Travel Advisor
Rod Carrillo-Lundgren
He/Him
Expertise
- LGBTQ+ Travel,
- Cruises,
- Mexico City,
- Mexico,
- Scotland,
- England
Based in
Los Angeles
Languages spoken
English, Spanish (conversational)
Profile details
About
I’m an LA-based husband, rescue dog dad, and wanderluster turned travel advisor. I’ve helped clients plan trips to over 80 countries and counting across all seven continents. From cruises to destination vacations, I love helping couples, families, groups, and LGBTQ+ travelers explore the world.
Follow Rod
Travel style
My travels are about connecting with locals, experiencing culture, indulging in food & wine and learning a place's history. From solo travel in hostels to family cruises & romantic couples vacations, I adapt to life's varying travel styles and enjoy playing travel match-maker. I also love doing research deep-dives on destinations, both new & familiar, to ensure every trip is filled with unique experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.
Rod's travel guides & trip reports
Guide
The Best of Malta: A Three-Day Itinerary
Having Sicilian ancestry, this part of the Mediterranean is very special to me. When I first visited in 2018, it was during my honeymoon and I fell in love with the island. The hospitality, the pride ...
Guide
3 Days in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The cobblestone streets and vibrantly colored colonial buildings of Viejo San Juan make this Puerto Rico city such a beautiful escape. It’s a hub to experience not only beautiful Caribbean beaches...
Guide
Boston: A Local's Guide to the City
Boston isn’t just a beautiful city steeped in history, it’s my hometown. I grew up venturing into the city every weekend, for a Red Sox game, a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, or for food in the...
Guide
Athens Riviera: A Complete Travel Guide
The Athens Riviera is the best-kept secret among international travelers. I love the Greek Islands like everyone else, but I’d rather skip the ferries and flights. The Athens Riviera stretches south...
Guide
Discovering Northumberland & North East England
Often overshadowed by other parts of the UK, the Northumberland and North East England areas shouldn’t be missed. I lived in Newcastle upon Tyne for a year and fell in love with this region. It’s the ...
Trip Report
Ireland in November: Off-Season Charm & Dramatic Scenery
Ireland in November is a beautiful time to visit the Emerald Isle to experience it in all its moody, atmospheric glory. Think dramatic coastlines whipped by wind, charming days that grow shorter, and ...
Guide
The Essential Mexico City Travel Guide
Mexico City is truly one of the most incredible cities you’ll visit in the entire world. Whether you’re looking to indulge in decadent food, be immersed in rich culture, or learn about a country’s...
Trip Report
Romantic Stay at the Luxurious Grecotel Cape Sounio Boutique Hotel
In October of 2024, I stayed here for a romantic weekend stay that did not disappoint! The staff were extremely warm & welcoming, with some of the best hospitality we’ve ever experienced on...
Trip Report
Virgin Voyages Across the Mediterranean
This was my first Virgin Voyage experience and it surely won’t be my last! I’ve been converted by the extremely fun, laidback and inclusive environment that Virgin fosters onboard. The fact it’s also ...
Trip Report
Amazing Stay at the Newly Renovated Grand Hyatt Barcelona
In October 2024, I stayed at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Barcelona (formerly the Hotel Sofia). The attentive staff was warm & welcoming, the modern decor was stunning and the location was...
Trip Report
Luxurious Stay at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques in Acapulco, Mexico
In October 2023, I had a romantic, luxurious stay at the stunning Banyan Tree Cabo Marques in Acapulco, Mexico. From the lush tropical landscape, private pool villas, Thai cuisine and impeccable...
Trip Report
The 6 Best Hotels in Malibu
Malibu’s hallmark coastline is highlighted by golden beaches, giant palm trees, and the gently sloped seaside mountains. The epitome of coastal elegance, Malibu is a quintessential California beach...
Trip Report
Solo Transatlantic Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Cruises is one of my favorite cruise lines, with laidback, spa-like amenities, an attentive crew and luxurious, natural design. While cruises are naturally designed for couples and families,...
