything is available on Croatia’s shores: surfing, SUP, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. But there are also incredible forests and hiking trails, not to mention an abundance of museums, galleries and historical sites in many of Croatia’s cities and towns. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or an arts and culture buff who prefers urban adventures, Croatia is a must-see destination. The majority of travelers visit Croatia during the summer holidays, keep in mind that June, July and August are peak season. This means you could experience longer lines to visit some of the more popular historic sites and many restaurants do not take reservations during the busy summer season. If you’d like to experience Croatia without the crowds, but still enjoy warm weather, May and September are ideal months to visit.

Welcome to Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta stands as a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty, rich history and unparalleled charm. This Mexican coastal gem, often hailed as one of the country’s most enchanting destinations, beckons travelers with its sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of traditional Mexico. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, a history buff or a food enthusiast, Puerto Vallarta offers an exquisite blend of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires.

Welcome to Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta stands as a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty, rich history and unparalleled charm. This Mexican coastal gem, often hailed as one of the country’s most enchanting destinations, beckons travelers with its sun-kissed beaches, azure waters and warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of traditional Mexico. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, a history buff or a food enthusiast, Puerto Vallarta offers an exquisite blend of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires.
My travel photos




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