
Vanessa Abbe
She/HerSpeaks English, Italian, Portuguese, French
Vanessa Abbe
Ask me about
My Story
Always going somewhere! I call Minnesota home. Lover of international travel & cultures. Amateur photographer. Enjoy culture and arts. Love to cook and enjoy wines. Sunset chaser.
My Travel Style
Most of my travel experience is as a single, solo woman. I've visited over 35 countries across North America, Europe, Latin and South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. You can usually find me seeking experiences that immerse me in a culture and give me new opportunities. My travel typically focuses on my passions: people, food and wine, off-the-beaten-path locations, arts & culture, local experiences and beautiful views! I like my travel to be a mix of activity, rest and relaxation!
My reviews (12)
Lucas M.
a month ago
Vanessa was fantastic! She was very easy to communicate with and quickly answered any and all my questions. Her response time and follow-up was top notch. She was very kind, respectful, and knowledgeable. I'm definitely planning to use Vanessa in the future, for all kinds of travel and trips. She helped us book a golfing trip in southern Utah as well and this was one of the best trips I've been on. Vanessa rocks! A++ rating all around! Thank you Vanessa!!
Vera B.
2 months ago
We had an incredible trip to Japan, and Vanessa was the reason it all came together so perfectly. She really took the time to get to know our family, our preferences, personalities, and needs, and helped us craft an itinerary that fit us beautifully.
Cari Ann C.
2 months ago
Incredible! Truly, the most memorable trip I have had to date. Vanessa Abbe has an extraordinary gift for planning a curated experience and that’s exactly what she did for my mother and I. This trip to Portugal was on my mother’s bucket list and to say it was absolutely perfection does not do it justice. We had the opportunity to see so many aspects of this country, including fitting in Azores. From Lisbon to Porto and many historic and iconic villages in between, the food experiences and tours the incredible wine in Port and vineyard tour are all so worth your while experiencing. Thank you, thank you thank you Vanessa for your expertise, knowledge and many many recommendations. I will definitely call Vanessa on the next trip we plan.
Lani W.
4 months ago
The MN Opera engaged Vanessa to design a custom trip to Italy centered around the Rossini Opera Festival, as well as the region’s rich arts and culture. Vanessa brought our vision to life beautifully, adding thoughtful touches that elevated the experience, including visits to Ravenna, Bologna, and Lucca. Throughout the process, she was exceptionally organized, collaborative, and flexible, ensuring that every detail ran smoothly. She listened to, heard our needs, and addressed them fully. For instance, the hotels she selected were wonderful and suited to our group’s needs.
As a tour leader who wasn’t directly involved in the trip planning, I especially appreciated how clearly Vanessa documented the itinerary and provided all the necessary information and contacts, making my job much easier. We highly recommend Vanessa to anyone looking to plan a seamless, culturally rich, and unforgettable group journey.
Kristin M.
6 months ago
Vanessa provided an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal for our 25th wedding anniversary. She listened to what we wanted to experience and curated the trip accordingly. Her attention to detail, knowledge of destinations, and connections to reliable sources provided a stress-free and exciting adventure. We have already engaged her for another trip and recommended her to others.
Lucas M.
a month ago
Vanessa was fantastic! She was very easy to communicate with and quickly answered any and all my questions. Her response time and follow-up was top notch. She was very kind, respectful, and knowledgeable. I'm definitely planning to use Vanessa in the future, for all kinds of travel and trips. She helped us book a golfing trip in southern Utah as well and this was one of the best trips I've been on. Vanessa rocks! A++ rating all around! Thank you Vanessa!!
Vera B.
2 months ago
We had an incredible trip to Japan, and Vanessa was the reason it all came together so perfectly. She really took the time to get to know our family, our preferences, personalities, and needs, and helped us craft an itinerary that fit us beautifully.
Cari Ann C.
2 months ago
Incredible! Truly, the most memorable trip I have had to date. Vanessa Abbe has an extraordinary gift for planning a curated experience and that’s exactly what she did for my mother and I. This trip to Portugal was on my mother’s bucket list and to say it was absolutely perfection does not do it justice. We had the opportunity to see so many aspects of this country, including fitting in Azores. From Lisbon to Porto and many historic and iconic villages in between, the food experiences and tours the incredible wine in Port and vineyard tour are all so worth your while experiencing. Thank you, thank you thank you Vanessa for your expertise, knowledge and many many recommendations. I will definitely call Vanessa on the next trip we plan.
Lani W.
4 months ago
The MN Opera engaged Vanessa to design a custom trip to Italy centered around the Rossini Opera Festival, as well as the region’s rich arts and culture. Vanessa brought our vision to life beautifully, adding thoughtful touches that elevated the experience, including visits to Ravenna, Bologna, and Lucca. Throughout the process, she was exceptionally organized, collaborative, and flexible, ensuring that every detail ran smoothly. She listened to, heard our needs, and addressed them fully. For instance, the hotels she selected were wonderful and suited to our group’s needs.
As a tour leader who wasn’t directly involved in the trip planning, I especially appreciated how clearly Vanessa documented the itinerary and provided all the necessary information and contacts, making my job much easier. We highly recommend Vanessa to anyone looking to plan a seamless, culturally rich, and unforgettable group journey.
My travel ideas (3)

Shopping & Eating in Florence – A Local Perspective
Italy is one of my favorite places to travel to—so much so that on my first trip, I was inspired to learn Italian! Over the years I have visited Florence many times and have dear Italian friends there. When I interact with Florentines, I like to ask them about their favorite stores and favorite places to eat. This guide captures a few of those insights, as well as my own experiences!

