Michael Cole-Schwartz
He/Him
Based in Seattle (less rainy than you think)
English, enough French to get by
Argyle Experiences
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Our Story
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 (50+ countries and 49 U.S. 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.
Travel Style
I love mixing tourist sites (I love a good museum afternoon) with experiencing slices of life (going to a local sporting match is always on my list) with the spontaneous (like the impromptu 3 a.m. 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?
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Reviews (79)
Valerie G.
about 1 month ago
My husband and I went on a long overdue honeymoon and worked with Michael to help us get a good outline for the trip. Michael was wonderful. His suggestions were extremely helpful as our original itinerary was way too ambitious - he helped us cultivate a trip that was manageable and relaxing, while still catering to our desire to have a Spanish adventure. With his help we were able to attain a mix of relaxation and site seeing. Michael picked great locations and helped us to select hotels that catered to our specific preferences.
Kelly P.
about 1 month ago
Michael R.
about 1 month ago
Michael was the best. He presented me with some great options for my stay in neighborhoods he knew would be great for a first-timer in Mexico City. After I booked he reached out to let me know the rate had dropped which saved me a little extra money (which I may have spent on extra tacos).
Leah D.
about 2 months ago
Michael always listens closely to our travel needs and delivers thoughtful plans that continue to exceed all of our expectations. We are so grateful to him.
Claudia A.
4 months ago
Michael is always patient and willing to work with me, despite my tendency to wait until the last minute to book a trip! He arranged transfers for us as well, which were punctual, clean and safe. I know I can always count on him to ensure we have a successful vacation!
Valerie G.
about 1 month ago
My husband and I went on a long overdue honeymoon and worked with Michael to help us get a good outline for the trip. Michael was wonderful. His suggestions were extremely helpful as our original itinerary was way too ambitious - he helped us cultivate a trip that was manageable and relaxing, while still catering to our desire to have a Spanish adventure. With his help we were able to attain a mix of relaxation and site seeing. Michael picked great locations and helped us to select hotels that catered to our specific preferences.
Kelly P.
about 1 month ago
Michael R.
about 1 month ago
Michael was the best. He presented me with some great options for my stay in neighborhoods he knew would be great for a first-timer in Mexico City. After I booked he reached out to let me know the rate had dropped which saved me a little extra money (which I may have spent on extra tacos).
Leah D.
about 2 months ago
Michael always listens closely to our travel needs and delivers thoughtful plans that continue to exceed all of our expectations. We are so grateful to him.
Travel ideas (3)
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 Transatlantic Miami to Med voyage on Scarlet Lady in late-April 2024 — with nothing but thousands of miles of ocean ahead of me? Spoiler alert: I booked my next transatlantic crossing before I was done with the first one.
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 Transatlantic Miami to Med voyage on Scarlet Lady in late-April 2024 — with nothing but thousands of miles of ocean ahead of me? Spoiler alert: I booked my next transatlantic crossing before I was done with the first one.
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 it’s known for incredible museums and as the seat of government (speaking as a former Congressional intern who gave tours of the Capitol), there’s so much more to experience beyond the mall. Here are my tips to enjoy the nation’s capital the way I did as a local.
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 it’s known for incredible museums and as the seat of government (speaking as a former Congressional intern who gave tours of the Capitol), there’s so much more to experience beyond the mall. Here are my tips to enjoy the nation’s capital the way I did as a local.
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 — and with our ever-present itch for exploring — we knew exactly where we were going after the French fête. We cajoled two of our favorite travel companions into joining, so then the question was: how were four gay men going to navigate this vacation in a conservative country where homosexuality is actually illegal. The answer: good planning. Here’s what we did…
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 — and with our ever-present itch for exploring — we knew exactly where we were going after the French fête. We cajoled two of our favorite travel companions into joining, so then the question was: how were four gay men going to navigate this vacation in a conservative country where homosexuality is actually illegal. The answer: good planning. Here’s what we did…
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 Transatlantic Miami to Med voyage on Scarlet Lady in late-April 2024 — with nothing but thousands of miles of ocean ahead of me? Spoiler alert: I booked my next transatlantic crossing before I was done with the first one.
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 Transatlantic Miami to Med voyage on Scarlet Lady in late-April 2024 — with nothing but thousands of miles of ocean ahead of me? Spoiler alert: I booked my next transatlantic crossing before I was done with the first one.
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 it’s known for incredible museums and as the seat of government (speaking as a former Congressional intern who gave tours of the Capitol), there’s so much more to experience beyond the mall. Here are my tips to enjoy the nation’s capital the way I did as a local.
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 it’s known for incredible museums and as the seat of government (speaking as a former Congressional intern who gave tours of the Capitol), there’s so much more to experience beyond the mall. Here are my tips to enjoy the nation’s capital the way I did as a local.
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 — and with our ever-present itch for exploring — we knew exactly where we were going after the French fête. We cajoled two of our favorite travel companions into joining, so then the question was: how were four gay men going to navigate this vacation in a conservative country where homosexuality is actually illegal. The answer: good planning. Here’s what we did…
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 — and with our ever-present itch for exploring — we knew exactly where we were going after the French fête. We cajoled two of our favorite travel companions into joining, so then the question was: how were four gay men going to navigate this vacation in a conservative country where homosexuality is actually illegal. The answer: good planning. Here’s what we did…
Travel photos