Trip Report
Choosing Between an Eastern & Western Mediterranean Cruise
The Mediterranean is one of the most iconic cruising destinations in the world. I’ve had the privilege of sailing both the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean multiple times, and there’s...
Trip Report
From Cape Town to Kruger: The Best of South Africa's Tourist Attractions
South Africa is a land of epic adventures, world-class safaris and scenery that stops your heart. Table Mountain casts a majestic shadow over Cape Town, while Kruger National Park brims with the wild ...
Guide
First-Timer Traveler's Guide to Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the most dynamic and beautiful, yet chaotic, cities in the world. It can often be daunting for first-timers to venture to such a bustling metropolis, even if they are used to...
Guide
Tokyo to Sapporo: 8 Days Exploring Northern Japan
A weeklong adventure in Japan that takes you from Tokyo to Sapporo means you’ll explore some of Japan’s best kept secrets. When people typically think of visiting Japan, their itinerary hits such...
Guide
Edinburgh to Skye: Road Trip Across the Scottish Highlands
Scotland is a country of breathtaking, majestic landscapes that look stunning in photos but still pale in comparison to seeing it in real life. Filled with historical monuments and ruins, from...
Guide
1 Week in Portugal - From Porto to Lisbon & the Algarve
It’s no wonder that Portugal has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe. From the industrial north to the rugged southern coastlines, it’s a country of immense beauty. If far-flung islands...
Guide
Beverly Hills Hotels Near Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive: designer stores galore, endless luxury and celebrity sightings to top it all off. But after maxing out your credit card, you’ll be yearning for some proper rest and relaxation. Tucked...
Guide
Things To Do in Toulouse, France
While often overshadowed by Paris, Lyon or Marseilles, the city of Toulouse in southwestern France is a charming gem not to be missed. Known as “The Pink City,” for its terracotta brick buildings, it ...
Guide
24 Hours in New Orleans
New Orleans has been dubbed the “most unique” city of the United States. Thanks to its vibrant nightlife, distinctive music, steeped history, cultural traditions, annual celebrations and delectable...
Guide
New York City's Hidden Gems
New York City is a bustling metropolis I’ve been visiting since I was a little kid growing up in neighboring Boston. This was our annual weekend getaway (at Christmastime, no less, with lights &...
Guide
Paris Unveiled: A Traveler's Guide to the City of Lights
Paris is one of my favorite cities – delicious food, beautiful architecture, incredible museums, and amazing day-trip opportunities out of the city. I will confess, however, after I first visited...
Guide
Acapulco: Mexico’s Forgotten Beach Paradise
Acapulco is home to world-class restaurants and modern luxury cliffside resorts. Once the go-to destination of Hollywood’s elite (from Elizabeth Taylor to Elvis Presley), Acapulco’s allure faded,...
Guide
A Weekend in Temecula Wine Country
Temecula is the perfect wine-tasting weekend escape for couples and friend groups (including bachelorette parties!) from Los Angeles or San Diego. It’s often overlooked in favor of neighboring Santa...
Guide
Ciao Naples: A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine
Napoli is a city unlike many others: torn apart and passed between empires for centuries, only to be regenerated as a thriving, powerful hub of the country. Its influences from past occupation and...
Favorite hotels
Rod's travel photos
12345
Rod's reviews
Rod es muy eficiente y entiende lo que alguien necesita. Todo el desarrollo del viaje, hospedaje y transportación fue excelente. Definitivamente volvería a solicitar sus servicios. Felicito su esfuerzo y eficiencia. 👏🏼👏🏼
- Martha M.
Booked travel by cruise
- April 2025
Rod is absolutely wonderful to work with! Very kind, caring and client focused.
- Terry T.
Booked travel to Sydney
- February 2025
Rod is absolutely the best! So easy to work with! He has great recommendations and a unique skill in recognizing customer needs and provided the very best service to his clients!
- Terry T.
Booked travel to China
- November 2024
Rod made our booking experience a breeze. He was so easy to work with and easy to get in touch with.
- Tera R.
Booked travel to Mexico
- October 2024
Get in touch with Rod
Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Rod within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).