Monica Barbuceanu
She/Her
Based in Europe
English, Italian, French, Romanian
Monica Barbuceanu
Ask me about
My Story
A passionate traveler seeking out destinations that offer a balanced fusion between luxury and authenticity. Also a documented foodie.
Travel Style
After traveling for many years, planning a lot of complicated vacations and being a guest of some of the most outstanding properties around the world, as I am a little obsessed with good hotels, I became a travel advisor out of passion and I truly understand the guest’s point of view. With my expertise, I can not only help you book, but truly advise you and tailor your best itinerary at the best possible rates. I like to call it “smart booking". My travel style… I would say I value both comfort and authenticity, and I know how to pick those places where little touches make a big difference. Not just a traveler, but a dedicated foodie who believes in indulging in culinary experiences, from the delicate creations of Michelin-starred chefs to the strong flavours of local eateries, I believe that food is a gateway to understanding a culture. So I am also happy to help you plan your “culinary“ itinerary and book restaurants.
Stay connected
Reviews (30)
Alina R.
5 days ago
Monica is our forever saviour. We always decide to go places last minute (as it was in this case - contacted her on the 1st of January in need of 2 connecting rooms starting from the 2nd of January in a very crowded period - SHE - OBVIOUSLY - DELIVERED!) and she always has an amazing recommendation with great deals. She’s quick and thorough. Highly recommending her.
AlBatool A.
4 months ago
I really want to thank Monica she’s been an amazing advisor, super helpful, always quick to respond, and just makes everything so easy.
Malvina A.
5 months ago
She is very thoughtful, helped us plan a few vacations, and gave us very good destination advice. She is always patient and helped us decide what destination or hotel to pick. She obtained preferred rates, room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast—additions we really appreciated. She also helped planning our itinerary, sites to visit and restaurants, transfers, and other details. I definitely recommend working with her!
Larisa V.
6 months ago
I highly recommend working with Monica, she thinks of all the details and plans ahead, from arrival time, to recommending things to do and restaurants ,and connecting us with the concierge team, things that are usually stressing me out. Plus, booking with her compared to booking directly, we have the benefit of an upgrade and a complimentary dinner.
Grace M.
8 months ago
Monica helped make my experience in Paris incredible. I am so appreciative of her responsiveness and help. I can't wait to book my next trip with Monica.
Alina R.
5 days ago
Monica is our forever saviour. We always decide to go places last minute (as it was in this case - contacted her on the 1st of January in need of 2 connecting rooms starting from the 2nd of January in a very crowded period - SHE - OBVIOUSLY - DELIVERED!) and she always has an amazing recommendation with great deals. She’s quick and thorough. Highly recommending her.
AlBatool A.
4 months ago
I really want to thank Monica she’s been an amazing advisor, super helpful, always quick to respond, and just makes everything so easy.
Malvina A.
5 months ago
She is very thoughtful, helped us plan a few vacations, and gave us very good destination advice. She is always patient and helped us decide what destination or hotel to pick. She obtained preferred rates, room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast—additions we really appreciated. She also helped planning our itinerary, sites to visit and restaurants, transfers, and other details. I definitely recommend working with her!
Larisa V.
6 months ago
I highly recommend working with Monica, she thinks of all the details and plans ahead, from arrival time, to recommending things to do and restaurants ,and connecting us with the concierge team, things that are usually stressing me out. Plus, booking with her compared to booking directly, we have the benefit of an upgrade and a complimentary dinner.
Travel ideas (4)
Puglia: Still a Hidden Gem
Known as “the heel” of the boot, Puglia is one of the most beautiful and authentic parts of Italy, and at the same time one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. It is surrounded both by the Ionian and Adriatic Sea, with amazing blue waters. Puglia has some of the best food in Italy—think fresh-made pasta and burrata prepared under your eyes or the local catch of the day, raw or perfectly cooked and drizzled with local olive oil. But most of all, the warm and authentic people and experiences made me return three years in a row. Being out of the spotlight it deserves, of course, has its perks—making it more affordable—so let’s enjoy it before the tourists invade!
Puglia: Still a Hidden Gem
Known as “the heel” of the boot, Puglia is one of the most beautiful and authentic parts of Italy, and at the same time one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. It is surrounded both by the Ionian and Adriatic Sea, with amazing blue waters. Puglia has some of the best food in Italy—think fresh-made pasta and burrata prepared under your eyes or the local catch of the day, raw or perfectly cooked and drizzled with local olive oil. But most of all, the warm and authentic people and experiences made me return three years in a row. Being out of the spotlight it deserves, of course, has its perks—making it more affordable—so let’s enjoy it before the tourists invade!
Dubai: The Place Where West Meets Middle East
I first traveled to Dubai in 2007 when you were still given a hard look when wearing not-too short shorts at the mall. I returned from time to time for October break. Then the pandemic came and I got to spend two whole winters there as a “luxury refugee.” I am still choosing Dubai for the April or the October break. So, I’ve experienced many hotels in different areas of the city and different seasons. There are many good restaurants and activities, with and without the kids, both like a tourist and like a local. I’ve seen Dubai changing over the years as the expat community has increased to 88 percent, transforming it into the most modern and open city in the Middle East.
