Travel Advisor

Michael Cole-Schwartz

He/Him

Expertise

Europe,
Washington DC,
Sober Travel,
City Travel,
LGBTQ+ Travel

Based in

Seattle (less rainy than you think)

Languages spoken

English, enough French to get by

Travel Advisor

Michael Cole-Schwartz

Profile details

About

With a 20+ year career in nonprofit strategic communications, I know a thing or two about planning. And messaging (but that’s less relevant to you). What I bring to my work in travel advising is curiosity (about the world and about you), fastidiousness (detail-oriented is an understatement) and a belief in the power of strong relationships (that are marked by clear communication, rigorous honesty and trust).

I’ve seen my share of the world (40 countries and 49 US states)—but more importantly, I get just as excited helping my clients journey hither and yon as I do in creating my own trips. Let’s plan something fantastic together.

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Travel style

I love mixing tourist sites (could one ever tire of the Eiffel Tower?) with experiencing slices of life (seeing a soccer match with locals is always on my list) with the spontaneous (like the impromptu 3:00am kayak tour we did to catch a lunar eclipse). No matter if it’s your first time in a destination or you’re a repeat visitor, I’ll make sure you have the chance to see the “can’t miss” sights, plus set you up for the quirky, “when in Rome” experiences.

My motto is “just enough planning” so that trips flow without headaches but also offer enough flexibility to wander through that curious market or say yes to the cool hike you heard people talking about. Just like in my career as a strategic communication professional, I know how to plan for the unexpected.

But the more important question is, how do you like to travel?

Michael 's travel guides & trip reports

Trip Report

Is a Virgin Voyages Repositioning Cruise Right for Me?

Virgin Voyages had already turned me from a hardened cruise skeptic to an enthusiastic cruise booster. But how would I feel about two weeks aboard a repositioning cruise — in our case the...

Guide

9 Ways to See D.C. Like a Local

I lived in Washington, D.C., for more than 20 years. It’s where I met my husband Steven, got married and built a life together. The city will always be one of my favorite places in the world. While...

A hotel perched on a beautiful mountain scape.

Guide

4 Gays with 8 Days in Morocco

Morocco had long been a bucket-list destination for my husband and I (the food, the landscapes, the markets, the history and culture). So when we had a friend’s 40th birthday celebration in Paris —...

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Favorite hotels

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

This recently renovated icon, with a full-service spa, has been a Vancouver mainstay since 1939.

Fora Perks

★
Hotel / resort credit.
★
VIP welcome & amenity.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Immerse yourself in modern luxury and vibrant energy at The Cosmopolitan, where sleek design, exceptional dining options and exciting entertainment create an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Fora Perks

★
$100 food & beverage credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Grand Hotel Central

A design hotel in the heart of Barcelona offering fantastic views of the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral from its rooftop infinity pool.

Fora Perks

★
$100 food / beverage or spa credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Bell Pool Villa Resort, Kamala

The Bell Pool Villa Resort in Phuket is a tropical haven offering a blend of luxury and tranquility. Nestled in the lush landscape of Kamala Beach, this resort features private pool villas with modern amenities and stylish decor. Each villa is designed for utmost privacy, creating an intimate escape for couples and families. Guests can bask in the serenity of their own pool, indulge in spa treatments, and savor delectable cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With attentive service and a serene ambiance, The Bell Pool Villa Resort promises an idyllic retreat for those seeking a peaceful and luxurious Phuket experience.

Michael 's travel photos

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Michael 's reviews

Michael continues to amaze us - he anticipates what we need and goes the extra mile to make our events spectacular!

George C.
Booked travel to Portland
April 2025

Michael was a joy to work with. He worked hard to understand our needs for the trip and made planning and decision making very easy. Highly recommend and will absolutly be using his services again for travel planning in the future.

Julia W.
Booked travel to Florence
April 2025

Michael was terrific! He was very engaged wanting to know what was important to me in a hotel property from price point to location to amenities. He provided options based on feedback that fit just that. He is extremely knowledgeable and cited reviews and recommendations from his own experiences to other trusted sources whom had made bookings in Paris. There was never any doubt I was in good hands!

Andrew M.
Booked travel to Paris
April 2025

Samantha Finke was our communicator with Michael. Michael always could help us with any questions and always willing to work out any issues until we were satisfied with what we needed.

Janice J.
Booked travel by cruise
March 2025

Michael Cole-Schwartz curated by Michael Cole-Schwartz

Get in touch with Michael

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

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