Shopping & Eating in Florence – A Local Perspective
Italy is one of my favorite places to travel to—so much so that on my first trip, I was inspired to learn Italian! Over the years I have visited Florence many times and have dear Italian friends there. When I interact with Florentines, I like to ask them about their favorite stores and favorite places to eat. This guide captures a few of those insights, as well as my own experiences!

A Businessperson's Perspective on the Grand Hyatt São Paulo
I lived abroad in Brazil and Chile for periods of time over eight years, and the Grand Hyatt São Paulo was one of the hotels that I regularly stayed at while traveling for business. The staff were so kind, and I always felt at home when I stayed at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. The service was really great, and they helped me with all of my questions and needs!

A Businessperson's Perspective on the Grand Hyatt São Paulo
I lived abroad in Brazil and Chile for periods of time over eight years, and the Grand Hyatt São Paulo was one of the hotels that I regularly stayed at while traveling for business. The staff were so kind, and I always felt at home when I stayed at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. The service was really great, and they helped me with all of my questions and needs!

Wandering Through Italy’s South – Puglia, Basilicata and Paestum
Puglia and Basilicata are places I dreamed of traveling to as a young person. I love these regions because of the warmness and perseverance of the people, the beauty or the regions and the delicious, simple, high-quality ingredient food. I should also mention the coastline is stunning! A great alternative to the Amalfi Coast of Cinque Terre. Additionally, to me, when I’m in these regions, I find the real Italy that I’ve come to know and love. When you’re not at the main sights, it’s not full of tourists.

Wandering Through Italy’s South – Puglia, Basilicata and Paestum
Puglia and Basilicata are places I dreamed of traveling to as a young person. I love these regions because of the warmness and perseverance of the people, the beauty or the regions and the delicious, simple, high-quality ingredient food. I should also mention the coastline is stunning! A great alternative to the Amalfi Coast of Cinque Terre. Additionally, to me, when I’m in these regions, I find the real Italy that I’ve come to know and love. When you’re not at the main sights, it’s not full of tourists.

Shopping & Eating in Florence – A Local Perspective
Italy is one of my favorite places to travel to—so much so that on my first trip, I was inspired to learn Italian! Over the years I have visited Florence many times and have dear Italian friends there. When I interact with Florentines, I like to ask them about their favorite stores and favorite places to eat. This guide captures a few of those insights, as well as my own experiences!

Shopping & Eating in Florence – A Local Perspective
Italy is one of my favorite places to travel to—so much so that on my first trip, I was inspired to learn Italian! Over the years I have visited Florence many times and have dear Italian friends there. When I interact with Florentines, I like to ask them about their favorite stores and favorite places to eat. This guide captures a few of those insights, as well as my own experiences!

A Businessperson's Perspective on the Grand Hyatt São Paulo
I lived abroad in Brazil and Chile for periods of time over eight years, and the Grand Hyatt São Paulo was one of the hotels that I regularly stayed at while traveling for business. The staff were so kind, and I always felt at home when I stayed at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. The service was really great, and they helped me with all of my questions and needs!

A Businessperson's Perspective on the Grand Hyatt São Paulo
I lived abroad in Brazil and Chile for periods of time over eight years, and the Grand Hyatt São Paulo was one of the hotels that I regularly stayed at while traveling for business. The staff were so kind, and I always felt at home when I stayed at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. The service was really great, and they helped me with all of my questions and needs!

Wandering Through Italy’s South – Puglia, Basilicata and Paestum
Puglia and Basilicata are places I dreamed of traveling to as a young person. I love these regions because of the warmness and perseverance of the people, the beauty or the regions and the delicious, simple, high-quality ingredient food. I should also mention the coastline is stunning! A great alternative to the Amalfi Coast of Cinque Terre. Additionally, to me, when I’m in these regions, I find the real Italy that I’ve come to know and love. When you’re not at the main sights, it’s not full of tourists.

Wandering Through Italy’s South – Puglia, Basilicata and Paestum
Puglia and Basilicata are places I dreamed of traveling to as a young person. I love these regions because of the warmness and perseverance of the people, the beauty or the regions and the delicious, simple, high-quality ingredient food. I should also mention the coastline is stunning! A great alternative to the Amalfi Coast of Cinque Terre. Additionally, to me, when I’m in these regions, I find the real Italy that I’ve come to know and love. When you’re not at the main sights, it’s not full of tourists.
My travel photos




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