Travel Advisor

Rod Carrillo-Lundgren

He/Him

Expertise

Mexico City,
Europe,
Couples Travel,
Cruises,
LGBTQ+ Travel,
Honeymoons

Based in

Los Angeles

Languages spoken

English, Spanish (conversational)

Travel Advisor

Rod Carrillo-Lundgren

Profile details

About

Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. LA-based husband & rescue dog dad to 3 fur babies. Wanderluster who's visited 30 countries, lived in 3, helping others luxury travel on a budget.

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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

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...

A view of a red tower and city skyline in Tokyo with pink clouds and a blue sky in the background.

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...

Old buildings on a narrow street with a bell tower behind in Portugal.

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...

The image depicts the famous Beverly Hills sign amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky, leading to hotels near Rodeo Drive.

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

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...

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,...

Historic brown building with cross at top against a clear sky and wisps of clouds.

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 ...

The Little Red Lighthouse is one of the hidden gems of New York City.

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...

Two friends outdoors near the beach during the daytime.

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...

The advisor's souvenir photo on his Scottish road trip.

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

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...

The beautiful city landscape of Naples during daytime.

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...

A picture of a field with green trees and white fence during sunset.

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...

Blue bay with a city and mountains in the background in South Africa.

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 ...

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...

An aerial view of the green Irish landscape and sea on a golden-sunny day in November.

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 ...

A view of the stern of a Celebrity cruise ship, and the sun setting over the water.

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,...

Med Celebrity In Mykonos - Rod Carrillo-Lundgren

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

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...

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Favorite hotels

Viceroy Riviera Maya

Upscale, beachside all-villa resort with private spaces offering ocean views.

Fora Perks

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

Hotel CondesaDF

As hip and colorful as its namesake neighborhood, this 40-room sleep attracts a cool crowd to its wood-clad rooms and alfresco cocktail bar overlooking Parque España.

Fora Perks

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

Hotel Las Islas

Remote island resort with rustic chic thatched-roof bungalows set within Corales del Rosario National Park.

The St. Regis Rome

Blending a noble heritage with fearless, elegant interiors has transformed this grand dame into a supremely luxurious and artful residence.

Fora Perks

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

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués

A luxurious seaside resort nestled on the cliffs of Acapulco, Mexico, offering breathtaking ocean views and unparalleled tranquility.

Fora Perks

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

Rod 's travel photos

Rod 's reviews

When we travel, I worry about many things, but never Rod's recommendations. He has been amazing to work with. This is the eighth city we have used Rod for bookings and I cannot recommend him enough. He is an invaluable part of our travel planning and I truly enjoy working with him. He is an absolute professional who feels like we are working with a good friend.

Ron T.
Booked travel to Poland
July 2024

Rod is so easy to work with! He definitely listens to his clients needs and helps create the perfect holiday!! His suggestions for hotels have been spot on and he also offers suggestions on activities and restaurants. He is friendly and always available to his clients! His knowledge of travel destinations is truly an asset to his clients! I will definitely continue using his services and can highly recommend him to all!

Terry T.
Booked travel to Europe
June 2024

Rod always does an excellent job in assisting with all our travel needs! We highly recommend him!

Terry T.
Booked travel to Malta
May 2024

Rod is the best, so calm and reassuring. Very knowledgeable and patient, professional and very easy to work with. He has so many helpful tips to make your vacation special and really goes out of his way to make sure we were getting the vacation we wanted. I highly recommend Rod as a travel advisor.

Timothy C.
Booked travel by cruise
May 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).