Dubai: The Place Where West Meets Middle East
I first traveled to Dubai in 2007 when you were still given a hard look when wearing not-too short shorts at the mall. I returned from time to time for October break. Then the pandemic came and I got to spend two whole winters there as a “luxury refugee.” I am still choosing Dubai for the April or the October break. So, I’ve experienced many hotels in different areas of the city and different seasons. There are many good restaurants and activities, with and without the kids, both like a tourist and like a local. I’ve seen Dubai changing over the years as the expat community has increased to 88 percent, transforming it into the most modern and open city in the Middle East.
When in Rome: A Foodie's Guide
Who doesn't love Rome? It's romantic, it's practically an open-air museum, you're walking on history and there is some amazing pasta. I will cover some of the must-sees but, as you already guessed, I'll focus more on food. As one might expect, you can eat good pasta anywhere, but if you want great pasta you need some research. Even the most recommended restaurants have some hit dishes, while others might be a complete miss.
When in Rome: A Foodie's Guide
Who doesn't love Rome? It's romantic, it's practically an open-air museum, you're walking on history and there is some amazing pasta. I will cover some of the must-sees but, as you already guessed, I'll focus more on food. As one might expect, you can eat good pasta anywhere, but if you want great pasta you need some research. Even the most recommended restaurants have some hit dishes, while others might be a complete miss.
Phuket: More Than a Beach Destination, A Foodie’s Paradise
If you go to Phuket once, most likely you’ll return again and again. I’ve been traveling to Phuket for many years now, seeing it evolving and becoming a perfect winter destination for me and my family that makes me return from time to time, no matter the long way.
It’s the people, their culture, the vibe, the weather, the beautiful sea and sand, but what makes Phuket unique compared to other islands, is the amazing food.
Phuket: More Than a Beach Destination, A Foodie’s Paradise
If you go to Phuket once, most likely you’ll return again and again. I’ve been traveling to Phuket for many years now, seeing it evolving and becoming a perfect winter destination for me and my family that makes me return from time to time, no matter the long way.
It’s the people, their culture, the vibe, the weather, the beautiful sea and sand, but what makes Phuket unique compared to other islands, is the amazing food.
Puglia: Still a Hidden Gem
Known as “the heel” of the boot, Puglia is one of the most beautiful and authentic parts of Italy, and at the same time one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. It is surrounded both by the Ionian and Adriatic Sea, with amazing blue waters. Puglia has some of the best food in Italy—think fresh-made pasta and burrata prepared under your eyes or the local catch of the day, raw or perfectly cooked and drizzled with local olive oil. But most of all, the warm and authentic people and experiences made me return three years in a row. Being out of the spotlight it deserves, of course, has its perks—making it more affordable—so let’s enjoy it before the tourists invade!
Puglia: Still a Hidden Gem
Known as “the heel” of the boot, Puglia is one of the most beautiful and authentic parts of Italy, and at the same time one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. It is surrounded both by the Ionian and Adriatic Sea, with amazing blue waters. Puglia has some of the best food in Italy—think fresh-made pasta and burrata prepared under your eyes or the local catch of the day, raw or perfectly cooked and drizzled with local olive oil. But most of all, the warm and authentic people and experiences made me return three years in a row. Being out of the spotlight it deserves, of course, has its perks—making it more affordable—so let’s enjoy it before the tourists invade!
Dubai: The Place Where West Meets Middle East
I first traveled to Dubai in 2007 when you were still given a hard look when wearing not-too short shorts at the mall. I returned from time to time for October break. Then the pandemic came and I got to spend two whole winters there as a “luxury refugee.” I am still choosing Dubai for the April or the October break. So, I’ve experienced many hotels in different areas of the city and different seasons. There are many good restaurants and activities, with and without the kids, both like a tourist and like a local. I’ve seen Dubai changing over the years as the expat community has increased to 88 percent, transforming it into the most modern and open city in the Middle East.
Dubai: The Place Where West Meets Middle East
I first traveled to Dubai in 2007 when you were still given a hard look when wearing not-too short shorts at the mall. I returned from time to time for October break. Then the pandemic came and I got to spend two whole winters there as a “luxury refugee.” I am still choosing Dubai for the April or the October break. So, I’ve experienced many hotels in different areas of the city and different seasons. There are many good restaurants and activities, with and without the kids, both like a tourist and like a local. I’ve seen Dubai changing over the years as the expat community has increased to 88 percent, transforming it into the most modern and open city in the Middle East.
When in Rome: A Foodie's Guide
Who doesn't love Rome? It's romantic, it's practically an open-air museum, you're walking on history and there is some amazing pasta. I will cover some of the must-sees but, as you already guessed, I'll focus more on food. As one might expect, you can eat good pasta anywhere, but if you want great pasta you need some research. Even the most recommended restaurants have some hit dishes, while others might be a complete miss.
When in Rome: A Foodie's Guide
Who doesn't love Rome? It's romantic, it's practically an open-air museum, you're walking on history and there is some amazing pasta. I will cover some of the must-sees but, as you already guessed, I'll focus more on food. As one might expect, you can eat good pasta anywhere, but if you want great pasta you need some research. Even the most recommended restaurants have some hit dishes, while others might be a complete miss.
Travel photos
